Yes, arrest records are public in Westwood, Massachusetts. This accessibility is in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law, which mandates that all government-generated records be available to the public unless specifically exempted. Arrest records, as part of the public judicial system, are generally not exempt and are therefore accessible by the public. This transparency aids in maintaining a just and informed society.
To get Westwood arrest records, individuals have several options available to them. If online access is provided, residents can typically view these records through official governmental portals. The following are the primary methods to search for arrest records in Westwood:
A Westwood arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Westwood, the expungement of arrest records can be requested by individuals who meet specific criteria under Massachusetts law. The process involves filing a petition with the court that originally handled the case. Eligibility for expungement generally depends on the nature of the crime, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since the arrest. Successful petitions result in the deletion of the arrest record, thereby removing it from public access and official searches.