New Bedford Criminal Records

New Bedford criminal records are maintained by the New Bedford District Court, the Bristol County Superior Court, and the state CORI system managed by DCJIS. This page explains how to find and access criminal records tied to New Bedford and Bristol County, whether you're looking up a court case, requesting a police report, or navigating the official background check process.

New Bedford District Court

The New Bedford District Court is the first stop for most criminal cases in the city. It handles misdemeanors, civil infractions, and the initial arraignment of felony charges. If someone was arrested in New Bedford, their case almost certainly opened here. The court also handles protective orders, small claims, and other civil matters — but for criminal records purposes, the district court is where most people start their search.

The clerk's office can look up cases by name or case number. Public records are available to view at the courthouse, and copies can be obtained for a fee. Staff can also tell you whether a case has been resolved, transferred, or is still active. Call ahead if you're unsure what you need, since some requests take a bit of preparation.

Visit the New Bedford District Court page on mass.gov for updated contact info and any schedule changes before heading in.

The New Bedford District Court on North 6th Street handles local criminal cases for the city and surrounding communities. Contact details and services are listed on the court's state page.

Search New Bedford Criminal Records Online

Massachusetts provides a free public docket search at masscourts.org. You can search by name or case number and get results from courts across the state, including New Bedford District Court and Bristol County Superior Court. The search shows charges, case status, and upcoming hearings. It's free and available to anyone.

The Massachusetts Trial Court also has an online search at mass.gov. Both tools are useful for basic case lookups. They won't show sealed or expunged records. They also don't give you the same level of detail as a full CORI report. But for confirming whether a case is on file in the public record, these tools work well and cost nothing.

If you need an official criminal history — one that comes from DCJIS rather than just the court docket — you'll need to submit a CORI request. That process is covered below.

Bristol County Superior Court — New Bedford

When a New Bedford criminal case gets indicted by a grand jury, it moves to the Bristol County Superior Court. The New Bedford location sits at County Street and handles all superior court sessions for Bristol County's New Bedford division. This is where felony trials are held, pleas on major charges are entered, and sentences are issued for serious offenses.

Certified copies of court documents can be requested at the clerk's office. Some documents may require an advance written request, and fees apply. For large or complex cases, calling ahead to confirm what's available will save you time.

CORI — Criminal Offender Record Information

CORI is the official state system for criminal record information. DCJIS manages it, and all requests — whether by individuals or authorized organizations — go through the DCJIS system. CORI covers arrests, charges, and case outcomes from courts across Massachusetts, including both the District Court and Superior Court in New Bedford.

If you want to check your own criminal record, you can do that through the iCORI online portal. The fee is $25. People who can't afford this can request a waiver using an Affidavit of Indigency — you don't need a lawyer to file one. The iCORI system lets you pay, submit, and receive your report online without visiting any office.

For more on the CORI process, see the CORI page on mass.gov. For the law itself — including your rights around who can see your record — the CORI law overview on mass.gov is a good resource. CORI is defined under MGL c. 6 § 167.

New Bedford Police Department Records

The New Bedford Police Department maintains its own records separately from the court system. These include incident reports, arrest logs, and other documents generated by the department. Police records are not the same as court records — a police report might exist even if charges were never filed, and a court record might exist even if the original police report is restricted.

To request police records, you submit a public records request in writing. The department follows Massachusetts Public Records Law, which gives agencies 10 business days to respond. Some records are withheld — for example, records involving active investigations or juvenile matters. If you're requesting a report involving yourself, bring a photo ID if you go in person. For others' records, some personal information may be redacted.

Bristol County DA — New Bedford

The Bristol County District Attorney's office prosecutes criminal cases in New Bedford. The main office is in Fall River, but there's a district office in New Bedford on Purchase Street. If you need public records from the DA's office — such as case files or disposition letters — you can submit a request by email or mail.

Bristol County Sheriff

The Bristol County Sheriff's Office operates the county house of correction in North Dartmouth. Records related to incarceration in the county facility come from the sheriff's office, not from the court. These records are separate from the CORI system and from court case files.

Sealing and Expungement

Massachusetts law gives people two main tools to deal with old criminal records: sealing and expungement. They're different. Sealing removes the record from public-facing databases but keeps it in the state system. Expungement deletes the record entirely. Both are available in Massachusetts, though expungement is harder to qualify for.

Sealing is available under MGL c. 276 § 100A. Three years must pass after a misdemeanor case ends; seven years for a felony. The clock starts when all incarceration, probation, and parole ends — not when the case was filed or when the verdict came in. For New Bedford cases, you'd petition at the New Bedford District Court for district-level cases or at the New Bedford Superior Court for superior-level ones.

Expungement is governed by MGL c. 276 §§ 100E–100U. It applies mainly to cases from when someone was under 21, or to cases involving misidentification or fraud on the court. A judge reviews and approves expungement requests. The clerk's office can provide forms and guidance. If cost or the legal process feels overwhelming, check with local legal aid groups or the Bristol County Bar Association for help.

Sex Offender Registry

The Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) maintains the statewide list of registered sex offenders. The registry is separate from CORI and free to use. You can search by name or location at the SORB website. Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are publicly listed. Level 1 offenders don't appear in the public search results. Results include the offender's address, photo, and offense details when available.

Victim Notification — VINE

VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is a free service that lets crime victims track whether an offender is still in custody. Register at vinelink.com to get notified by phone, text, or email if someone is released, transferred, or escapes from a correctional facility. The service covers Bristol County's facilities and the state prison system, and it's available around the clock.

Bristol County Criminal Records

New Bedford is in Bristol County. The county court system handles all serious criminal cases. For full county court info and resources, see the county page.

View Bristol County Criminal Records

Nearby Cities

Other qualifying cities near New Bedford have criminal records resources through the same county court system.