Bristol County, Massachusetts Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Bristol County, Massachusetts?
Warrant records are public in Bristol County, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). Under this statute, all government records are presumed to be public unless they fall under a specific exemption. Arrest warrants, which are considered judicial records, are generally accessible to the public once they have been executed or returned to the court.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has consistently upheld the principle that court records, including warrant information, should be available for public inspection to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings. This accessibility serves multiple public interests, including maintaining accountability of law enforcement agencies and providing citizens with information about legal proceedings that may affect their communities.
In Bristol County, warrant records may be accessed through the Bristol County Superior Court, District Courts, or the Bristol County Sheriff's Office. Certain sensitive information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Massachusetts law, particularly in cases involving juveniles or certain protected classes of victims.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Bristol County?
Warrant records in Bristol County typically contain comprehensive information related to the issuance and execution of the warrant. Standard elements included in these documents are:
- Full legal name and identifying information of the subject
- Date of issuance and expiration (if applicable)
- Nature and classification of the alleged offense
- Statutory citation of violated laws
- Name and title of the issuing judicial authority
- Case number and docket information
- Specific instructions for law enforcement regarding execution
- Bail amount or conditions (if predetermined)
- Return of service documentation once executed
For search warrants, additional information typically includes the specific location to be searched, items to be seized, and the probable cause statement supporting the warrant's issuance. All warrant records must comply with the Fourth Amendment requirements and Massachusetts statutory provisions regarding particularity and reasonableness.
How to Check For Warrants in Bristol County For Free
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Bristol County through several no-cost methods established by local authorities:
In-person inquiries at the Bristol County Sheriff's Office 400 Faunce Corner Road North Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: 508-995-6400 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Public access terminals at Bristol County courthouses: Bristol County Superior Court 441 County Street New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: 508-996-2051 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fall River District Court 186 South Main Street Fall River, MA 02721 Phone: 508-491-3200 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Community outreach programs conducted periodically by the Sheriff's Department in various Bristol County municipalities
Pursuant to Massachusetts Court Rule 2-212, certain warrant information may also be available through the Massachusetts Trial Court's public access portal, though complete warrant details may require in-person verification.
Bristol County Sheriff Warrants
The Bristol County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes various types of warrants within its jurisdiction as authorized under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 37. These warrants fall into several categories:
- Arrest warrants issued by courts for criminal offenses
- Bench warrants for failure to appear at scheduled court proceedings
- Civil warrants related to contempt of court in non-criminal matters
- Probation violation warrants for individuals who have violated terms of probation
- Out-of-county or out-of-state warrants being served through interstate compacts
The Sheriff's Warrant Apprehension Unit operates under the authority granted in M.G.L. c. 276, § 23A, which authorizes deputies to execute warrants throughout Bristol County. This specialized unit coordinates with local police departments, the Massachusetts State Police, and federal agencies when necessary to apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants.
The Bristol County Sheriff's Office maintains a database of active warrants that is regularly updated and shared with other law enforcement agencies through the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) network. This interagency cooperation enhances the effectiveness of warrant service throughout the county.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Bristol County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Bristol County may utilize several official channels established by Massachusetts judicial authorities:
The Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access system provides limited warrant information for cases already in the court system. This resource is accessible through public terminals at courthouse locations or through authorized online portals.
Direct inquiry at the Bristol County Sheriff's Office Records Division: 400 Faunce Corner Road North Dartmouth, MA 02747 Phone: 508-995-6400, ext. 2104 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Verification through the Clerk's Office at any Bristol County District Court: Taunton District Court 40 Broadway Taunton, MA 02780 Phone: 508-977-3000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Attleboro District Court 88 North Main Street Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: 508-222-5900 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Massachusetts public records regulations (950 CMR 32.00), requestors may need to provide proper identification when seeking warrant information pertaining to themselves. Third-party requests may be subject to additional restrictions under privacy provisions of Massachusetts law.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Bristol County
Verification of outstanding warrants in Bristol County requires adherence to established protocols designed to balance public access with privacy and security considerations. The following methods are available to interested parties:
The Massachusetts Probation Service maintains warrant information for cases under their supervision. Inquiries may be directed to: Bristol County Probation Department 186 South Main Street Fall River, MA 02721 Phone: 508-491-3300 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Law enforcement agencies within Bristol County can verify warrant status through the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information System. Individuals may request verification at local police departments: New Bedford Police Department 871 Rockdale Avenue New Bedford, MA 02740 Phone: 508-991-6300 Hours: 24 hours daily
Taunton Police Department 23 Summer Street Taunton, MA 02780 Phone: 508-824-7522 Hours: 24 hours daily
Legal aid organizations may assist eligible individuals in determining warrant status: South Coastal Counties Legal Services 22 Bedford Street Fall River, MA 02720 Phone: 800-244-9023 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 23A, certain warrant information may be restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or public safety. Requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification when seeking warrant information.
Search Warrant Records in Bristol County
