Access Lowell Criminal Court Records
Lowell criminal court records are filed at the courthouse on Jackson Street, where both Lowell District Court and a branch of Middlesex Superior Court operate under one roof. Lowell is one of the larger cities in Middlesex County with about 115,000 residents. You can search criminal court records in Lowell using the free MassCourts portal online or by going to the clerk's office at 370 Jackson Street. The MBTA Lowell commuter rail line gives easy access to the courthouse area from other parts of the region.
Lowell Court Overview
Lowell Criminal Court Locations
Lowell District Court is the main court for criminal cases in the city. It sits at 370 Jackson Street and handles misdemeanors, arraignments, and lower-level felonies. Call the clerk's office at (978) 459-4101 to ask about cases or records. The court sees a steady stream of cases from Lowell and surrounding towns. Walk-ins are accepted for record searches during business hours.
| Court | Lowell District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 370 Jackson Street Lowell, MA 01852 |
| Phone | (978) 459-4101 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Middlesex Superior Court also has a location in Lowell at the same address. This is one of two Superior Court sites in Middlesex County. The other one is in Woburn. Serious felony cases from the northern part of the county often go through the Lowell branch. Call (978) 656-7800 to reach the Superior Court clerk in Lowell.
| Court | Middlesex Superior Court - Lowell |
|---|---|
| Address | 370 Jackson Street Lowell, MA 01852 |
| Phone | (978) 656-7800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Having both courts at the same address makes record searches simpler. You can check both clerk's offices in one trip. Bring a photo ID for the security screening at the entrance. The Middlesex County District Attorney's Office prosecutes cases here. Visit middlesexda.com for case info and victim services.
How to Search Lowell Criminal Records
The Lowell District Court page on mass.gov has the court's official hours, phone numbers, and directions. Start here to confirm the schedule before heading to the courthouse.
The listing also covers what types of cases the court handles and links to forms for common filings.
MassCourts at masscourts.org is the best free way to search Lowell criminal court records online. Type in a name or case number and the system returns docket entries, charges, hearing dates, and case results. Both Lowell District Court and Middlesex Superior Court records show up. The tool works well for recent cases. Older cases may need an in-person search at the clerk's office.
The Middlesex Superior Court page covers the Superior Court locations, including the Lowell branch at 370 Jackson Street.
Check the Superior Court listing if your case involves a serious felony that would have been handled at the Superior Court level.
The Lowell Police Department keeps arrest records and incident reports separate from the court system.
Police reports can fill in details about an arrest that you may not find in the court docket alone.
To search in person, visit the clerk's window at 370 Jackson Street. You will need:
- Full name of the person
- Case number if known
- Approximate year the case was filed
- A valid photo ID
Staff will look up the case and let you view the file. You can then request copies of any documents in the public record.
Lowell Criminal Court Fees
Copy fees at Lowell courts match the statewide schedule. Plain copies cost $0.05 per page. Certified copies are $2.50 per page. A certificate of disposition is $20. Most people need just one or two documents, not the whole file. Ask the clerk what you actually need before placing an order.
CORI checks through icori.chs.state.ma.us cost $25 each. The iCORI system pulls records from all Massachusetts courts, not only Lowell. You need the person's full name and date of birth. The report lists charges, case outcomes, and any active warrants. It does not show sealed or expunged records. Many Lowell employers use CORI checks as part of the hiring process.
If you cannot pay the court fees, file an Affidavit of Indigency. A judge will review your income and may waive the costs. This covers copy fees and filing fees.
Sealing Records in Lowell
Massachusetts allows people to seal criminal records after a waiting period. Misdemeanor records in Lowell can be sealed 3 years after the case closes. Felony records take 7 years. You file the sealing petition at the court that handled the original case. For most Lowell cases, that means Lowell District Court or the Superior Court branch at 370 Jackson Street.
Sealed records do not appear on standard CORI background checks. Most employers and landlords will never see them. Some positions in law enforcement, child care, and health care still require full disclosure. The clerk has the sealing forms. There is no fee to file. A judge looks at the offense type, how much time has passed, and your record since then before making a decision.
Not every crime can be sealed. Sex offenses and certain violent felonies are excluded. If you are unsure whether your case qualifies, call the clerk's office or talk to a lawyer.
Note: Filing a sealing petition in Lowell takes a few weeks for a judge to review and decide.
Legal Help in Lowell
Merrimack Valley Legal Services provides free legal aid to low-income residents in the Lowell area. They can help with criminal record issues, CORI disputes, and sealing petitions. The Massachusetts Bar Association referral line at (617) 654-0400 can connect you with a criminal defense attorney. The first consultation is $25 for 30 minutes.
The court service center at Lowell District Court has staff who can help you find the right forms for your situation. They do not give legal advice, but they can walk you through the paperwork. If you need a public defender, the Committee for Public Counsel Services will assign one at your arraignment. UMass Lowell also has connections to legal clinics that sometimes help with criminal record matters for free.
Middlesex County Criminal Court Records
Lowell is part of Middlesex County, which is the largest county in Massachusetts by population. The county has numerous district courts and two Superior Court locations. Lowell hosts one of those Superior Court branches. For more on the full county court system, visit the Middlesex County page.
Nearby Cities
Lawrence is the closest qualifying city to the north in Essex County. Haverhill is also nearby and has its own district court. Both cities are short drives from Lowell and have their own criminal court pages on this site.