Somerville Criminal Court Records
Somerville criminal court records are filed at the Somerville District Court on Fellsway and at the Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. Somerville is part of the Greater Boston area in Middlesex County, with a population around 81,000. The city has its own district court that handles most criminal matters, from traffic offenses to misdemeanor charges. More serious felony cases get transferred to Middlesex Superior Court. You can look up Somerville criminal court records through the state's online system or by going to the clerk's office at either court. Below you will find court details, search steps, fees, and resources for Somerville cases.
Somerville Overview
Somerville District Court Criminal Records
The Somerville District Court is at 175 Fellsway. It handles criminal arraignments, misdemeanor trials, and some felony matters for the city. When someone gets arrested in Somerville, this is where the case starts. The clerk keeps all records on file and can help you get copies.
You can reach the court at (617) 666-8000. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-ins can request records at the clerk's window. Bring a photo ID and any case details you have, like a docket number or the defendant's full name. The clerk will search for the file. Same-day copies are typical for recent cases. If the file has been sent to storage, it could take a few extra days. The Somerville District Court page on mass.gov lists the full address, phone number, and hours.
| Court | Somerville District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 175 Fellsway Somerville, MA 02145 |
| Phone | (617) 666-8000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Below is the Somerville District Court page on mass.gov, which shows contact information and services for the court.
This page is the best place to verify hours and check for any closures before heading to the courthouse.
Middlesex Superior Court and Somerville Cases
Felony cases from Somerville that get indicted are sent to the Middlesex Superior Court at 200 Trade Center in Woburn. This is the same court that handles serious criminal cases from all across Middlesex County. The criminal clerk's office there keeps the files for all indicted cases.
You can call (781) 939-2700 to ask about a Somerville case at the superior court level. The office runs the same hours as the district court. If you visit in person, go to the second floor. Bring a photo ID. Having the docket number makes the search go much faster, but staff can also look up cases by the defendant's name. The Middlesex County Superior Court page on mass.gov has directions, parking info, and a list of services the clerk's office provides.
The screenshot below shows the Middlesex Superior Court listing, which handles all felony-level criminal court records from Somerville.
Use this resource to confirm the address and phone number before making the trip to Woburn.
How to Find Somerville Criminal Court Records
The MassCourts portal is the main online tool for searching criminal court records in Massachusetts. It is free. You can search for cases at both the Somerville District Court and Middlesex Superior Court. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. Criminal cases require a docket number to search. You cannot search by name for criminal matters online.
If you do not have the docket number, you need to contact the court directly. Call the Somerville District Court at (617) 666-8000 or visit in person. The clerk can run a name search and tell you if a record exists. For felony cases, try the Middlesex Superior Court clerk at (781) 939-2700 instead. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get copies on the spot.
You can also send a written request by mail. Address it to the clerk of the court where the case was filed. Include the defendant's name, date of birth, and any case details. Add a check for the copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Expect 5 to 10 business days for a response. Older Somerville criminal court records kept in off-site storage may take longer.
Somerville Criminal Background Checks
The CORI system is the statewide criminal background check tool in Massachusetts. It covers every court in the state, including the Somerville District Court and Middlesex Superior Court. CORI is run by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
You can check your own CORI for free once a year at the iCORI portal. Create an account, verify your identity, and the results come back fast. If you need to run a check on someone else, you must be an approved organization and pay $25 per search. Many employers and landlords in Somerville use CORI for screening.
Records that have been sealed will not show up on a CORI report. Massachusetts lets you seal a misdemeanor 3 years after the disposition date and a felony after 7 years. Dismissed cases and not guilty verdicts can be sealed right away. The Middlesex District Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases in Somerville and can answer questions about case status or victim services.
Note: Your first personal CORI check each year is free through iCORI.
Somerville Criminal Court Record Fees
The fees for getting copies of Somerville criminal court records are set by the state. They are the same at every court in Massachusetts.
- Non-certified copies: $0.05 per page
- Certified copies: $2.50 per page
- Certificate of order or judgment: $20.00
- CORI background check: $25.00
You can pay at the clerk's office with cash, check, or money order. Some courts take credit cards too. For mailed requests, send a check payable to the clerk's office of the court you are writing to. Include a stamped return envelope. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days, sometimes more for cases that are in storage.
If you have low income and cannot pay the fees, you can ask for a fee waiver by filing an Affidavit of Indigency. The court reviews your financial situation and decides whether to waive the cost.
Legal Resources for Somerville Criminal Cases
Greater Boston Legal Services covers Somerville and helps low-income residents with criminal record issues. They can assist with sealing records and understanding court procedures. Call (617) 371-1234 to ask about eligibility.
The Massachusetts Bar Association runs a referral service at (617) 654-0400. A 30-minute meeting with a lawyer costs $25. Their free Dial-A-Lawyer program runs on the first Wednesday of every month. MassLegalHelp at masslegalhelp.org has self-help guides on criminal court topics like arraignment, bail, and record sealing. Court forms are free to download from the Trial Court website. The Middlesex DA at middlesexda.com posts victim services information and crime prevention resources for Somerville and the rest of the county.
Middlesex County Criminal Court Records
Somerville is in Middlesex County. Criminal cases from the city are handled through the Middlesex County court system, which includes eleven District Courts and two Superior Court locations. For a full overview of the county system, additional court contacts, and fee details, check the county page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Somerville and each has criminal court records available through their local courts. Click any city to see its court details and search options.