Criminal records in Bristol County, Massachusetts, can be accessed through several channels. BristolCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Bristol County. Beyond that, the Massachusetts Trial Court system, local law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office at each Bristol County courthouse all serve as access points for criminal record searches. Whether you need to look up a pending case, verify a disposition, or obtain certified copies, the methods below explain how to get started.
How to Search Criminal Records in Bristol
Bristol County is served by multiple District Court divisions and the Bristol County Superior Court. Criminal records may be spread across these courts depending on the severity of the charge and where the case was filed. Here are the main ways to search:
Online Search
- BristolCourt.us — Search for publicly available Bristol County criminal court record information by name or case number.
- Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access — The state's official portal lets you search criminal cases across all Massachusetts trial courts, including Bristol County District Courts (Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro) and Bristol Superior Court. You can search by name, case number, or attorney.
- iCORI (Internet-based Criminal Offender Record Information) — The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) operates iCORI for criminal background checks. Registered users can obtain Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reports online.
In Person
- Visit the clerk's office at the relevant Bristol County courthouse. Public access terminals may be available for searching case records.
- Bristol County courthouses include:
- Fall River Justice Center (for Fall River District Court and Bristol Superior Court)
- New Bedford District Court
- Taunton District Court
- Attleboro District Court
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit 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 statewide criminal history reports, submit a CORI request through DCJIS. Mail-in requests require a completed CORI request form, valid government-issued photo ID, and the applicable fee.
What you need to begin a search:
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required for court lookups)
- Case number (if known)
- Court division where the case was filed
Search Bristol Criminal Cases by Case Number
Massachusetts courts assign case numbers using a structured format. Understanding the format helps you search more efficiently:
- Court code — A four-digit code identifying the specific court (e.g., 2072 for Fall River District Court, 2074 for New Bedford District Court, 2076 for Taunton District Court).
- Case type code — Two letters indicating the case type. Common criminal codes include:
- CR — Criminal (Superior Court)
- CR — Criminal (District Court, sometimes shown differently in docket systems)
- Year — The two- or four-digit year the case was filed.
- Sequence number — A sequential number assigned to the case within that court and year.
A typical case number might look like: 2072CR001234 — meaning Fall River District Court, criminal case, number 1234. When searching the Massachusetts Trial Court electronic system, enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Bristol
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section (e.g., M.G.L. c. 265, § 13A for assault and battery) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or civil infraction. Felonies are generally tried in Superior Court; misdemeanors typically in District Court. |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be amended through plea negotiation or at the court's discretion. The docket will reflect both the original and amended charges. |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting resolution |
| Active | Case is proceeding through the court process |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All proceedings, including any post-disposition matters, are complete |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — First court appearance; charges are read, plea is entered, bail is set
- Preliminary hearing — Determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss the case with the judge; plea offers may be made
- Motion hearing — Arguments on legal motions (e.g., to suppress evidence)
- Trial — Bench or jury trial
- Sentencing — Penalty is imposed after a guilty finding or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up on probation compliance or other court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant found or pleaded guilty |
| Not guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Nolle prosequi | Prosecution declined to pursue the case |
| Continued without a finding (CWOF) | Common in Massachusetts — defendant admits to sufficient facts, but no guilty finding is entered. If probation is completed successfully, the case is dismissed. |
| Filed | Case is placed on file and not actively prosecuted, but not formally dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Bristol
From the Clerk of Court
Certified copies of criminal case records — including docket sheets, complaints, and dispositions — can be obtained from the clerk's office at the court that handled the case. You will need to:
- Visit the clerk's office in person or submit a written request by mail.
- Provide the case number, defendant's name, and specify which documents you need.
- Present a valid government-issued photo ID if requesting in person.
- Pay the applicable copy and certification fees.
Key Bristol County court clerk offices:
Fall River Justice Center (Bristol Superior Court & Fall River District Court)
New Bedford District Court
Taunton District Court
Attleboro District Court
Hours for most clerk offices are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Call ahead to confirm, as hours may vary.
Statewide Criminal History (CORI)
For a comprehensive criminal history report, submit a request through the Massachusetts DCJIS iCORI system. Individuals can request their own CORI online. Organizations must register with DCJIS to access CORI for employment or licensing purposes.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Bristol
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies | $2.50 per page | Standard fee for photocopies at Massachusetts trial courts |
| Certification fee | $2.50 per document | Added to the copy cost for each certified document |
| iCORI self-request | $25.00 | For individuals requesting their own CORI report online |
| iCORI organizational request | $25.00 per query | For registered organizations conducting background checks |
| Mail-in CORI request | $25.00 | Submit with completed form and copy of valid photo ID |
Processing times:
- In-person court record copies: Often available same day, depending on staff availability and record volume.
- Mail requests to clerk's office: Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing.
- iCORI online: Results are typically available within minutes for standard requests.
- Mail-in CORI: Allow 2–4 weeks.
Fees are set under Massachusetts Trial Court fee schedules and DCJIS regulations. Contact the relevant clerk's office or visit the DCJIS website to confirm current fees before submitting a request.