Middlesex County Criminal Records

What Is Middlesex County Criminal Records

Middlesex County criminal records are official documents created and maintained by various law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities within Middlesex County that document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions within the county's jurisdiction.

Criminal records in Middlesex County fall into several distinct categories:

• Arrest Records: Documents created by law enforcement agencies at the time of apprehension, including booking information, charges, and mugshots
• Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing
• Correctional Records: Information related to incarceration, probation, and parole
• Criminal History Reports: Comprehensive summaries of an individual's criminal justice interactions

The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody but do not indicate guilt, while conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, § 167, criminal record information includes "records and data compiled by criminal justice agencies for purposes of identifying criminal offenders and alleged offenders and maintaining as to such persons summaries of arrests, pretrial proceedings, the nature and disposition of criminal charges, sentencing, incarceration, rehabilitation and release."

Middlesex County criminal records differentiate between:

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records

• Felony records document more serious crimes punishable by state prison sentences exceeding one year
• Misdemeanor records reflect less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in a county jail

Adult vs. Juvenile Records

• Adult records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public
• Juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, § 60A

Active Warrants vs. Historical Records

• Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest
• Historical records document past criminal justice interactions

The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Middlesex County include:

Middlesex County Sheriff's Office
400 Mystic Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
Phone: (781) 960-2800
Middlesex County Sheriff's Office

Middlesex County Superior Court
200 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 939-2700
Middlesex County Superior Court

Massachusetts State Police
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 820-2300
Massachusetts State Police

Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4600
Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services

Are Criminal Records Public In Middlesex County

Criminal records in Middlesex County are generally considered public information under Massachusetts public records law, with specific exceptions to protect privacy and ongoing investigations. The Massachusetts Public Records Law, G.L. c. 66, § 10 establishes the framework for public access to government records, including criminal records.

The law states: "Every person having custody of any public record shall, at reasonable times and without unreasonable delay, permit it, or any segregable portion of a record which is an independent public record, to be inspected and examined by any person."

Public criminal record information in Middlesex County typically includes:

• Court dockets and case files for adult criminal proceedings
• Conviction records for adult offenders
• Sentencing information
• Incarceration records
• Sex offender registry information

However, several categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access:

• Active criminal investigations
• Grand jury proceedings
• Sealed criminal records (eligible after certain waiting periods under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A)
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reports (access restricted to authorized entities)
• Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Witness and victim information in sensitive cases

The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system governs access to official criminal history information. While members of the public may request CORI reports, the level of detail provided varies based on the requestor's status and purpose. Employers, housing providers, and volunteer organizations typically receive standard access, while law enforcement and certain government agencies receive expanded access.

The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services administers the CORI system and processes requests for criminal record information according to statutory guidelines.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Middlesex County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Middlesex County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures outline the current process for obtaining criminal records:

In-Person Requests at Courthouse

1. Visit the appropriate Middlesex County courthouse where the case was filed
2. Proceed to the Clerk's Office during public counter hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
3. Complete a record request form providing the subject's name and, if available, date of birth or case number
4. Present valid government-issued photo identification
5. Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5-20 per search plus copying costs)
6. Wait for staff to retrieve records (same-day service for simple requests; complex requests may take 5-10 business days)

Middlesex Superior Court - Woburn
200 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 939-2700
Middlesex Superior Court

Middlesex Superior Court - Lowell
370 Jackson Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 453-9119
Middlesex Superior Court

Mail Requests

1. Prepare a written request including:
   • Subject's full name and date of birth
   • Case number (if known)
   • Specific records requested
   • Requestor's contact information
   • Copy of requestor's government-issued ID
2. Include a check or money order for applicable fees
3. Mail to the appropriate court clerk's office
4. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing

CORI Requests

1. Register for an account on the Massachusetts iCORI system
2. Select the appropriate access level (basic, standard, or required)
3. Provide required information about the subject
4. Pay the processing fee ($25 for most requests)
5. Receive results electronically (typically within 24-48 hours)

Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4600
Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services

Public Defender Records

For cases involving public defenders, contact:

Committee for Public Counsel Services - Middlesex County
100 Cambridge Street, 14th Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 482-6212
Committee for Public Counsel Services

Requestors should note that processing times vary based on record age, complexity, and staff availability. Older records may require retrieval from archives, extending processing time to 2-4 weeks.

How To Find Criminal Records in Middlesex County Online?

Middlesex County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.

Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access

The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains a comprehensive online case lookup system that includes Middlesex County criminal cases:

1. Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
2. Select "Case Search"
3. Choose "Middlesex County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
4. Select the appropriate court division (Superior, District, etc.)
5. Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
6. Review results showing case type, filing date, and status
7. Access detailed case information including charges, hearings, and dispositions

This system provides:

• Case numbers and filing dates
• Charge information
• Hearing schedules
• Case status updates
• Disposition information
• Party names

Middlesex County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup

For information on currently incarcerated individuals:

1. Navigate to the Middlesex Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
2. Enter the inmate's name or booking number
3. Review results showing custody status, facility location, and projected release date

This database includes:

• Current inmates only (not historical records)
• Basic demographic information
• Facility assignment
• Booking date
• Projected release date (when available)

Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry

To search for registered sex offenders in Middlesex County:

1. Access the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board website
2. Select "Search for Sex Offenders"
3. Enter Middlesex County or specific city/town
4. Review results showing Level 2 and Level 3 offenders

This registry provides:

• Offender names and photographs
• Residential addresses (for Level 3 offenders)
• Work addresses (for Level 3 offenders)
• Offense information
• Risk level classification

Massachusetts Probation Service Electronic Monitoring

For probation status information:

1. Contact the Massachusetts Probation Service
2. Provide case number or subject name
3. Verify legal interest in the information

Registration Requirements

Users should note the following registration requirements:

• Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access: No registration required for basic searches; attorney registration available for enhanced access
• Inmate Lookup: No registration required
• Sex Offender Registry: No registration required
• CORI Requests: Account creation and verification required

While online systems provide substantial information, certain records remain available only through in-person requests, including:

• Complete case files with all documents
• Evidence exhibits
• Sealed or impounded records
• Juvenile records
• Grand jury proceedings

Can You Search Middlesex County Criminal Records for Free?

