Massachusetts Criminal Records

A series of events ensue when a citizen is suspected of committing a crime in Massachusetts. Initially, the individual is apprehended, leading to the creation of an arrest record. This is followed by being scheduled for a hearing. If the person is deemed guilty, a Massachusetts criminal record is created, featuring the individual's personal information, details of the crime, prosecution, and other details pertinent to the state's judicial process.

Massachusetts criminal records play a crucial role and are accessed by various segments of the public in Massachusetts, yet their primary users are the judiciary and law enforcement. These records help inform the judiciary's decision-making process, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness within the justice system. Law enforcement utilizes these records to monitor offenders. These records are also used by lenders, travel agencies, landlords, researchers, and employers for various purposes.

In the state of Massachusetts, criminal records are referred to as Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reports. They are overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, which serves as the primary custodian of criminal records in the state.

Are Criminal Records Public in Massachusetts?

Yes. Notwithstanding, the level of access to a criminal record in Massachusetts varies based on the requester and the nature of the request. For instance, as outlined in § 172, chapter 6, Part I, Title II of the Massachusetts General Laws, criminal justice agencies have unrestricted access to all criminal records, including confidential ones. Meanwhile, access to the general public is limited to specific information. Additionally, according to § 178A, a crime victim or a family member of a homicide victim is entitled to access the complete criminal record of the individual convicted of the crime.

Other general limitations include nondisclosure of juvenile records and sensitive personal information of the subject of a criminal record to the public.

Massachusetts Crime Records by County

To monitor and address criminal activities, the Massachusetts justice system maintains detailed records of crime and related statistics. These records typically include information about the nature of criminal incidents, details about the offenders such as race, age, and gender, and the location and frequency of crimes within each jurisdiction. Fortunately, the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Security makes these annual crime statistics accessible to the public in various formats for easy viewing.

The Department of Justice publishes issues about various crime-related matters, allowing the public to review and stay informed. Furthermore, individuals can access the Criminal Court Reports and Dashboards, which offer insights into the cases processed by the court within specific timeframes, providing a comprehensive view of the judicial proceedings.

Persons seeking crime records specific to a county in Massachusetts may find that this information is not accessible remotely. However, they can visit the Office of the Sheriff or the Police Department in the respective county to make in-person inquiries for the records of interst.

Massachusetts Criminal Record Check

In Massachusetts, individuals have two options to access a criminal record: a name search or a fingerprint criminal record check.

A name-based search explicitly reveals a person's criminal history within the state, while a fingerprint search includes offenses from other states. The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services manages the iCORI database, which is accessible to persons seeking to conduct inquiries. To use the database, inquirers must only provide the name and date of birth of the individual whose criminal record is being sought. The department offers a "level of access" to name-based criminal record checks on its website, which individuals can review before initiating a search. However, requesters can only use this service through a registered account.

Additionally, individuals can submit a request form by mail, accompanied by a $25 money order or bank-issued cashier's or treasurer's check. Requesters must also have a valid Massachusetts I.D. or driver's license to make this request. The request form should be sent to the following address:

Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services

200 Arlington Street

Suite 2200

Chelsea, MA 02150

ATTN: CORI Unit

The request may take 10 business days to process. Individuals seeking access to their criminal records who cannot afford the charge can submit an Affidavit of Indigency along with the request form.

Note that submitting this form does not automatically guarantee a waiver.

Members of the public who wish to conduct a fingerprint search can review the Level of Access guide before initiating the search.

In certain counties, individuals may have the option to request criminal records from either the Department of Police or the Sheriff's office. However, some counties, like Pembroke, may not offer this information to the public. Therefore, individuals looking for a criminal record can visit the county law enforcement website or call the office to understand the process of obtaining a criminal record for that specific county.

Find Criminal Records Online in Massachusett

Most counties in the state do not offer online access to criminal records, requiring requesters to either visit the police department or Sheriff's office in person or submit a request via mail. Nevertheless, the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services facilitates remote access to criminal records through iCORI.

Free Criminal Record Search in Massachusetts

When searching for free criminal records in the state, the best option is to utilize third-party sites that maintain databases of criminal records. While some of these sites offer the search for free, others may necessitate the creation of an account and potentially levy a fee per search. It is important to note that requesting a copy of the record may also incur a charge.

Moreover, despite the absence of free access to criminal records from the central repository in Massachusetts, individuals can request a waiver. If this request is approved, they can conduct searches for free.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Massachusett?

Having a criminal record indicates that a person has been found guilty of a crime. In Massachusetts, this has various implications, including limitations on certain rights and activities. Moreover, regardless of the nature of the offense and the completion of the sentence, individuals with a criminal record often face stigma and encounter challenges in areas such as employment, travel, and accessing loans. Overall, having a criminal record brings about negative consequences.

Additional consequences of having a criminal record in Massachusetts include:

• Social Segregation: Individuals with a criminal record may face social stigmatization, leading to others being hesitant to associate with them or being more cautious in their interactions.
• Educational and Career Limitations: A criminal record can hinder the pursuit of education and career opportunities, potentially limiting one's professional and personal development.
• Ineligibility for Public Office: Individuals with a criminal record may be prohibited from holding public office due to the legal restrictions imposed as a result of their conviction.
• Difficulty Obtaining Licenses and Permits: Having a criminal record can present obstacles when applying for various licenses and permits, impacting one's ability to engage in certain professional or business activities.

To address the common challenges associated with having a criminal record, the government has implemented laws to mitigate the impact and enable individuals with records to pursue a sense of normalcy. For example, "Ban the Box" legislation prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history on job applications, allowing individuals to be considered based on their qualifications rather than their past offenses.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Massachusetts?

No, having a criminal record expunged is not automatic in Massachusetts. Individuals can apply for expungement 3 years after being convicted of a misdemeanor and 7 years after being convicted of a felony. Even in cases where a person was acquitted, they would still need to initiate the expungement process.

However, Massachusetts law only allows background checks to return information from the previous 7 years, irrespective of the nature of the offense.

Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record

Typically, a criminal record contains a person's criminal history, including arrests, charges, convictions, and any relevant court proceedings. It provides a thorough overview of the individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. On the contrary, an arrest record solely contains specific details related to a person's arrest, such as the date, location, and the reason for the arrest, without encompassing the broader context of legal proceedings or outcomes.

Massachusetts Police Records

A police report covers a diverse range of information, including details of criminal and non-criminal activities such as arrest records, accident reports, and incident documentation.

Police records in Massachusetts are considered open to the public, with certain exceptions. For instance, records associated with ongoing investigations are typically deemed confidential until the case is closed.