Dedham, Massachusetts Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Dedham, Massachusetts?
Warrants are considered public records in Dedham, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes the framework for public access to governmental records, including warrants, to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations. The law stipulates that all records created or maintained by a government entity are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by statute.
In Dedham, warrant records are maintained by the Norfolk County Superior Court and the Dedham Police Department. These records are accessible to members of the public unless they fall under specific exemptions outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 4, Section 7(26), such as:
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records that could compromise public safety if disclosed
- Records protected by other statutory provisions
The Norfolk County Superior Court, located at 650 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026, serves as the primary repository for warrant records in the jurisdiction. The court maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing judicial documents.
Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Dedham?
Members of the public seeking to locate warrant information online in Dedham may utilize several official resources:
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access: The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains an electronic portal where certain court records, including some warrant information, may be accessed. Users must navigate to the Norfolk County Court Records section of the Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access portal.
Dedham Police Department Website: The Dedham Police Department provides limited information regarding active warrants through their official website. The department is located at 600 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026, and can be reached at (781) 751-9300 or through their official website.
Norfolk County District Attorney's Office: The District Attorney's Office, located at 45 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021, maintains records related to criminal prosecutions, which may include warrant information. The office can be contacted at (781) 830-4800.
Pursuant to Massachusetts Public Records Law, individuals may submit formal written requests for warrant information to the appropriate custodial agency if the information is not readily available online.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Dedham in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine if they are subject to an active warrant in Dedham as of 2025 may pursue several official channels:
Direct Inquiry at Norfolk County Superior Court: Individuals may visit the Norfolk County Superior Court at 650 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM) to inquire about warrant status. Court personnel can conduct a search of the judicial database using the individual's identifying information.
Dedham Police Department Records Division: The Records Division of the Dedham Police Department, located at 600 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026, processes warrant inquiries during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Individuals must present valid identification when requesting warrant information in person.
Massachusetts Probation Service: The Office of the Commissioner of Probation maintains a centralized database of warrant information. Inquiries may be directed to their office at 1 Ashburton Place, Room 405, Boston, MA 02108, or by calling (617) 727-5300.
Legal Representation: Engaging the services of legal counsel can facilitate a comprehensive warrant check. Attorneys have access to databases and resources that may expedite the process of determining warrant status.
In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 23A, individuals with knowledge of an outstanding warrant against them are encouraged to address the matter promptly to avoid potential arrest.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Dedham
The verification of outstanding warrants in Dedham requires adherence to established protocols designed to balance public access with privacy and security considerations:
Norfolk County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains a database of active warrants and can provide information upon request. The office is located at 200 West Street, Dedham, MA 02026, and can be reached at (781) 329-3705.
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Access: The public access terminal at the Norfolk County Superior Court (650 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026) allows individuals to search court records, including warrant information. Terminal access is available during regular court hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Request: Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172, individuals may submit a CORI request to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services to obtain information about their criminal history, which would include any outstanding warrants. The DCJIS is located at 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150.
Dedham Police Department Records Request: Formal requests for warrant information may be submitted to the Records Division of the Dedham Police Department at 600 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026. Requests must comply with the department's established procedures for public records access.
The Massachusetts Uniform Citation Act (M.G.L. Chapter 90C) governs the issuance and processing of citations that may result in warrants if unaddressed, making regular verification of warrant status a prudent practice for residents.
Contents of a Dedham Warrant Records
Warrant records maintained by Dedham authorities typically contain the following components, as prescribed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276:
Subject Identification: Full legal name, date of birth, last known address, and other identifying information of the individual named in the warrant.
Warrant Classification: Designation of the warrant type (e.g., arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or default warrant) as defined in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Sections 18-20.
Issuing Judicial Authority: Name and title of the judge or magistrate who issued the warrant, along with the court of jurisdiction (typically Norfolk County Superior Court or Dedham District Court).
Issuance Date and Docket Number: The official date of warrant issuance and the corresponding court docket number for reference purposes.
Statutory Violation: Citation of the specific Massachusetts General Law or Dedham municipal code allegedly violated, including the classification of the offense (felony or misdemeanor).
Bail Information: If applicable, the predetermined bail amount or notation regarding bail determination upon apprehension.
Execution Parameters: Instructions for law enforcement regarding the execution of the warrant, including any special conditions or restrictions as outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 23.
Return Documentation: Space for documenting the execution of the warrant, including date, time, and circumstances of service, as required by M.G.L. Chapter 276, Section 27.
The content and format of warrant records adhere to standards established by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
Search Warrant Records in Dedham, Massachusetts
The Dedham Police Department maintains records of search warrants issued within its jurisdiction, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Sections 1-7. These records document the legal authorization for law enforcement to search specified locations for evidence related to criminal investigations.
Members of the public seeking information regarding search warrants may submit a formal records request to:
Dedham Police Department Records Division
600 High Street
Dedham, MA 02026
(781) 751-9300
Official Website
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office also maintains records related to search warrants as part of case files. Inquiries may be directed to:
Norfolk County District Attorney's Office
45 Shawmut Road
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 830-4800
Pursuant to Massachusetts Public Records Law, certain elements of search warrant records may be redacted or withheld if disclosure would:
- Compromise an ongoing investigation
- Reveal confidential investigative techniques
- Endanger the safety of witnesses or law enforcement personnel
- Violate privacy protections established under state or federal law
Search warrant records typically become more accessible once the related investigation has concluded and any resulting case has been adjudicated.
Search Arrest Records in Dedham
