Stoughton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Stoughton, Massachusetts?
Arrest records in Stoughton, Massachusetts are considered public documents under Massachusetts state law. The Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10) establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, must be made available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. This legal framework ensures transparency in law enforcement operations while balancing privacy considerations for certain protected categories of information.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office maintains that arrest records serve as essential documentation of law enforcement activities. These records document interactions between citizens and police officers, providing accountability for both parties. Members of the public may access these records to verify law enforcement practices, conduct background checks, or for research purposes.
Massachusetts law does provide certain exemptions to public disclosure, particularly in cases involving:
• Ongoing investigations where disclosure might impede justice • Juvenile records (governed by M.G.L. Chapter 119, Section 60A) • Records sealed by court order • Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The Stoughton Police Department processes public records requests in accordance with state guidelines, typically responding within 10 business days as required by statute.
How to Look Up Stoughton Arrest Records in 2025
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has implemented several methods for accessing arrest records in Stoughton as of 2025. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: The Stoughton Police Department accepts in-person requests for arrest records during regular business hours. Requesters must complete a standard public records request form and provide proper identification. A nominal fee may apply for document reproduction.
Stoughton Police Department 26 Rose Street Stoughton, MA 02072 Phone: (781) 344-2424 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Online Access: The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system provides authorized users with digital access to criminal history information. Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172, certain levels of CORI access are available to employers, housing providers, and members of the general public through the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS).
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services 200 Arlington Street Chelsea, MA 02150 Phone: (617) 660-4600 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Court Records: The Stoughton District Court maintains records of criminal proceedings, including arrest information. Court records may be accessed through the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system or by visiting the clerk's office.
Stoughton District Court 1288 Central Street Stoughton, MA 02072 Phone: (781) 344-2131 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Requesters should note that processing times may vary based on record volume and complexity. Fees for record retrieval and reproduction are established in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10(a).
Contents of a Stoughton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Stoughton Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by Massachusetts law enforcement protocols. These documents typically include the following elements:
• Demographic information of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, address) • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks) • Date, time, and location of the arrest • Statutory charges filed, with reference to Massachusetts General Laws • Arresting officer's information and badge number • Booking photographs ("mugshots") • Fingerprint data and biometric identifiers • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest • Initial bail determination • Case disposition information, if available
The Massachusetts Uniform Citation format standardizes the recording of arrest information across jurisdictions. This uniformity ensures consistency in record-keeping practices throughout Norfolk County and the Commonwealth.
Law enforcement agencies are required to maintain the accuracy of these records pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 167A. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their records may petition for correction through established administrative procedures.
Public versions of arrest records may have certain information redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Massachusetts law, particularly information related to:
• Social Security numbers • Driver's license numbers • Medical information • Information about victims of certain offenses • Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Expungement of Arrest Records in Stoughton
Massachusetts law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018 (Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2018) expanded eligibility for expungement in the Commonwealth, allowing qualifying individuals to petition for the permanent erasure of criminal records.
Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U, expungement may be available when:
• The arrest resulted from mistaken identity or the unauthorized use of the petitioner's identity • The offense has been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest (e.g., certain marijuana offenses) • The petitioner was under 21 at the time of the offense, and meets other statutory requirements • The record resulted from fraudulent behavior by a law enforcement officer
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Commissioner of Probation and the court where the record originated. Petitioners must submit Form CORI-3 along with supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility under the statute.
Office of the Commissioner of Probation 1 Pemberton Square, Room 300 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: (617) 727-5300 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Expungement differs significantly from record sealing under Massachusetts law. While sealing restricts access to records, expungement results in the permanent destruction of record information. When a record is expunged, the individual may lawfully respond to inquiries as though the record never existed.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office reviews expungement petitions and may contest requests that fail to meet statutory requirements. Judicial determination of expungement eligibility typically occurs within 65 days of petition filing, as prescribed by statute.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process requires strict adherence to procedural requirements. The Massachusetts Probation Service maintains detailed guidelines for petition submission and processing in accordance with the implementing regulations at 803 CMR 8.00.
Search Arrest Records in Stoughton
• Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) • Norfolk County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search • Stoughton Police Department Records • Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access • Norfolk County District Attorney Case Information
