Criminal records in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, are available through several channels. PlymouthCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases by name or case number. Additionally, you can use official state court portals, contact law enforcement agencies, or reach out directly to the court clerk's office. Below is a practical guide to searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Plymouth
Start by determining the specific information you are looking for—details about a particular case, a criminal background check, or the status of an ongoing case. Depending on the purpose, there are several ways to search.
Online Search
- PlymouthCourt.us — Enter the full name of the person or case number to view publicly available information about criminal cases in Plymouth County.
- Massachusetts Trial Court Case Search — The masscourts.org portal allows you to search cases in the district and superior courts of the state. The search requires the defendant's first and last name or case number.
- iCORI — The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) system for criminal history checks. Registration and payment are required.
In-Person Visit
Plymouth District Court and Plymouth Superior Court have public terminals for case searches. The Clerk's Office can assist with finding older records that have not yet been digitized. Bring identification with you.
Written Request
You can send a request by mail to the clerk's office of the appropriate court or to the Plymouth County Public Records Department. Include in your request:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Purpose of the request
State-level criminal history requests are processed by DCJIS—they can be submitted online through the iCORI system or by mail to the department.
Search Plymouth Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Massachusetts has a clear structure that helps identify the court, case type, and year.
The typical format looks like this: 2358CR000123, where:
- 2358 — court code (e.g., Plymouth District Court)
- CR — case type (CR means criminal case; other designations: SP — minor offenses, MV — traffic violations)
- 000123 — sequential case number within the year
Sometimes a two-digit year precedes the number: for example, 2024 indicates the year the case was filed. If you only know the name but not the number, a name search through the state court portal usually provides a list of all related cases.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Plymouth
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Massachusetts General Laws (e.g., M.G.L. c. 265 § 13A — assault and battery) |
| Severity | Felony — handled in Superior Court; Misdemeanor — usually in District Court |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the trial |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
- Active — the court process is ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the case is concluded (verdict, closure, dismissal)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including appeals
Hearings
Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant is read the charges. Subsequent hearings may include preliminary hearings, pre-trial conferences, the trial itself, and, if necessary, sentencing hearings.
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted — charges not proven |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Continued Without a Finding (CWOF) | Specific to Massachusetts: the defendant acknowledges sufficient evidence, but no verdict is issued; the case is closed after a probationary period |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Plymouth
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes—employment, immigration, licensing. Where to obtain them depends on the type of record.
Clerk of Court
To obtain a certified copy of a specific court case, contact the clerk's office where the case was heard. In most cases, this is Plymouth District Court or Plymouth Superior Court.
You will need:
- Photo identification
- Case number (preferably)
- Completed request form—can be submitted on-site
State-Level Criminal History Check
DCJIS (Department of Criminal Justice Information Services) processes requests for Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). Individuals can check their own criminal history for free through the iCORI system. Employers and organizations must register separately.
Police Reports
Plymouth Police Department maintains incident and arrest reports. A police report request can be submitted through the Plymouth public records portal or by calling 508-322-3388.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Plymouth
The cost depends on the type of record and the method of request. Below are approximate fees according to Massachusetts General Laws and established court rates.
| Service | Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $1.00 per page | Set by the clerk's office |
| Document certification | $2.50 per document | In addition to the copy cost |
| CORI check via iCORI (for individuals—own history) | Free | DCJIS |
| CORI check (for organizations) | $25.00 per request | DCJIS |
| Police incident report | $5.00–$10.00 | Depends on volume; check with police |
Processing Times
Online requests through iCORI are usually processed within minutes. Written requests to the clerk's office may take 5 to 15 business days. More complex requests or those involving archived cases may take longer—check directly with the Plymouth County office.
Payment is usually accepted by check, money order, or (in some cases) credit card. Not all clerk's offices accept cash—it's best to verify in advance.