Access New Bedford Criminal Court Records
New Bedford criminal court records are filed at the New Bedford District Court on North 6th Street. This court processes most criminal cases for the city, from drug charges to assault and theft. With a population around 101,000, New Bedford is one of the largest cities in Bristol County. Felony cases that go through a grand jury move to Bristol Superior Court in Taunton. You can search for New Bedford criminal records online, request copies by mail, or walk into the clerk's office. This guide explains where to go, what to expect, and how much it costs to get criminal court records in New Bedford.
New Bedford Overview
New Bedford District Court Records
New Bedford District Court is where most criminal cases in the city are handled. The court hears misdemeanors, arraignments, and preliminary hearings for felonies. It sits at 75 North 6th Street in the downtown area. If someone gets arrested in New Bedford, their first court date is almost always here.
| Court | New Bedford District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 75 North 6th Street New Bedford, MA 02740 |
| Phone | (508) 997-4511 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mass.gov - New Bedford District Court |
The clerk's office at the court takes record requests in person and by mail. Bring your ID and the case number or defendant's name. The staff will search the system and pull the file. Copies can be made while you wait for most current cases. Older cases stored off-site may take a day or two to get. If you need certified copies, let the clerk know up front because those cost more and need the court seal.
The New Bedford District Court page on mass.gov provides current contact details and location information for this court.
New Bedford District Court is the starting point for most criminal cases in the city. Contact the clerk to ask about record availability before you visit.
Bristol Superior Court for New Bedford Cases
Serious felonies from New Bedford are tried at Bristol Superior Court. That court is in Taunton, not New Bedford. The address is 11 Court Street, Taunton, MA 02780. You can call them at (508) 823-8900.
When a grand jury in Bristol County returns an indictment on a New Bedford case, the file moves from the district court to Superior Court. Crimes like drug trafficking, armed robbery, and murder are handled at this level. The clerk in Taunton keeps all the records for these cases. You can search for them on MassCourts by selecting "Superior Court" and "Bristol" as the location. The drive from New Bedford to Taunton is about 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Plan ahead if you need to go in person for copies.
Searching New Bedford Criminal Records
MassCourts is the free online tool for searching criminal court records. Go to masscourts.org and pass the security check. For New Bedford District Court cases, select "District Court" and pick "New Bedford." Enter the docket number to see charges, hearing dates, and case status. The system is available any time and does not cost anything to use.
There is a catch with criminal searches on MassCourts. Most criminal cases can only be found by case number, not by name. If you don't have the docket number, call the New Bedford District Court clerk at (508) 997-4511. The clerk can do a name-based lookup and tell you the case number. You can also go in person. In-person visits let you search by name and get copies the same day.
For a statewide criminal background check, use the iCORI system at icori.chs.state.ma.us. The fee is $25 per search. You need the person's name, date of birth, and last six of their Social Security number. CORI results cover all Massachusetts criminal cases, not just New Bedford. You can check your own record free once a year. After that, self-checks cost $25 each.
Note: The iCORI system runs under the rules set out in M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-172.
Bristol County District Attorney
Criminal cases from New Bedford are prosecuted by the Bristol County DA. The main office is at 1 Government Center in Fall River. Call (508) 828-2300 for information. The website at bristolda.com covers programs and office details.
The DA's office represents the Commonwealth in all criminal cases from New Bedford, whether at the district or superior court level. They run a victim-witness assistance unit that provides support and updates to people affected by crime. If you are a victim or witness, reach out to this office for information about your case. For copies of court files, the DA cannot help with that. You need to go through the clerk at the court where the case was filed.
New Bedford Criminal Record Fees
Fees for criminal record copies in New Bedford follow the state schedule. All Massachusetts courts use the same pricing.
- Non-certified copies: $0.05 per page
- Certified (attested) copies: $2.50 per page
- Certificate of court order: $20.00
- CORI background check: $25.00
- Self CORI: 1 free per year
- Court transcripts: $3.00 to $5.00 per page
The clerk accepts cash, check, and credit card for in-person payments. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the clerk of court. Also include a copy of your ID and a clear description of what you need. Mail processing takes two to three weeks. If you cannot pay, you can file an Affidavit of Indigency with the court to request a fee waiver.
Sealing Criminal Records in New Bedford
People with criminal records in Massachusetts may be able to get them sealed. Cases that ended in a dismissal or not guilty finding can be sealed right away under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100C. For convictions, misdemeanors can be sealed after three years and felonies after seven years per § 100A.
File the sealing petition at the court where your case was heard. For most New Bedford cases, that is the New Bedford District Court. Get the forms from the clerk, fill them out, and submit them. The judge reviews the petition and decides whether to seal the record. Once sealed, the case will not show up on most CORI checks. Law enforcement still has access to sealed records. If your case was at Superior Court, file the petition in Taunton instead.
Legal Help in New Bedford
New Bedford residents who face criminal charges and cannot pay for a lawyer can get a public defender at arraignment. The Committee for Public Counsel Services handles these appointments. The court checks your income before assigning an attorney.
The Massachusetts Bar Association referral service is at (617) 654-0400. They can connect you with a criminal defense lawyer for a $25 initial meeting. South Coastal Counties Legal Services helps people in Bristol County with civil legal matters and can refer you to criminal defense help. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has free guides on criminal law, record sealing, and court procedures. These resources are helpful whether you are dealing with an active case or trying to clear an old record.
Nearby Cities
Fall River is about 15 miles west and also in Bristol County with its own district court. Taunton is the county seat and home to Bristol Superior Court. Both cities have their own criminal court records pages with local details.
Bristol County Criminal Court Records
New Bedford is part of Bristol County. Criminal cases from the city are part of the Bristol County court system. The county page has full details on all court locations, the Superior Court in Taunton, and other district courts in the area. For more on the county system, visit the Bristol County page.