Hampden County Public Records /Hampden County Criminal Records

Hampden County Criminal Records

What Is Hampden County Criminal Records

Hampden County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Hampden County, Massachusetts. These records serve as the official history of arrests, prosecutions, and court dispositions for individuals charged with criminal offenses pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 167.

Criminal records in Hampden County typically include:

Arrest records maintained by the Hampden County Sheriff's Department and local police departments
Court case files maintained by the Hampden County Superior Court and District Courts
Incarceration records from the Hampden County Correctional Center
Probation and parole information from the Massachusetts Probation Service

The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) system, established under state law, governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal record information throughout the Commonwealth, including Hampden County.

Different types of criminal records exist within the Hampden County system:

Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a specific offense.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison for more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year in a county jail.
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 60A.
Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.

The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Hampden County include:

Hampden County Sheriff's Department
627 Randall Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
(413) 547-8000
Hampden County Sheriff's Department

Hampden County Superior Court
50 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 748-7760
Massachusetts Court System

Massachusetts State Police
Criminal Information Section
470 Worcester Road
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 820-2300
Massachusetts State Police

Criminal records typically document the complete criminal justice process, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing, and any subsequent probation or parole information.

Are Criminal Records Public In Hampden County

Criminal records in Hampden County are generally considered public records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, codified in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10. This statute establishes that "every person having custody of any public record shall, at reasonable times and without unreasonable delay, permit it to be inspected and examined by any person."

However, access to criminal records in Hampden County is specifically governed by the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) law, which establishes important distinctions between public and non-public information. The CORI law balances the public's right to information with privacy protections for individuals with criminal histories.

Under current Massachusetts law, the following criminal record information is generally accessible to the public:

Adult conviction records
Cases ending in a guilty finding
Court docket information for pending criminal cases
Information about individuals incarcerated in state or county facilities
Sex offender registry information (Level 2 and Level 3 offenders)

Conversely, the following criminal record information is typically restricted from public access:

Sealed records (eligible after certain waiting periods under state law)
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Cases that did not end in conviction
Records of ongoing criminal investigations
First-time drug possession cases that were continued without a finding and later dismissed
Certain domestic violence cases

The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) administers the CORI system and establishes regulations for access to criminal records. The DCJIS has implemented a tiered access system where different entities receive different levels of CORI access:

Open Access CORI: Available to any member of the general public
Standard Access CORI: Available to employers and housing providers
Required Access CORI: Available to organizations required by law to obtain CORI
Criminal Justice Agency CORI: Complete access for law enforcement and criminal justice agencies

It is important to note that while court proceedings in Hampden County are generally open to the public, certain proceedings may be closed at the discretion of the presiding judge, particularly when they involve sensitive matters such as cases involving minors or sexual assault victims.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hampden County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in Hampden County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures outline the current process for obtaining criminal records:

In-Person Requests at Courthouses

Individuals may visit Hampden County courthouses to request criminal record information:

Identify the appropriate court location based on where the case was heard
Visit the Clerk's Office during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Complete a record request form providing the subject's name and, if possible, date of birth
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees for copies (typically $1.00-$5.00 per page)

Hampden County Superior Court
50 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 748-7760
Hampden County Superior Court

Springfield District Court
50 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 748-8600
Springfield District Court

CORI Requests Through DCJIS

For official Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reports:

Register for an account on the Massachusetts iCORI system
Complete the online CORI request form
Provide required identifying information about the subject
Pay the required fee ($25 for most requests)
Receive results electronically or by mail

Department of Criminal Justice Information Services
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
(617) 660-4600
Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services

Written Requests to Law Enforcement Agencies

For arrest records and police reports:

Submit a written request to the appropriate police department
Include the subject's name, date of birth, and approximate date of incident
Provide a reason for the request
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Pay any applicable fees

Springfield Police Department
130 Pearl Street
Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 787-6310
Springfield Police Department

Attorney Requests

Licensed attorneys may request criminal records on behalf of clients by:

Submitting requests on official letterhead
Providing proof of representation
Including client authorization for release of information
Specifying exactly what records are being requested

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Section 172, certain criminal record information may be subject to restrictions, and requestors should be prepared to demonstrate legal authority to access such information.

How To Find Criminal Records in Hampden County Online?

Hampden County residents and other authorized individuals may access certain criminal records through various online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public criminal record information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.

Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access

The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains a comprehensive online case lookup system:

Visit the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal
Select "Case Search" from the available options
Choose "Hampden County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
Review search results showing case type, filing date, and status
Access publicly available case information including charges, hearing dates, and dispositions

This system provides access to both criminal and civil cases but does not include complete case files or documents.

Massachusetts Inmate Management System

For information about currently incarcerated individuals:

Navigate to the Massachusetts Department of Correction Inmate Search
Enter the individual's name or commitment number
Review results showing current location, offense information, and release date

This database only includes individuals currently in state custody, not those who have completed their sentences or are held in county facilities.

Hampden County Sheriff's Department Inmate Lookup

The Hampden County Sheriff's Department maintains a separate database for individuals in county custody:

Visit the Hampden County Sheriff's Department website
Navigate to the "Inmate Lookup" section
Enter the individual's name
Review booking information, charges, and bail status

This system only includes individuals currently held in Hampden County correctional facilities.

Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry

For information about registered sex offenders residing in Hampden County:

Access the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board website
Select "Search for Sex Offenders in Your City or Town"
Choose Hampden County or a specific municipality
Review Level 2 and Level 3 offender information including photographs, addresses, and offense information

By law, only Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders appear in public registry searches.

Massachusetts iCORI System

For official Criminal Offender Record Information reports:

Register for an account on the Massachusetts iCORI portal
Complete identity verification
Submit a CORI request with required information
Pay the applicable fee ($25 for most requests)
Receive electronic results

This system requires registration and fees but provides the most comprehensive criminal history information available to the public.

