Suffolk County, Massachusetts Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Suffolk County, Massachusetts?
Warrants are public records in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10). This statute establishes that most government records, including warrant information, must be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Suffolk County judicial system maintains these records as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Access to warrant records serves multiple public interests, including:
- Enabling individuals to verify the existence of warrants against them
- Supporting public oversight of law enforcement activities
- Providing attorneys with necessary information for client representation
- Allowing researchers and journalists to monitor judicial processes
Certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by court order under specific circumstances outlined in M.G.L. Chapter 276, particularly when disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals. However, the presumption under Massachusetts law favors public access to these judicial documents.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Suffolk County?
Warrant records maintained by Suffolk County authorities typically contain comprehensive information about the legal instrument. Standard elements included in these documents are:
- Subject identification: Full legal name, date of birth, and last known address of the individual named in the warrant
- Warrant classification: Designation as arrest warrant, bench warrant, search warrant, or other specialized type
- Case information: Docket number, originating court, and presiding judge
- Issuance details: Date of authorization and expiration date (if applicable)
- Alleged offense: Criminal charges or civil violations prompting the warrant
- Legal basis: Probable cause statement or other justification for issuance
- Execution parameters: Specific conditions governing how the warrant may be served
- Bond information: Bail amount and conditions (for applicable warrant types)
The Suffolk County Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 6, which governs warrant procedures and documentation requirements.
How to Check For Warrants in Suffolk County For Free
Suffolk County residents and other interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by county authorities:
In-person inquiry at the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office Suffolk County Sheriff's Department 20 Bradston Street Boston, MA 02118 Phone: (617) 635-1000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Direct contact with the Suffolk County Clerk of Courts Suffolk County Clerk of Courts Suffolk County Courthouse 3 Pemberton Square Boston, MA 02108 Phone: (617) 788-8175 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Utilization of public access terminals at Suffolk County courthouses Suffolk Superior Court 3 Pemberton Square Boston, MA 02108 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide proper identification and basic personal information to facilitate the search process. Pursuant to Massachusetts warrant search procedures, requestors may need to complete standardized forms when conducting in-person inquiries.
Suffolk County Sheriff Warrants
The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes various types of warrants as authorized under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276. These legal instruments grant sheriff's deputies specific authority to perform law enforcement functions, including:
- Arrest warrants: Authorizing the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses
- Bench warrants: Issued when individuals fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings
- Civil process warrants: Permitting the service of civil court orders and judgments
- Search warrants: Allowing examination and seizure of property under specified conditions
Sheriff's warrants contain detailed information required by Massachusetts law, including:
- Subject identification data
- Specific legal action authorized
- Geographical jurisdiction limitations
- Time constraints for execution
- Special instructions for deputies
The Suffolk County Sheriff's Warrant Apprehension Unit operates under the authority granted by M.G.L. Chapter 37, Section 11, which establishes the sheriff's power to execute warrants throughout the county. This specialized unit coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend individuals with active warrants.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Suffolk County in 2025
Suffolk County residents seeking to determine warrant status in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by county authorities:
The Suffolk County Court's electronic case access system, available through public terminals at: Edward W. Brooke Courthouse 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Direct telephone inquiry to the Suffolk County Criminal Clerk's Office Phone: (617) 788-8160 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
In-person verification at any Suffolk County police department Boston Police Department Headquarters 1 Schroeder Plaza Boston, MA 02120 Phone: (617) 343-4500 Hours: 24 hours daily
Individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and address when making inquiries. The verification process is governed by the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, which establishes protocols for warrant issuance and public notification.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Suffolk County
Suffolk County maintains multiple access points for individuals seeking to verify outstanding warrant status. These official channels include:
The Massachusetts Trial Court's Electronic Case Access system, accessible through: Suffolk County District Attorney's Office 1 Bulfinch Place Boston, MA 02114 Phone: (617) 619-4000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Direct contact with the Suffolk County Probation Department Suffolk County Probation Department 3 Pemberton Square, Room 300 Boston, MA 02108 Phone: (617) 788-8100 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written request to the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board Department of Criminal Justice Information Services 200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200 Chelsea, MA 02150 Phone: (617) 660-4600 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Massachusetts Public Records Law § 66-10, requestors must provide proper identification when seeking warrant information. Certain administrative fees may apply for certified copies of warrant documentation, though basic status verification is typically provided without charge.
Search Warrant Records in Suffolk County
Suffolk County residents seeking to access warrant records may utilize resources provided by local law enforcement agencies. The Revere Police Department maintains public information regarding warrant procedures and access protocols.
Suffolk County District Court
40 Thorndike Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 494-4100
Massachusetts Court System
