Criminal records in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. HampshireCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Hampshire County. The Hampshire Superior Court and district courts within the county also maintain case records, and the Massachusetts Trial Court provides statewide electronic access to many case types.
How to Search Criminal Records in Hampshire
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Hampshire County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or certified documents.
Online Search Options
- HampshireCourt.us — Start here to search publicly available court record information for Hampshire County cases.
- Massachusetts Trial Court eServices — The state's official case lookup portal allows searches across district, superior, and other trial court departments. You can search by name or case number for criminal, civil, and other case types.
- iCORI (Internet-based Criminal Offender Record Information) — The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) operates iCORI, which lets individuals and organizations run criminal background checks on themselves or others (with proper authorization).
In Person
- Visit the Hampshire Superior Court Clerk's Office in Northampton to search records or request copies.
- The Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown and the Northampton District Court also handle criminal cases and maintain their own records.
- Public access terminals may be available at courthouse locations for case lookups.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the clerk of the court where the case was heard. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a statewide criminal history, submit a request to DCJIS. A mail-in CORI request requires a completed application form, government-issued photo ID, and the applicable fee.
To begin any search, you'll typically need at least the person's full legal name. A date of birth, case number, or court location will narrow results significantly.
Search Hampshire Criminal Cases by Case Number
Massachusetts courts assign case numbers using a standardized format. Understanding the structure helps you locate the right record quickly.
A typical Massachusetts case number looks like this: 2385CR000123
- 23 — The two-digit year the case was filed (2023).
- 85 — A court code identifying the specific court (each district, superior, and specialty court has its own code).
- CR — The case type code. "CR" indicates a criminal case. Other codes include "SP" for supplementary process or "CV" for civil matters.
- 000123 — The sequential case number assigned by the court.
If you have a case number, enter it directly into the Massachusetts Trial Court eServices portal for the fastest results. Partial case numbers can sometimes return results, but a complete number avoids ambiguity when multiple cases involve the same parties.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Hampshire
Criminal case records in Hampshire County contain several key data points. Here's what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section (e.g., M.G.L. c. 265 § 13A for assault and battery). |
| Severity | Classified as felony, misdemeanor, or civil infraction. Felonies in Massachusetts are generally offenses punishable by state prison time. |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or modified through plea negotiations or at the court's discretion. The record will reflect both original and amended charges. |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting further proceedings.
- Active — Court proceedings are underway.
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.).
- Closed — All matters related to the case, including sentencing and compliance, are complete.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant's first court appearance where charges are formally read and a plea is entered.
- Preliminary Hearing — A hearing to determine whether enough evidence exists to proceed (more common in felony cases).
- Pre-Trial Conference — A meeting between prosecution and defense to discuss case issues, potential plea agreements, and trial readiness.
- Sentencing — The hearing where a judge imposes a sentence following a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review Hearing — A follow-up hearing to check compliance with court orders, probation, or other conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted of the charge. |
| Not Guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial. |
| Dismissed | The case was dropped by the court or prosecution. |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecution chose not to pursue the case further. |
| Continued Without a Finding (CWOF) | Common in Massachusetts — the defendant admits to sufficient facts, but no guilty finding is entered. The case is continued on probation and may be dismissed if conditions are met. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Hampshire
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official court seal and can be used for legal proceedings, employment verification, and other formal purposes.
Where to Request
- Clerk of Courts — For case-specific records (docket sheets, complaints, dispositions), contact the clerk's office at the court where the case was heard.
- DCJIS — For a certified criminal offender record information (CORI) report covering statewide criminal history.
Hampshire Superior Court — Clerk's Office
Northampton District Court
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Ask for certified copies of the specific documents you need.
- By mail: Send a written request identifying the case by number, defendant name, and the specific documents needed. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- CORI by mail: Complete the DCJIS mail-in CORI request form, include a copy of your government-issued ID, and mail it with the required fee to DCJIS.
Massachusetts public records requests can generally be made verbally, in person, or in writing, though a written request is recommended for documentation purposes.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Hampshire
Fees for criminal record copies in Massachusetts courts are set by statute and court rules. The following table reflects standard fees:
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Standard per-page rate for uncertified copies. |
| Certification fee | $2.50 | Per document, added to the copy cost. Provides an official court seal. |
| iCORI background check (personal) | $25.00 | For individuals checking their own CORI through the online portal. |
| iCORI background check (organization) | $25.00 | For registered organizations with DCJIS authorization. |
| Mail-in CORI request | $25.00 | Payable by check or money order to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on the clerk's office workload.
- Mail requests: Allow 2–4 weeks for processing and return mailing.
- iCORI online: Results are typically available within minutes for standard checks.
- Older or archived records: May take longer if files need to be retrieved from off-site storage. Ask the clerk for an estimated timeline.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office or DCJIS before submitting payment. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the specific court or to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, depending on the request type.