Middlesex County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though free access is typically limited to basic information or in-person inspection. Massachusetts law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 262, § 38, "The fees of the clerks of the courts shall be as follows: For entering and recording an action, complaint, petition or commencement of process, five dollars." However, this section also states that "No fee shall be charged for inspection of documents filed in a case."

Free In-Person Record Inspection

The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Middlesex Superior Court - Woburn
200 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: (781) 939-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Middlesex Superior Court

Middlesex Superior Court - Lowell
370 Jackson Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 453-9119
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Middlesex Superior Court

Middlesex County District Courts Multiple locations throughout the county Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Massachusetts District Court Locations

Visitors may:

• Review case dockets and files
• Take notes on case information
• Use public access terminals where available
• Request assistance from court clerks

Free Online Resources

Several online platforms provide free access to basic criminal record information:

• Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access - Free basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status
• Middlesex Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - Free access to current inmate information
• Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry - Free public access to Level 2 and Level 3 sex offender information
• Massachusetts Attorney General's Office - Free access to information about major criminal cases prosecuted by the state

While inspection is free, fees apply for:

• Printed copies ($0.50-$1.00 per page)
• Certified copies ($5-$10 per document)
• Record searches requiring staff assistance ($5-$20 per search)
• CORI reports ($25 standard fee)
• Expedited processing

Individuals with limited financial resources may request fee waivers by filing an Affidavit of Indigency with the court clerk.

What's Included in a Middlesex County Criminal Record?

Middlesex County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information that collectively provide a detailed account of criminal proceedings.

Identifying Information

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Last known address
• State Identification Number (SID)
• FBI number (if applicable)
• Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information

• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer identification
• Booking number and facility
• Initial charges filed by law enforcement
• Probable cause statement
• Bail or bond information
• Detention facility assignment
• Property inventory from booking

Court Case Information

• Court docket/case number
• Court of jurisdiction (District, Superior)
• Case filing date
• Formal charges filed by prosecutor
• Statutory citations for alleged violations
• Classification of charges (felony/misdemeanor)
• Plea information
• Attorney of record
• Judge assigned to case
• Hearing dates and proceedings
• Motions filed and rulings
• Evidence log

Disposition Information

• Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentencing details:
  • Incarceration terms and facility
  • Probation conditions and duration
  • Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
  • Community service requirements
  • Treatment or program mandates
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation/parole status and violations
• Completion of sentence documentation

Additional Information

• Active warrants or pending charges
• Protective or restraining orders
• Sex offender registration requirements
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Probation reports
• Pre-sentence investigation findings
• Victim impact statements (in case file)
• Criminal history summary (rap sheet)

The comprehensiveness of records varies based on case age, disposition, and maintaining agency. Recent electronic records typically contain more detailed information than older paper records. Additionally, sealed or expunged records may not appear in standard criminal record searches, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A-C.

How Long Does Middlesex County Keep Criminal Records?

Middlesex County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Massachusetts Statewide Records Retention Schedule and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records, though many records are preserved permanently due to their historical and legal significance.

The retention periods for key criminal record categories are as follows:

Court Records

• Felony case files: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 20 years after case closure
• Traffic violations: 6 years after case disposition
• Domestic violence cases: Permanent retention
• Restraining orders: Permanent retention
• Court dockets: Permanent retention
• Grand jury proceedings: Permanent retention
• Court exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period (typically 30-90 days)

Law Enforcement Records

• Arrest reports: Minimum 10 years
• Incident reports: Minimum 7 years
• Investigation files for solved felonies: Permanent retention
• Investigation files for unsolved felonies: Permanent retention
• Investigation files for misdemeanors: Minimum 6 years
• Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention
• 911 call recordings: Minimum 2 years

Corrections Records

• Inmate files: 7 years after final release
• Probation records: 10 years after completion of probation
• Parole records: 10 years after completion of parole

Sex Offender Registry

• Level 1 offenders: 15 years after duty to register ends
• Level 2 offenders: 25 years after duty to register ends
• Level 3 offenders: Permanent retention

According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 8, "Every original paper belonging to the files of the commonwealth or of any county, city or town, bearing date earlier than the year eighteen hundred and seventy, every book of registry or record, except books which the supervisor of public records determines may be destroyed, every town warrant, every deed to the commonwealth or to any county, city or town, every report of an agent, officer or committee relative to bridges, highways, streets, town ways, sewers or other state, county or municipal interests not required to be recorded in a book and not so recorded, shall be preserved and safely kept."

While records may be eligible for destruction after their retention period expires, many criminal records are maintained indefinitely in practice, particularly those related to serious offenses. Additionally, even when physical records are destroyed, electronic indices or summaries may be retained permanently.

Records that have been sealed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A-C remain in existence but are not accessible to the general public. Expunged records, authorized under more recent legislation, are permanently destroyed and removed from all databases.

Lookup Criminal Records in Middlesex County