Boston, Massachusetts Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Boston, Massachusetts?
Warrants are public records in Boston, Massachusetts, pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (M.G.L. c. 66, § 10). This statute establishes that documents and records maintained by government agencies, including warrant records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Commonwealth's commitment to transparency ensures accountability in the judicial system and allows citizens to stay informed about legal proceedings that may affect public safety.
Warrant records maintained by the Boston Police Department and the Massachusetts court system are generally available for public inspection. These records serve as official documentation of judicial actions authorizing law enforcement to make arrests or conduct searches. Under Massachusetts law, the public's right to access these records is balanced with privacy considerations, ensuring that sensitive information is protected while maintaining openness in governmental operations.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and the Boston Municipal Court maintain records of warrants issued within their jurisdiction. These records are subject to the provisions of the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be accessed through established procedures for requesting public information.
Where Can I Find Warrants Online in Boston?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides several official channels through which members of the public may access warrant information online:
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access: The Trial Court maintains an electronic portal where certain warrant information may be accessed. Not all warrants are available through this system, particularly those under seal or related to ongoing investigations.
Boston Police Department Website: The department maintains a section for Boston's Most Wanted individuals, which includes information about outstanding warrants for serious offenses.
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department: The Sheriff's Department maintains records of individuals with outstanding warrants who are being sought by law enforcement.
Massachusetts Probation Service: For warrants related to probation violations, the Probation Service maintains records that may be accessed by authorized parties.
Individuals seeking warrant information may also utilize the Massachusetts Court Records search services, which compile public record information from various official sources.
Boston Police Department
1 Schroeder Plaza
Boston, MA 02120
Phone: (617) 343-4500
Official Website
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Boston in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Boston may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Massachusetts court system has implemented updated procedures for 2025 that facilitate access to warrant status information:
Online Verification: The Massachusetts Trial Court's electronic case access system allows individuals to search for their name to determine if warrants have been issued. This service requires personal identifying information to ensure accurate results.
Direct Inquiry: Individuals may contact the Clerk's Office of the Boston Municipal Court directly to inquire about warrant status. Pursuant to court procedures, proper identification must be provided when making such inquiries.
Legal Representation: Attorneys licensed to practice in Massachusetts may access warrant information on behalf of their clients through the court's attorney portal system.
In-Person Request: Individuals may appear in person at the Suffolk County Courthouse to request warrant information from the Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
It should be noted that pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 23A, certain warrants may not be visible in public databases if they pertain to ongoing investigations or have been sealed by judicial order.
Boston Municipal Court - Central Division
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 788-8600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Boston
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides established procedures for checking outstanding warrants in Boston. Pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 276, members of the public may verify warrant status through the following official channels:
Electronic Verification: The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains an electronic case lookup system where warrant information may be accessed. Users must provide proper identifying information to conduct a search.
Boston Police Department Records Unit: The Records Unit processes requests for warrant information in accordance with departmental policies and applicable state laws. Requests may be submitted in person or through authorized representatives.
Suffolk County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains a database of individuals with outstanding warrants within the county. This information may be accessed by submitting a proper request to the Records Division.
Probation Department Inquiry: For warrants related to probation violations, the Massachusetts Probation Service can provide information regarding outstanding warrants.
Individuals conducting warrant searches should be aware that pursuant to Massachusetts law, certain information may be redacted or unavailable if it pertains to ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or cases that have been sealed by court order.
Suffolk County Sheriff's Department
20 Bradston Street
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 635-1000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contents of a Boston Warrant Records
Boston warrant records contain specific information as prescribed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276 and the rules of the Massachusetts Trial Court. These records typically include the following components:
Subject Information: Full legal name of the individual for whom the warrant has been issued, along with identifying information such as date of birth, last known address, and physical description when available.
Warrant Classification: Designation of the type of warrant issued (e.g., arrest warrant, bench warrant, default warrant, or search warrant) and the statutory authority under which it was issued.
Case Information: The docket number, originating court, and judicial district associated with the legal proceedings that generated the warrant.
Offense Details: Description of the alleged criminal violation or court order violation that precipitated the issuance of the warrant, including relevant Massachusetts General Laws citations.
Issuance Information: The date on which the warrant was issued, the name of the issuing judicial officer, and the court from which it originated.
Bail Information: When applicable, the warrant may specify bail amounts or conditions that must be satisfied for release following execution of the warrant.
Service Instructions: Special instructions for law enforcement regarding the execution of the warrant, including any safety concerns or specific procedures to be followed.
Pursuant to the recent warrant enforcement operations conducted by the Boston Police Department, warrant records are maintained in accordance with established protocols for documentation and record-keeping.
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
Search Arrest Records in Boston
