Quincy Criminal Court Records Search
Quincy criminal court records are held at the Quincy District Court on Adams Street. With about 101,000 residents, Quincy is a major city in Norfolk County and sees a steady flow of criminal cases each year. The district court handles most cases that come from arrests in the city. Serious felony charges go to Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham. You can search Quincy criminal records online through the state portal or visit the clerk in person. This page covers how to find case files, what fees apply, and where to get legal help with criminal court records in Quincy.
Quincy Overview
Quincy District Court Criminal Cases
Quincy District Court is the main court for criminal cases in the city. It hears misdemeanors, lesser felonies, and all arraignments. The court sits at 32 Adams Street in downtown Quincy, close to public transit and city hall.
| Court | Quincy District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 32 Adams Street Quincy, MA 02169 |
| Phone | (617) 471-1650 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mass.gov - Quincy District Court |
The clerk handles all record requests at Quincy District Court. You can get copies of docket sheets, complaints, and disposition records. Walk in with a photo ID and tell the clerk what you need. If you have a case number, the lookup takes just a few minutes. Without one, the clerk can try a name search but it may take longer. Criminal records at the district court go back many years, though older files might be stored off-site and need extra time to pull.
The Quincy District Court page on mass.gov shows office hours and services for this court location.
Quincy District Court processes the majority of criminal cases filed in the city. Call the clerk for details on record availability before visiting.
Norfolk Superior Court for Quincy Cases
Serious felony cases from Quincy go to Norfolk Superior Court. This court is not in Quincy. It is in Dedham, at 650 High Street. The phone number is (781) 329-7775. If you are looking for a felony indictment or a case that went through a grand jury, check with the clerk in Dedham.
Norfolk Superior Court handles the most serious criminal matters from across the county. Crimes like armed robbery, drug trafficking, and violent offenses end up there after a grand jury hands down an indictment. The drive from Quincy to Dedham takes about 20 minutes. You can search for these cases on MassCourts by picking "Superior Court" and "Norfolk" as the location. Have the case number ready for the best results.
Note: Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham serves all of Norfolk County, not just Quincy.
How to Search Quincy Criminal Court Records
The state runs a free online portal called MassCourts. Go to masscourts.org, pass the CAPTCHA, and select the court type. For Quincy cases, pick "District Court" and then "Quincy." Enter the docket number to find the record. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes.
Criminal cases on MassCourts mostly need a case number. Name searches work better for civil cases. If you don't have a number, your best bet is to call the clerk at (617) 471-1650 or visit in person. The clerk can search by name and date range and pull the file from the system. In-person searches give you the most complete results, especially for older cases that may not be fully digitized.
For a full criminal history check, use the iCORI system at icori.chs.state.ma.us. It costs $25 and shows all convictions and open cases statewide. You can also check your own record once a year for free. The CORI system is managed by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services under M.G.L. c. 6, § 167-172.
Norfolk County District Attorney
The Norfolk County DA prosecutes criminal cases from Quincy. Their office is at 45 Shawmut Road in Canton. Call (781) 830-4800 for general inquiries. The website at norfolkda.com has information on the office, press releases, and community programs.
The DA handles all criminal prosecutions from Quincy at both the district and superior court levels. They have a victim-witness program that provides updates to crime victims about court dates and case results. If you need to know the status of a criminal case being prosecuted from Quincy, the DA's office may be able to help. They do not provide copies of court files, though. Go to the court clerk for that.
Quincy Criminal Record Fees
Copy fees at Quincy District Court match the statewide schedule. Every Massachusetts court charges the same rates for record copies.
- Non-certified copies: $0.05 per page
- Certified (attested) copies: $2.50 per page
- Certificate of court order or decree: $20.00
- CORI background check: $25.00
- Self CORI: 1 free per year, then $25.00
Pay at the clerk's window with cash, check, or credit card. Mail-in requests should include a check or money order along with your written request and a photocopy of your ID. Mail processing takes two to three weeks. People who cannot afford the fees can file an Affidavit of Indigency. The court reviews the form and may waive the costs if you qualify.
Note: Call (617) 471-1650 to confirm current fees before visiting the courthouse.
Sealing Quincy Criminal Records
Massachusetts allows people to seal certain criminal records from public view. If your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you can file to seal it right away under M.G.L. c. 276, § 100C. Convictions have waiting periods. Misdemeanors need three years. Felonies need seven years under § 100A.
To seal a record from a Quincy case, go to the court where it was heard. For most cases that is Quincy District Court. The clerk has petition forms. You fill them out and submit them. The court then reviews the request and decides. Sealed records won't appear on standard CORI checks but law enforcement agencies can still see them. If you are not sure whether your case qualifies, ask the clerk or talk to a lawyer. The sealing process typically takes a few weeks from filing to decision.
Legal Resources in Quincy
If you face criminal charges in Quincy and cannot pay for a lawyer, you may get a public defender. The Committee for Public Counsel Services assigns attorneys at arraignment based on your income. If you don't qualify for a public defender but still need help, the Massachusetts Bar Association runs a referral service at (617) 654-0400. The first meeting with a referred lawyer costs $25 for half an hour.
The Norfolk County Sheriff's Department runs programs for people in the justice system, including re-entry and community service programs. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has free guides about criminal law, your rights, and how to seal records. South Shore Legal Aid can also help Quincy residents with certain types of legal issues.
Nearby Cities
Brockton is south of Quincy in Plymouth County with its own district court. Weymouth borders Quincy and uses the same district court for some matters. To the north, Boston has its own municipal and superior courts. Brookline is nearby in Norfolk County as well.
Norfolk County Criminal Court Records
Quincy is part of Norfolk County. Criminal cases from the city are part of the Norfolk County court system. The county page covers all court locations, fees, and procedures for the full county. For a broader look at how Norfolk County handles criminal case filings, check the county page.