Norfolk County Criminal Court Records
Norfolk County criminal court records are filed and stored through the county's court system based in Dedham. The county seat holds the Superior Court, and district courts across the region handle lower-level criminal matters in places like Quincy, Brookline, Stoughton, and Wrentham. You can look up criminal case dockets for free through MassCourts online. Norfolk County covers about 700,000 residents across 28 cities and towns south and west of Boston. Criminal records from this county include felony cases at Superior Court and misdemeanors at the various district courts spread across the area.
Norfolk County Overview
Norfolk Superior Court Criminal Records
Norfolk Superior Court is at 650 High Street in Dedham. This is where all felony criminal cases in the county are tried. The clerk's office manages case files and can pull records for you. Call (781) 329-7775 to reach the clerk. The court is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Felony cases like drug trafficking, armed robbery, serious assault, and homicide go through this court. The clerk keeps docket sheets, motions, transcripts, and disposition records for every case. You can walk in and ask for copies at the clerk's window. Bring the case number if you have it. The staff can search by name too, but it takes longer. Non-certified copies are $0.05 per page. Certified copies cost $2.50 per page. Certificates are $20.00 each. You can reach the clerk by email at norfolk.clerksoffice@jud.state.ma.us for questions about records.
One nice thing about the Dedham courthouse is free parking. The lot has plenty of space on most days. You can also take the MBTA Franklin/Foxboro Line to the Dedham Corporate Center stop and walk from there.
| Court | Norfolk Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 650 High Street Dedham, MA 02026 |
| Phone | (781) 329-7775 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | mass.gov - Norfolk Superior Court |
District Courts in Norfolk County
Norfolk County has several district courts that handle misdemeanors and lower-level felonies. Each court covers a group of towns within the county. Criminal records from any of these courts can be searched through MassCourts online.
Dedham District Court is at 631 High Street in Dedham, right near the Superior Court. Call (781) 329-4777. It covers Dedham, Needham, Norwood, Wellesley, Dover, and other nearby towns. Quincy District Court is the busiest district court in Norfolk County. It sits at 32 Adams Street in Quincy. The phone is (617) 471-1650. This court handles criminal cases from Quincy, Braintree, Cohasset, Holbrook, Milton, Randolph, and Weymouth. Brookline District Court is at 360 Washington Street in Brookline. Call (617) 232-4660 for case info.
The other district courts in Norfolk County are in Stoughton, Wrentham, Natick, Milford, and Uxbridge. Stoughton District Court can be reached at (781) 344-2127. Wrentham District Court handles cases from the southern part of the county at (508) 384-4400. Natick District Court is at (508) 875-7461. Milford District Court handles cases at (508) 478-4200, and Uxbridge District Court is at (508) 278-4600.
All district courts keep the same hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Fees match the statewide schedule.
Search Norfolk County Criminal Records Online
The MassCourts portal gives you free access to Norfolk County criminal court records from your computer. The system covers all courts in the county. You can look up docket sheets that show charges, hearing dates, and how a case ended. It works for both Superior Court and district court cases.
Below is a screenshot of the MassCourts portal used to search Norfolk County criminal court records.
Use this free portal to look up criminal dockets filed in any Norfolk County court.
One key limit to know: criminal cases on MassCourts are mostly searchable by docket number only. Name searches are limited for criminal records. If you have the case number, enter it with the right format. Superior Court criminal cases use a format like 1681CR02072. District Court cases look like 1153CR000005. Spacing and leading zeros matter. A wrong format gives you no results even if the case exists.
For a full criminal history tied to a person, use the iCORI system from the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. It costs $25 per check. You get one free self-check per year. The iCORI system pulls records from all courts in the state, not just Norfolk County.
Norfolk County District Attorney
The Norfolk County District Attorney's office handles prosecution of criminal cases across the county. Their main office is at 45 Shawmut Road in Canton. The phone number is (781) 830-4800. Visit norfolkda.com for information about the office.
You can file public records requests with the DA's office under the Massachusetts Public Records Law. The office has 10 business days to respond to your request. Some records from open cases or sealed matters will not be released. The DA's office also has victim witness advocates who can help crime victims understand their rights and the court process. If you are a victim looking for case updates, the DA's office is often a faster path than going through the court clerk.
Norfolk County Sheriff's Office
The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office is at 200 West Hartford Avenue in Dedham. Call (781) 329-3705 for general information. The Norfolk County Sheriff's website has details about inmate services, facility operations, and community programs.
Below is a screenshot of the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office website.
The sheriff's site provides inmate information and details about county correctional programs.
The sheriff's department does not manage criminal court records. Those stay with the court clerk's office. But the sheriff handles court security, prisoner transport, and the county correctional facility. If you need to find out if someone is being held at the Norfolk County Correctional Center, contact the sheriff's office directly. They can confirm custody status and provide visitation details.
Norfolk County Criminal Record Fees
Criminal court record fees in Norfolk County match the statewide schedule. Every court in the county charges the same rates. Here is what you can expect to pay:
- Non-certified copies: $0.05 per page
- Certified copies: $2.50 per page
- Certificates: $20.00 each
- CORI check through iCORI: $25.00
- Self CORI check: free once per year
Pay at the clerk's window with cash or check. Some courts take credit cards now. If you mail your request, send a check or money order to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Call ahead to get an estimate if you think the file is long. The clerk will not start on your copies until they have payment.
Under M.G.L. c. 276, Section 100A, certain criminal records may be sealed after a waiting period. Misdemeanors can be sealed 3 years after the case ends. Felonies take 7 years. File a petition at the court where your case was heard. There is no fee to petition for sealing, but you may want a lawyer to help with the paperwork.
Legal Resources in Norfolk County
Several groups offer legal help to Norfolk County residents dealing with criminal cases or records. South Shore Legal Aid serves low-income residents in the area. They handle criminal record sealing and other legal matters. The Massachusetts Bar Association lawyer referral line at (617) 654-0400 can connect you with a criminal defense attorney. The first meeting runs $25 for half an hour.
The MassLegalHelp website has free guides on criminal records, sealing, and expungement. You can find all court forms at mass.gov. The Dial-A-Lawyer program runs on the first Wednesday of each month at (617) 338-0610 and is free to call. If you can't afford court fees, file an Affidavit of Indigency to ask the judge for a waiver. This applies at any court in Norfolk County.
Cities in Norfolk County
Norfolk County has 28 cities and towns. Criminal cases from each go through the county court system. These cities have their own pages with more local details on criminal court records.
Other Norfolk County communities include Braintree, Milton, Needham, Norwood, Wellesley, and Franklin. Criminal cases from these towns go through the district court that covers their area.
Nearby Counties
These counties share a border with Norfolk County. Criminal cases are filed where the crime took place. Make sure you are looking in the right county for the records you need.