Barnstable County Criminal Records
What Is Barnstable County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Barnstable County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Barnstable County, Massachusetts.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including booking information and initial charges
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing
- Conviction Records: Records of guilty verdicts or pleas resulting in criminal convictions
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in county jail facilities
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 either through trial or plea agreement. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, § 167, criminal record information includes data compiled by criminal justice agencies concerning individuals and maintained in a central repository.
Felony records document more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment in state prison, while misdemeanor records reflect less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or county jail sentences under one year. Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, § 60A.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Barnstable County:
Barnstable County Sheriff's Office
6000 Sheriff's Place
Bourne, MA 02532
508-563-4300
Barnstable County Sheriff's Office
Barnstable District Court
3195 Main Street
Barnstable, MA 02630
508-375-6600
Massachusetts Court System
Massachusetts State Police
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
508-820-2300
Massachusetts State Police
These records typically include detailed information about charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. The comprehensive nature of these records provides a complete picture of an individual's criminal history within the county.
Are Criminal Records Public In Barnstable County
Criminal records in Barnstable County are generally considered public records under Massachusetts law, with certain important exceptions and limitations. The Massachusetts Public Records Law, G.L. c. 66, § 10 establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are accessible to the public.
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."
However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. The following categories have restricted access:
- Ongoing investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under G.L. c. 4, § 7(26)(f)
- Sealed records: Criminal records that have been sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
- Juvenile records: Records involving minors are generally confidential under Massachusetts law
- Certain domestic violence cases: Records may be impounded to protect victims
- Records containing personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other sensitive personal data may be redacted
Adult conviction records are generally public and accessible through the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, though access levels vary depending on the requestor's status. Court proceedings, including criminal cases, are presumptively open to the public unless specifically sealed or impounded by judicial order.
The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) administers the CORI system and establishes regulations governing access to criminal record information. Under current regulations, members of the general public may obtain a "standard" level of access to CORI information, which includes adult convictions, pending criminal charges, and certain dismissed cases.
Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
617-660-4600
Massachusetts DCJIS
Law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain government entities have broader access to criminal record information, including non-conviction data and sealed records in specific circumstances as authorized by law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Barnstable County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Barnstable County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures outline the current process for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Courthouse:
- Visit the Barnstable District Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Proceed to the Clerk's Office and complete a record request form
- Provide the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $25 for record searches)
- Records may be provided immediately or within 10 business days, depending on complexity
Massachusetts CORI Requests:
- Create an account on the Massachusetts iCORI system at Massachusetts iCORI portal
- Select the appropriate access level (standard access for general public)
- Complete the online application form with subject information
- Pay the required fee ($25 per standard CORI check)
- Receive results electronically, typically within 24-48 hours
Written Requests to the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office:
- Submit a written request on the official request form available at the Barnstable County Sheriff's website
- Include subject's full name, date of birth, and reason for request
- Provide requestor's contact information and copy of identification
- Mail completed form with payment to:
Barnstable County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
6000 Sheriff's Place
Bourne, MA 02532
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
For certified copies of court records, requestors must visit the specific court where the case was heard. The Barnstable District Court handles most criminal cases in the county, while the Barnstable Superior Court handles more serious felony cases.
Barnstable Superior Court
3195 Main Street
Barnstable, MA 02630
508-375-6684
Massachusetts Court System
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, § 172, requestors must have a legitimate purpose for accessing criminal record information and may be required to state this purpose on their application.
How To Find Criminal Records in Barnstable County Online?