Users should note that online systems may have limitations in terms of historical data availability, and certain records may only be accessible through in-person requests at the appropriate government offices.

Can You Search Hampden County Criminal Records for Free?

Massachusetts law provides for public inspection of certain criminal records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 10(a), "every person having custody of any public record shall, at reasonable times and without unreasonable delay, permit it to be inspected and examined by any person."

Free In-Person Record Inspection

The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:

Hampden County Superior Court
50 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 748-7760
Hampden County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Springfield District Court
50 State Street
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 748-8600
Springfield District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Holyoke District Court
20 Court Plaza
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-6900
Holyoke District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

While inspection is free, courts typically charge fees for copies ($1.00-$5.00 per page) and certified documents ($5.00-$20.00 per document).

Free Online Resources

Several online portals provide free access to limited criminal record information:

Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access: This free public portal allows searches of court cases by name or case number. It provides basic case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status, but does not include full documents.
Hampden County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Department website offers a free inmate search function showing current inmates, their charges, and bail information.
Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry: The public registry provides free access to information about Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders residing in Hampden County.
Massachusetts Department of Correction Inmate Search: This free database allows searches for individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities.

Limitations of Free Access

Free resources typically have significant limitations:

Online case information may be incomplete or limited to basic details
Historical records may not be available through free online portals
Sealed or expunged records are not accessible through public searches
Juvenile records are generally not available to the public
Comprehensive criminal history reports require payment of fees through the iCORI system

For the most complete criminal record information, individuals may need to utilize the fee-based Massachusetts iCORI system or submit requests directly to the courts or law enforcement agencies.

What's Included in a Hampden County Criminal Record?

Hampden County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:

Identifying Information

Full legal name and any known aliases or prior names
Date of birth and place of birth
Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color
Identifying marks such as scars, tattoos, or birthmarks
Current and previous addresses
State Identification Number (SID) assigned by Massachusetts
FBI number (if applicable)
Booking photographs ("mugshots") from arrests
Fingerprint classification information

Arrest Information

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer information
Booking number and facility
Charges filed at time of arrest with Massachusetts General Laws citations
Bail or bond information including amount and conditions
Detention facility information if held in custody
Warrant information if arrest was pursuant to a warrant

Court Case Information

Court docket number and filing date
Court of jurisdiction (District Court, Superior Court)
Judge assigned to the case
Formal charges filed by the prosecutor with statutory references
Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
Arraignment date and plea entered
Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
Pre-trial motions and rulings
Evidence information and witness lists
Trial dates and proceedings

Disposition and Sentencing Information

Case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, continued without finding)
Conviction date if applicable
Sentencing information including:
- Incarceration terms and facility
- Probation length and conditions
- Fines, fees, and court costs imposed
- Restitution orders to victims
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
Post-conviction proceedings such as appeals
Probation or parole status and compliance information
Completion or violation of sentence terms

Additional Information

Active warrants or pending charges
Restraining orders or protective orders
Sex offender registration requirements and compliance
Firearms restrictions
License suspensions related to criminal convictions
Specialized court participation (drug court, veterans court)
Diversion program participation
Criminal history score calculations

The level of detail in criminal records may vary depending on the source of the information and the stage of the criminal justice process. Court records typically contain the most comprehensive information, while law enforcement records may focus primarily on arrest and charging details.

Access to complete criminal records is typically restricted to authorized criminal justice agencies, while members of the public may access only certain portions of these records as permitted under Massachusetts law.

How Long Does Hampden County Keep Criminal Records?

Hampden County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth's Records Conservation Board and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the severity of the offense.

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Section 8, government records must be preserved according to established schedules that balance public interest, historical value, and administrative needs.

Court Records Retention

The Massachusetts Trial Court maintains the following retention periods for criminal case records:

Felony Cases: Permanent retention for murder and manslaughter cases; 50 years for other felonies from date of final disposition
Misdemeanor Cases: 20 years from date of final disposition
Dismissed Cases: 10 years from date of dismissal
Juvenile Delinquency Cases: Until the subject's 27th birthday, unless sealed earlier
Youthful Offender Cases: 50 years from date of final disposition
Sealed Records: Maintained but not publicly accessible; eligible for sealing after waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies)
Expunged Records: Completely destroyed pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, Section 100E-100U

Law Enforcement Records Retention

Police departments and the Hampden County Sheriff's Office maintain records according to the following schedule:

Arrest Records: 50 years from date of arrest
Booking Photographs: 10 years for misdemeanors; 50 years for felonies
Incident Reports: 10 years for misdemeanors; 25 years for felonies
Investigation Files: 25 years for solved cases; permanent retention for unsolved major crimes
Sex Offender Registration Information: Lifetime for Level 2 and Level 3 offenders; 20 years for Level 1 offenders (unless reduced by law)

Corrections Records Retention

The Hampden County Sheriff's Department maintains incarceration records according to the following schedule:

Inmate Files: 7 years after final release from custody
Disciplinary Reports: 7 years after final release
Medical Records: 30 years after final release
Classification Records: 7 years after final release

Digital Records Considerations

As Hampden County has transitioned to digital record-keeping systems, retention policies apply equally to electronic and paper records. The Massachusetts Court System's MassCourts database and the Criminal Justice Information Services' CORI system maintain electronic records according to the same retention schedules that govern paper records.

It is important to note that even after official retention periods expire, information about criminal cases may persist in third-party databases, news archives, and other sources not subject to government records retention policies.

The Massachusetts Public Records Law provides that even after retention periods expire, agencies are not required to destroy records and may maintain them for historical or administrative purposes. Consequently, some criminal records may be retained indefinitely, particularly those related to serious offenses or cases of historical significance.