Search Lynn Criminal Court Records
Criminal court records in Lynn are filed at Lynn District Court on Market Street. Lynn is one of the biggest cities in Essex County, with about 101,000 people. Most criminal cases that start with a Lynn arrest go through the district court first. Serious felonies get sent up to Essex Superior Court in Salem. You can search Lynn criminal court records online, by phone, or in person at the clerk's office. This page explains where to look, what it costs, and how to get copies of criminal case files from Lynn courts.
Lynn Overview
Lynn District Court Records
Lynn District Court is the primary court for criminal cases in the city. It sits at 20 Market Street, right in downtown Lynn. The court handles arraignments, misdemeanor trials, and preliminary hearings for felony charges. If someone is arrested in Lynn, their case almost always starts here.
| Court | Lynn District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 20 Market Street Lynn, MA 01901 |
| Phone | (781) 598-5000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mass.gov - Lynn District Court |
The clerk's office at Lynn District Court processes all record requests. You can ask for copies of docket sheets, complaint applications, and case dispositions. Bring your photo ID and the name or case number of the person you are looking up. Same-day copies are available for most requests. The staff is used to helping people who come in without much info, but a case number speeds things up a lot.
Visit the Lynn District Court page on mass.gov for full details on hours and services at this court.
Lynn District Court handles the bulk of criminal case processing for the city. Contact the clerk before visiting if you need specific records pulled from the archives.
Essex Superior Court for Lynn Cases
When a criminal case from Lynn involves a serious felony, it moves to Essex Superior Court. That court is in Salem, not Lynn. The address is 56 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970. You can reach them at (978) 744-1025.
Superior Court cases include indictments handed down by the Essex County grand jury. These cover crimes like murder, rape, armed robbery, and major drug offenses. If you are searching for a felony case from Lynn and can't find it at the district court, it was likely sent to Salem for prosecution at the Superior Court level. The clerk's office in Salem keeps all those records. You can also look them up online through MassCourts by selecting "Superior Court" and then "Essex" as the location. You will need the case number in most situations since criminal name searches are limited on the public portal.
How to Look Up Lynn Criminal Records
The main online tool is MassCourts. It is free and covers all Massachusetts courts. For Lynn cases, pick "District Court" and "Lynn" to search. You can enter a case number to pull up the full docket. The system shows hearing dates, charges, and case outcomes.
If you want a person's criminal history instead of a specific case, use the iCORI system. This is the state's official background check tool. Go to icori.chs.state.ma.us and pay the $25 fee. You need the person's full name, date of birth, and last six of their Social Security number. CORI results show all convictions and open cases across the state, not just Lynn.
Lynn residents can check their own CORI record free once a year. This self-check gives you a full view of what appears on your criminal history. After the free check, each one costs $25. The system is run by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services under M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-172.
Note: Criminal name searches on MassCourts are limited, so have a case number ready when you can.
Essex County District Attorney
Criminal cases from Lynn are prosecuted by the Essex County District Attorney. The DA's main office is in Salem at 10 Federal Street. You can call them at (978) 745-6610. Their website at essexdistrictattorney.com has details on the office and programs they run.
The DA's office handles everything from shoplifting charges to homicide cases. They have a victim-witness unit that keeps crime victims informed about court dates and case progress. If you are a victim or witness in a Lynn criminal case, this office is your main point of contact during the prosecution. For copies of actual court documents, you still need to go through the court clerk. The DA's office does not hand out copies of case files to the public.
Lynn Criminal Court Record Fees
Fees for copies of criminal records in Lynn are set by the state. All Massachusetts courts follow the same fee schedule. Here is what you pay:
- Non-certified copies: $0.05 per page
- Certified (attested) copies: $2.50 per page
- Certificate of court order: $20.00
- CORI check: $25.00 per request
- Self CORI: 1 free per year
You can pay at the clerk's window with cash, check, or credit card. For mail requests, send a check or money order to the Lynn District Court clerk along with your written request and a copy of your photo ID. Allow two to three weeks for processing. If you have low income, file an Affidavit of Indigency to request a fee waiver. The court reviews each request and decides if you qualify.
Sealing Criminal Records in Lynn
You can seal certain criminal records in Massachusetts. Dismissed cases and not guilty verdicts can be sealed right away under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100C. Convictions take longer. Misdemeanor convictions can be sealed three years after the case ends. Felony convictions need a seven-year wait under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100A.
File your sealing petition at the court where the case was heard. For most Lynn cases, that means Lynn District Court. The clerk has the forms. Fill them out, submit them, and the court will review your request. Sealed records are hidden from most public searches but still visible to law enforcement. If you have questions about whether your record qualifies, talk to a lawyer or call the clerk's office at (781) 598-5000.
Legal Help for Lynn Residents
The Essex County Sheriff's Department runs programs for people involved in the criminal justice system. They offer re-entry services and community corrections programs. For legal representation, the Committee for Public Counsel Services provides free lawyers to those who qualify at arraignment.
The Massachusetts Bar Association has a lawyer referral line at (617) 654-0400. Your first meeting with a referred attorney costs $25 for 30 minutes. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org offers free guides on criminal law topics, record sealing, and your rights in court. Northeast Legal Aid may also help Lynn residents with certain legal matters. If you cannot afford an attorney and don't qualify for a public defender, these free resources are a good place to start.
Nearby Cities
Several cities near Lynn also have criminal court records pages. Peabody has its own district court in Essex County. Revere is just south and uses the Chelsea District Court. Malden and Everett are close by in Middlesex County with their own courts as well.
Essex County Criminal Court Records
Lynn is part of Essex County. All criminal cases from the city fall under the Essex County court system. The county page has details on every court location in Essex County, fee information, and how the county handles criminal filings. For more on the full county system, check the Essex County page.