Search Criminal Records in Medford
Medford criminal court records are filed at the Cambridge District Court, which is actually located in Medford on Mystic Valley Parkway. The city has about 58,000 residents and sits in Middlesex County just north of Boston. Despite the name, the Cambridge District Court building is physically in Medford and handles criminal cases from both cities plus several surrounding towns. Felony cases go to Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. This page explains how to search for Medford criminal records, what it costs, and where to get help with your case.
Medford Overview
Courts Serving Medford
The Cambridge District Court handles all misdemeanor and lower-level criminal cases from Medford. The court is at 4040 Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford, MA 02155. You can call them at (781) 306-2715. Even though it has "Cambridge" in the name, the building sits in Medford. This is where arraignments happen for Medford arrests. The court also handles criminal matters from Arlington, Belmont, and Cambridge.
| Court | Cambridge District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 4040 Mystic Valley Parkway Medford, MA 02155 |
| Phone | (781) 306-2715 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
The Cambridge District Court page on mass.gov shows the court's full jurisdiction and contact details for searching Medford criminal court records.
When a Medford case involves a felony charge, it moves to Middlesex Superior Court. That court is at 200 Trade Center in Woburn, MA 01801. Felony indictments come from the Middlesex County grand jury, and those cases are tried at Superior Court. Drug trafficking, armed robbery, and serious violent crimes all go through this court.
The Middlesex Superior Court handles felony criminal cases from across the county, including cases originating in Medford.
The Middlesex District Attorney's office prosecutes criminal cases from Medford. They handle the full range of charges, from minor offenses to homicide cases. Victim-witness advocates are on staff to help people involved in cases.
How to Search Medford Criminal Records
You can look up Medford criminal court records online through masscourts.org. The state runs this free search portal. It covers Cambridge District Court and Middlesex Superior Court. Type in a name or case number and the system pulls up matching results. You can see charges, court dates, and the current status of a case. The tool works well for quick checks on public criminal cases.
Not everything shows up online though. Sealed records are hidden. Juvenile cases are blocked. Some very old cases may not be in the digital system at all. If you need records that don't appear online, go to the clerk's office at Cambridge District Court in person. Staff can pull files and make copies for you right there. Bring a valid photo ID and the name or case number you are looking for.
For a full background check, use the iCORI system. Go to icori.chs.state.ma.us and create an account. Each search costs $25. The system checks the entire state database of criminal records. Results come back fast. Employers use it for hiring. Landlords use it for tenant screening. You can also run your own CORI check to see what shows up on your record.
Note: Court docket searches on MassCourts are free, but CORI checks through iCORI cost $25 per name.
Medford Criminal Record Fees
Copy fees at Cambridge District Court follow the statewide schedule. A non-certified copy is $0.05 per page. Most people get these when they just need to read the record. Certified copies cost $2.50 per page and have an official court stamp. Certificates from the court cost $20 each. These fees apply at all Massachusetts courts.
You pay at the clerk's window. Cash and checks work at most courts. Some locations take credit cards now, but you should call (781) 306-2715 to ask before you go. Mail requests are also possible. Send a written request with the case name or number, what documents you need, and a check for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
The $25 iCORI fee covers a single name search across the whole state. Under M.G.L. Chapter 6, Section 172, the state sets the rules for who can access CORI and what it costs. Employers must follow specific steps under M.G.L. Chapter 151B, Section 4 when using criminal records in hiring decisions.
Legal Resources in Medford
The Committee for Public Counsel Services assigns lawyers to people who can't afford one. At your arraignment at Cambridge District Court, tell the judge you need a public defender. The court checks your income and assigns a lawyer if you qualify. You don't need to apply ahead of time.
The Massachusetts Bar Association referral line is (617) 654-0400. A first meeting with a criminal defense lawyer costs $25 for 30 minutes. The Middlesex County Bar Association also has a referral service. For free legal information, masslegalhelp.org has guides on the criminal court process, your rights, and what to expect at each stage of a case.
Middlesex County Criminal Court Records
Medford is in Middlesex County, the most populous county in Massachusetts. The Middlesex District Attorney handles all criminal cases from Medford and dozens of other cities and towns. For a full look at court locations, fees, and county-wide resources, visit the Middlesex County page.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Medford with criminal court records pages:
- Malden - right next to Medford in Middlesex County
- Somerville - borders Medford to the south
- Cambridge - shares the same district court
- Everett - nearby in Middlesex County