Massachusetts Warrant Search
Are Warrants Public Record in Massachusetts
Warrants are public records in Massachusetts pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, Chapter 66, Section 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws. This statute establishes the framework for public access to governmental documents, including warrant records. The law operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Massachusetts courts have consistently upheld the principle that warrant records become public documents once they have been executed or returned to the court. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including:
- Ensuring judicial accountability
- Providing citizens with information about law enforcement activities
- Supporting the constitutional right to public access to court proceedings
- Facilitating research and analysis of law enforcement practices
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that once a warrant is returned to the court, it becomes part of the judicial record and is presumptively available for public inspection. However, certain warrants may be temporarily sealed by judicial order pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 3A if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts warrant records typically contain comprehensive information about the legal authorization for law enforcement actions. Standard components of warrant records include:
- The full legal name and identifying information of the subject
- Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable Massachusetts General Laws citations
- The specific court that issued the warrant (District Court, Superior Court, etc.)
- Date and time of issuance
- Expiration date of the warrant, if applicable
- Name and badge number of the requesting law enforcement officer
- Name of the issuing judge or magistrate
- Official court seal and case number
- Specific limitations or conditions attached to the warrant execution
- For search warrants: precise description of locations to be searched and items to be seized
Warrant records may also include supplementary documentation such as affidavits supporting the probable cause determination and return of service documentation confirming when and how the warrant was executed.
How to Check For Warrants in Massachusetts For Free
Massachusetts residents may verify warrant status without cost through several official channels. The Commonwealth provides multiple no-fee options for warrant verification:
The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains public access terminals at courthouse locations throughout the state. These terminals allow individuals to search court records, including active warrants, during regular business hours.
Massachusetts Trial Court - Administrative Office
1 Pemberton Square, Suite 1500
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-8575
Massachusetts Trial Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Local police departments maintain warrant databases and can verify warrant status for individuals who appear in person with valid identification. Many departments offer this service during regular business hours.
Massachusetts State Police Headquarters
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-2300
Massachusetts State Police
Hours: 24 hours daily
The Massachusetts Probation Service can also verify warrant status for individuals under their supervision or with prior court involvement.
Office of the Commissioner of Probation
1 Pemberton Square, Room 300
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-5300
Massachusetts Probation Service
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Massachusetts in 2025
As of 2025, Massachusetts has expanded access to warrant information through multiple verification channels. Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status may utilize the following official resources:
The Massachusetts Court System Electronic Case Access portal allows registered users to search for case information, including active warrants. This system is accessible 24 hours per day and provides real-time updates from the court database.
The Massachusetts Warrant Management System, administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, maintains a comprehensive database of all active warrants in the Commonwealth. Law enforcement agencies throughout Massachusetts have access to this system and can verify warrant status upon request.
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
1 Ashburton Place, Suite 2133
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-7775
Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals may also contact the Clerk's Office of any District Court or Superior Court in Massachusetts to inquire about warrant status. Court personnel can search records upon presentation of proper identification.
Suffolk County Superior Court Clerk's Office
3 Pemberton Square, 12th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 788-8175
Suffolk County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Massachusetts
Massachusetts residents seeking to verify outstanding warrant status may utilize several official verification methods established by the Commonwealth. The verification process typically requires providing personal identifying information such as full legal name, date of birth, and sometimes a Social Security number.
The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, maintains records of criminal cases, including warrant information. Individuals may request their own CORI report pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 172.
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 660-4600
Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
County Sheriff's Offices maintain warrant databases and can verify warrant status for their jurisdiction. Many offices provide this service during regular business hours.
Middlesex Sheriff's Office
400 Mystic Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
(781) 960-2800
Middlesex Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles can verify if a license suspension has been issued due to an outstanding warrant pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 23.
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
136 Blackstone Street
Boston, MA 02109
(857) 368-8000
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
How to Find Federal Warrant Search
Federal warrants issued in Massachusetts fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. These warrants are separate from state warrants and require specific search procedures.
The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides electronic access to federal court records, including warrant information once cases have been filed. Registration is required, and nominal fees may apply for document retrieval.
United States District Court - District of Massachusetts
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 748-9152
U.S. District Court - Massachusetts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The United States Marshals Service maintains information on federal fugitives and can verify federal warrant status upon request at their district offices.
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Massachusetts
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way, Suite 1524
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 748-2500
U.S. Marshals Service
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Federal Bureau of Investigation field offices can also provide information regarding federal warrants for serious offenses.
FBI Boston Field Office
201 Maple Street
Chelsea, MA 02150
(857) 386-2000
FBI Boston Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Search Warrant Records in Massachusetts
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