Barnstable County residents and interested parties may access certain 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 primary online resources for criminal records in Barnstable County include:
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access:
- Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
- Select "Case Search" and choose "Barnstable County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Access case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status
- Note that this system does not provide full case documents, only docket information
Massachusetts iCORI System:
- Navigate to the Massachusetts iCORI portal
- Register for an account (requires email address and credit card)
- Select appropriate access level (standard, required, or open)
- Enter subject name and date of birth
- Pay required fee ($25 for standard CORI checks)
- Receive results electronically, typically within 24-48 hours
Barnstable County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup:
- Access the Barnstable County Sheriff's Inmate Information page
- Search by inmate name or booking number
- View current custody status, charges, and expected release date
- Information is updated daily for current inmates only
Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry:
- Visit the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board website
- Search by name, town, or zip code
- Access information on Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders residing in Barnstable County
- View offender photos, addresses, and offense information
Users should note that online access has certain limitations. Complete criminal history reports require formal CORI requests through the iCORI system. Court documents such as complaints, police reports, and disposition documents generally require in-person requests at the appropriate courthouse. Additionally, sealed records, juvenile records, and certain domestic violence cases are not available through online portals.
Registration requirements vary by system. The Massachusetts Trial Court portal allows anonymous searching, while the iCORI system requires user registration and identity verification. The Barnstable County Sheriff's inmate lookup is publicly accessible without registration.
Can You Search Barnstable County Criminal Records for Free?
Massachusetts law provides for public inspection of certain criminal records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10(a), "every person having custody of any public record shall, at reasonable times and without unreasonable delay, permit it... to be inspected and examined by any person."
Free in-person inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:
Barnstable District Court
3195 Main Street
Barnstable, MA 02630
508-375-6600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Barnstable Superior Court
3195 Main Street
Barnstable, MA 02630
508-375-6684
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Several free online resources provide limited criminal record information:
-
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access - This public portal allows free searches of basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status. While document content is not available, docket information can be viewed without charge.
-
Barnstable County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup - The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online database of current inmates, including charges and expected release dates.
-
Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry - Information about Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders residing in Barnstable County is available at no cost through the Sex Offender Registry Board website.
-
Barnstable County Public Access Records - The county provides public access to certain records through their online portal, though criminal records are limited.
While basic information may be accessed without charge, fees apply for comprehensive criminal history reports through the Massachusetts iCORI system ($25 per standard CORI check). Additionally, courts charge for copies of documents ($1 per page for regular copies, $5-20 for certified copies).
Law enforcement agencies may also charge reasonable fees for copies of incident reports and other documents, though fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors under certain circumstances.
What's Included in a Barnstable County Criminal Record?
Barnstable County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and place of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph when available
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Superior)
- Filing date and arraignment information
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Massachusetts General Laws statutes cited
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Hearing dates and continuances
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date if applicable
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Alternative sentencing (community service, treatment programs)
- Appeal information if applicable
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Restraining/protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/OUI offenses and license suspensions
- Related traffic violations
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The level of detail in criminal records may vary depending on the source and purpose of the record. Court records typically contain the most comprehensive information about case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records focus more on arrest details and charges. The Massachusetts CORI system provides standardized criminal history information with varying levels of detail based on access authorization.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records, including Social Security numbers, victim information in certain cases, and information about minors involved in the case.
How Long Does Barnstable County Keep Criminal Records?
Barnstable County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Massachusetts Statewide Records Retention Schedule and specific court rules. These schedules determine how long different types of criminal records must be preserved before they may be destroyed or archived.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 8, government records must be preserved according to established retention schedules approved by the Records Conservation Board. For criminal records, the following retention periods generally apply:
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 6 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: Permanent retention
- Restraining orders: Permanent retention
- Search warrants: 10 years after execution
- Grand jury proceedings: Permanent retention
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest reports: 10 years after creation
- Incident reports (felonies): Permanent retention
- Incident reports (misdemeanors): 10 years after creation
- Booking photographs: 10 years after creation
- Sex offender registration information: Permanent retention
- Homicide investigation files: Permanent retention
Corrections Records:
- Inmate files: 7 years after release
- Probation records: 10 years after completion of probation
- Parole records: 10 years after completion of parole
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic records in centralized databases like the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information System may be maintained indefinitely. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access but may still exist in restricted government archives.
The Massachusetts Court Administrator's Office and the State Archives establish specific retention schedules for court records, while the Municipal Records Retention Schedule governs police department records. These schedules are periodically updated to reflect changes in law and policy regarding records management.
Criminal records that have historical significance may be transferred to the Massachusetts State Archives for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed after their retention period expires.