Bristol County Criminal Records
What Is Bristol County Criminal Records
Bristol County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Bristol County, Massachusetts. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout the county.
Criminal records in Bristol County typically fall into several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Bristol County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in Bristol County courts
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in Bristol County correctional facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision following release from incarceration
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records confirm that the individual was found guilty of specific charges through either a trial verdict or plea agreement. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 172, criminal record information is subject to specific regulations regarding access and dissemination.
Criminal records in Bristol County also differentiate between:
- Felonies: More serious offenses typically punishable by imprisonment of more than one year
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to offenders under 18 years of age, which receive special confidentiality protections under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 60A
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Bristol County include:
Bristol County Sheriff's Office
400 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
508-995-6400
Bristol County Sheriff's Office
Bristol County District Attorney's Office
888 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-0711
Bristol County District Attorney
Bristol County Superior Court
441 County Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-996-2051
Massachusetts Court System
Are Criminal Records Public In Bristol County
Criminal records in Bristol County are generally considered public information pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, codified in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10. This statute establishes that government records, including criminal records, are presumptively public unless specifically exempted by law.
The Massachusetts Public Records 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."
However, not all criminal record information is publicly accessible. The following categories of criminal records typically have restricted access:
- Ongoing investigations: Active criminal investigations are generally exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes
- Sealed records: Records that have been sealed by court order pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 100A
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential with limited exceptions
- Expunged records: Records that have been completely removed from public access through the expungement process
- CORI-protected information: Certain Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) is subject to access restrictions
Adult conviction records are generally public and accessible through various means, including court proceedings, which are presumptively open to the public under both state law and constitutional principles. Court dockets, including criminal case information, are typically available for public inspection at courthouse facilities or through online portals maintained by the Massachusetts Trial Court.
The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS), provides a structured framework for access to criminal record information, with different levels of access granted to different categories of requesters.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Bristol County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Bristol County may utilize several methods to access this information. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of record sought and its current status within the criminal justice system.
For in-person requests at the courthouse:
- Visit the Bristol County Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a record request form specifying the case number or individual's name
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search or copy fees (currently $5 per name search, $1 per page for copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
For mail requests:
- Prepare a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth, and case information if available
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the appropriate Bristol County court or agency
For CORI requests through the state system:
- Create an account on the Massachusetts iCORI system
- Select the appropriate access level based on requestor status
- Submit the required identifying information for the subject
- Pay the required fee (currently $25 for standard access)
- Receive results electronically through the iCORI portal
For criminal case information from the courts:
Bristol County Superior Court
441 County Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-996-2051
Massachusetts Court System
Bristol County District Court - Fall River
186 South Main Street
Fall River, MA 02721
508-491-3200
Massachusetts Court System
Bristol County District Court - New Bedford
75 North 6th Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-999-9700
Massachusetts Court System
How To Find Criminal Records in Bristol County Online?
Bristol County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The Massachusetts Trial Court's electronic case access portal, MassCourts, serves as the primary online resource for accessing criminal case information from Bristol County courts. This system allows users to:
- Search cases by name, case number, or attorney
- View case status, scheduled hearings, and party information
- Access docket entries showing the chronological history of court actions
- View certain case documents (though not all documents are available electronically)
The search process requires:
- Navigating to the MassCourts public portal
- Selecting the appropriate court department (District, Superior, etc.)
- Entering search criteria (name, case number)
- Reviewing search results and selecting specific cases for detailed information
For incarceration records, the Bristol County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup provides current information on individuals detained in county facilities. This database includes:
- Current inmates' names and booking information
- Scheduled release dates when available
- Charges and bail information
The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) maintains the iCORI (Internet-based Criminal Offender Record Information) system, which provides authorized users with access to official criminal history information. This system requires:
- Registration and account creation
- Identity verification
- Payment of applicable fees
- Selection of appropriate access levels based on purpose
Additionally, the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board maintains a public database of Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders, which can be searched by name or geographic location.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information, and certain records may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate government office.
Can You Search Bristol County Criminal Records for Free?
Bristol County residents maintain the right to inspect certain criminal records without charge, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10. This statute establishes that while reasonable fees may be charged for copies of records, the public has the right to inspect public records at no cost.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:
Bristol County Superior Court
441 County Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
508-996-2051
Massachusetts Court System
Bristol County District Court - Taunton
40 Broadway
Taunton, MA 02780
508-977-6150
Massachusetts Court System
Several online resources provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- MassCourts Public Portal: Provides free access to basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status for Bristol County criminal cases
- Bristol County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup: Offers free searches of current jail population information
- Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry: Provides free public access to information on Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders
While inspection is free, fees typically apply for:
- Copies of court documents ($1 per page)
- Certified copies of court records ($5-$20 depending on document type)
- Name-based criminal history searches through iCORI ($25 standard fee)
- Background check reports for employment or housing purposes
Government agencies, including law enforcement and courts, have broader access to criminal record information through specialized systems without per-search fees. Additionally, certain non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations may qualify for fee waivers under specific circumstances.
What's Included in a Bristol County Criminal Record?
Bristol County criminal records typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in standardized formats to ensure consistency across agencies and jurisdictions.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- 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 information
- Booking number and facility
- Enumerated charges at time of arrest
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor with statutory citations
- Classification of charges (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Judge assignment
Disposition Information:
- Trial verdict or plea outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information and outcomes
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants and their status
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Related traffic violations
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Probation/parole status reports
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the specific agency maintaining the record and the purpose for which the information is being accessed. Court records typically focus on case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records may contain more detailed arrest and investigative information.
How Long Does Bristol County Keep Criminal Records?
Bristol County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth's Records Conservation Board. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records, after which certain records may be eligible for destruction or archiving.
Court records in Bristol County are generally retained according to the following schedule:
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained for serious offenses (murder, rape, armed robbery)
- Other felony cases: Minimum of 20 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 6 years after case disposition
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 27, unless sealed earlier
Law enforcement records typically follow these retention guidelines:
- Arrest records: Minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
- Investigation reports: Permanently for unsolved major crimes; 10 years for solved cases
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanently maintained in digital systems
- Incident reports: 7 years from date of incident
The Massachusetts State Archives, operating under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 8, establishes these retention requirements through published schedules. These schedules represent minimum retention periods; many records, particularly those with historical or ongoing legal significance, are maintained permanently.
It is important to note that even after physical records reach the end of their retention period, information may persist in electronic databases and indices. Additionally, sealed or expunged records follow different retention protocols as specified in the court order directing their sealing or expungement.
The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board, operating under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 167-178, maintains the central repository of criminal history information and establishes policies for the retention and dissemination of this information throughout the Commonwealth, including Bristol County.