Criminal records in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, are available through several channels. NorfolkCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the Norfolk Police Department — and the court clerk's office. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and obtaining criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Norfolk
Start by determining what type of record you need: case information, a police report, or a criminal history check. This will determine where to go.
Online Search
- NorfolkCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to find publicly available criminal case data in Norfolk County.
- Massachusetts Trial Court Case Search — the masscourts.org portal allows you to search state district and superior court cases by defendant name or case number. Norfolk County criminal cases are primarily heard in Dedham District Court and Norfolk Superior Court.
- Request a Police Report — the public records request form of the Norfolk Police allows you to apply for a copy of a police report. Under Massachusetts law (G.L. c. 66), the department has 10 business days to respond.
- iCORI — the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) system for checking your own criminal history or conducting a check with the person's permission.
In Person
Visit the clerk's office at Dedham District Court or Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham. Public access terminals usually allow you to view the case registry. A clerk can help find a specific case.
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the clerk's office of the relevant court or to DCJIS to obtain an official criminal history. Include the person's full name, date of birth, and, if known, the case number. Requests for Norfolk city public records are governed by updated policies in accordance with G.L. c. 66 and c. 4.
To start your search, prepare:
- Full name (including spelling variations)
- Date of birth
- Case number (if available)
- Name of the court where the case was heard
Search Norfolk Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Massachusetts, each criminal case is assigned a unique number that includes several elements. The typical format:
YYCR######
- YY — the last two digits of the year the case was filed (e.g., 24 for 2024)
- CR — case type code. "CR" means a criminal case. Other codes: "SP" for minor offenses, "OUI" for driving under the influence cases
- ###### — sequential case number within the court
The court abbreviation is sometimes indicated before the number. For example, a case from Dedham District Court may have the prefix "0526" — the internal code of this court in the Massachusetts Trial Court system. Knowing the exact number will help you find the case faster than by name, especially if the surname is common.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Norfolk
Each criminal case in the county contains several key data categories. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Massachusetts General Laws, e.g., G.L. c. 265, § 13A (assault and battery) |
| Severity Level | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the trial |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is actively being considered by the court
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, and the case is closed
Hearings
Types of court hearings you may see in records:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — a preliminary hearing to determine the sufficiency of evidence
- Pre-trial conference — a meeting of the parties before the main trial
- Trial / Sentencing — the main trial and sentencing
- Review hearing — a review hearing, often related to probation conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Continued without a finding (CWOF) | The court postponed the decision; if the defendant meets probation conditions, the case will be closed. This is a Massachusetts-specific outcome |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Norfolk
Certified copies of criminal records are documents with official confirmation of their authenticity. They are needed for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings in other jurisdictions.
Where to Apply
Clerk's Office — to obtain certified copies of court documents, contact the clerk's office of the court where the case was heard. For most Norfolk County criminal cases, this is:
Norfolk Superior Court — Clerk's Office
Dedham District Court
DCJIS (Department of Criminal Justice Information Services) — to obtain a complete criminal history (CORI). Requests can be submitted through the iCORI system online or by mail.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the court clerk's office with valid identification (driver's license or passport). Request a certified copy of the required document
- By Mail — send a written request including the case number, party names, a copy of identification, and payment. The address is listed above
- Online (CORI only) — register in the iCORI system on the DCJIS website to check your own criminal history
For the request, you need: full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and valid photo identification. For CORI requests from organizations — additional permission from the person whose history is being checked.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Norfolk
Fees depend on the type of document and the method of request. Below are approximate amounts established according to Massachusetts General Laws and Trial Court rules.
| Service | Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Set by Massachusetts Trial Court rules |
| Document certification | $2.50 per document | In addition to copying costs |
| iCORI — check your own criminal history | $25.00 | DCJIS, online |
| CORI for organizations (per request) | $25.00 | DCJIS, requires organization registration |
| Police report (copy) | Varies | Depends on volume; the first pages may be free according to G.L. c. 66, § 10 |
Processing Times
- Court Clerk's Office (in person) — usually the same day or within a few business days
- Mail request to court — from 5 to 15 business days
- iCORI — results are usually available within minutes after submitting an online request
- Police report — up to 10 business days from the receipt of the request, according to Massachusetts General Law requirements
Payment at the court clerk's office is usually accepted by check or money order payable to the relevant court. Confirm acceptable payment forms before visiting or sending a mail request.