Criminal records in Hampden County, Massachusetts, can be accessed through several channels. HampdenCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for the county. Beyond that, official court systems — including the Massachusetts Trial Court and the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts — along with local law enforcement agencies and the clerk's office at the Hampden County courthouses, serve as additional access points for criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Hampden
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Hampden County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or certified documents.
Online Search Options
- HampdenCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information in Hampden County. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
- Massachusetts Trial Court Case Search (masscourts.org) — The state's official case lookup portal allows you to search criminal cases across Massachusetts District Courts and Superior Courts, including those in Hampden County. You'll need the defendant's full name or a case docket number.
- PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) — For federal criminal cases prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, use the PACER system. Registration is required, and per-page fees apply.
- Springfield Police Department Arrest Logs — The Springfield Police arrest log publishes recent arrest information for the city, which is the county seat and largest municipality in Hampden County.
In Person
- Visit the Clerk of Courts office at Hampden Superior Court or the appropriate District Court (Springfield, Holyoke, Palmer, Westfield, or Chicopee) to search records at public access terminals.
- Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can assist with locating case files.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Clerk of Courts at the relevant courthouse. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a statewide Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, submit a request to the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). Individuals can request their own CORI online through the iCORI system.
What you need to begin a search:
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required)
- Case or docket number (if known)
Search Hampden Criminal Cases by Case Number
Massachusetts courts use a standardized docket number format. Understanding the format helps you locate cases quickly.
A typical Massachusetts criminal case number looks like this: 2385CR000123
- 23 — The two-digit year the case was filed (2023)
- 85 — The court code identifying the specific court location (e.g., Hampden Superior Court or a particular district court)
- CR — The case type code; "CR" indicates a criminal case
- 000123 — The sequential case number assigned by the clerk's office
If you have a docket number, enter it directly into the Massachusetts Trial Court case lookup or provide it to the clerk's office for faster retrieval. Case numbers appear on all court documents, summonses, and notices.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Hampden
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | References the Massachusetts General Laws chapter and section (e.g., M.G.L. c. 265 § 13A for assault and battery) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or civil infraction — felonies are generally heard in Superior Court; misdemeanors in District Court |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or modified through plea negotiations or at the court's discretion |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting resolution |
| Active | Proceedings are ongoing (hearings scheduled, trial in progress) |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome — conviction, dismissal, or other resolution |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations (including sentencing terms) are complete |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — First court appearance; charges are read and a plea is entered
- Preliminary Hearing — Determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-Trial Conference — Attorneys discuss case status, possible resolutions, and discovery
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Court imposes penalties following a conviction or guilty plea
- Review Hearing — Follow-up to monitor probation compliance or other court-ordered conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted of the charge |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecution declines to pursue the case further |
| Continued Without a Finding (CWOF) | Common in Massachusetts — defendant admits to sufficient facts but no guilty finding is entered; case is dismissed after a probationary period |
| Filed | Case is placed on file and not actively prosecuted, though it can be reopened |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Hampden
From the Clerk of Courts
Certified copies of criminal case records — including docket sheets, complaints, and disposition records — can be obtained from the Clerk of Courts at the courthouse where the case was heard.
- In person: Visit the clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Request the specific document by case number.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the case number, defendant's name, the document you need, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment by check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Hampden Superior Court — Clerk of Courts
From the DCJIS (Statewide Criminal History)
For a comprehensive criminal history report (CORI), contact the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services:
- Personal CORI: Individuals can request their own record through the iCORI online portal at icori.chs.state.ma.us.
- Organizational CORI: Employers and agencies registered with DCJIS can request background checks on individuals who have provided written consent.
You will need a valid government-issued ID and, for online requests, basic personal information including your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and mother's maiden name.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Hampden
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court record (per page) | $1.00 | Standard copy fee under Massachusetts Trial Court fee schedule |
| Certification of document | $2.50 | Per certification; added to copy costs |
| Personal iCORI request | $25.00 | Paid online via the DCJIS iCORI portal |
| PACER (federal cases) | $0.10 per page | Capped at $3.00 per document; quarterly fees under $30 are waived |
| Attestation fee | $5.00 | For attested copies of court documents |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often fulfilled same day at the clerk's office, depending on the age and availability of the record.
- Mail requests: Typically 2–4 weeks. Older or archived records may take longer.
- iCORI (online CORI): Usually available within minutes for standard requests.
- PACER: Federal case documents are generally available immediately upon search.
Fees are established under the Massachusetts Trial Court fee schedule and M.G.L. c. 262 § 4. Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm current fees before submitting payment.