In the state of Massachusetts, criminal records are tools to record the misdemeanor and felony charges, arrests and convictions of individuals. The state does provide access to these records to individuals who request them. Most records are available to the public, though restrictions may be in place. A criminal record will contain information that identifies the individual and then will include any information related to the individual's criminal actions. It is formed once an arrest occurs, so not everyone will have a file on hand. It is possible to gain access to most information on these records, but personal identification information is not available, including medical and financial information.
 

The Massachusetts criminal records are maintained by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, called the DCJIS. This agency must support the criminal justice system, meaning it must provide local courts, law officials and other agencies of the government with requested information. In addition, it administered the records of criminal activity when it is requested from local sources, including from individuals and private companies.
 

Whenever a criminal action occurs, the local jurisdiction whether that is a local court or law enforcement agency will gather this information and file it with the state. The agency maintains a central repository for information, but that does not mean all information contained within those files is given to the public. Several things must be done.

Individuals can request a copy of his or her criminal record. There is a fee of $25 required and a check to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is necessary. Send this, along with a self addressed, stamped envelope to the following address. All individual requests for criminal records for themselves must be mailed in to this address:

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
 

CORI Unit

200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200

Chelsea, Massachusetts 02150
 

For more information, or to conduct an employment criminal background check, it is possible to call the agency at 617 660-4600. By doing so, individuals will be able to request fingerprint kits for fingerprint testing.
 
Employers do not need to but may wish to request a waiver from an individual it plans to hire prior to conducting this type of test. By doing so, the employer ensures the information will be provided to them. Criminal records can be limited to just providing information about misdemeanors and felonies, without must detail, given to employers.
 

The state of Massachusetts only provides assurance that thorough records are kept for those actions occurring within the state. Information for other sources including other states and the federal government's charges, are not a part of state records. For this reason, individuals must ensure that they use all resources to look for criminal records in other states.

Massachusetts criminal records can answer a number of questions but they often are limited in terms of what is presented to the public as a whole. The agency does not provide information regarding juveniles or for sealed records to the public. It can also restrict other information as well.

 

• Massachusetts Crime Reports & Statistics

• Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Search