Criminal records in Worcester, Massachusetts, are available through several channels. WorcesterMACourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, residents can use the official state court system portal, contact law enforcement agencies, or visit the City Clerk's Office. Public records requests are also accepted through the Worcester public records request system.
How to Search Criminal Records in Worcester
Start your search with WorcesterMACourt.us — this tool allows you to search publicly available information about criminal court cases. Typically, you need to know:
- The person's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number, if you have it
Besides this resource, there are other ways to obtain criminal records.
Online Search
The Massachusetts court system uses the Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal, where you can find district and superior court cases, including Worcester District Court and Worcester Superior Court. Search by name or case number.
In-Person Request
Visit the Clerk's Office at the Worcester Trial Court building. Public access terminals are available there to view information about criminal cases. The clerk can also help clarify details if the case is older or not displayed in the electronic system.
Written Request
Send a written request to the court clerk's office or the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). DCJIS processes requests for criminal history checks (CORI — Criminal Offender Record Information). To obtain your own CORI report, submit a request through the iCORI system on the state's website.
You can also submit a public records request through the official Worcester city website in accordance with the Massachusetts Public Records Law.
Search Worcester Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Massachusetts is assigned a unique number. The case number format typically looks like this:
- Court Code — a two-letter abbreviation indicating the specific court (e.g., "WR" for Worcester)
- Year — two digits of the year the case was filed
- Case Type — a letter code indicating the category (CR for criminal cases in Superior Court, or other codes for District Court)
- Sequential Number — a sequential number assigned upon registration
For example, a number like "1885CR000123" indicates a 2018 criminal case. If you know the number, enter it on the court's electronic access portal. This is the fastest way to find a specific case, bypassing results with namesakes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Worcester
When you find a criminal case, it will display several key elements. Below is what each of them means in practice.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Massachusetts General Laws (e.g., M.G.L. c. 265, § 13A — assault and battery) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — the new wording is reflected in the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is actively being considered
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — the case is completed and closed
Hearings
The case records note scheduled and held hearings:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the charges are read to the defendant
- Preliminary hearing — a preliminary review to determine the sufficiency of evidence
- Pre-trial conference — a meeting of the parties before the trial
- Sentencing — the issuance of a sentence after a guilty plea
- Review hearing — a control hearing, often related to probation conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not guilty — found not guilty
- Dismissed — the case is closed without a verdict
- Nolle prosequi — the prosecutor declined to prosecute
- Continued without a finding (CWOF) — a common result in Massachusetts where the court postpones a decision under certain conditions (e.g., probation)
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Worcester
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, immigration, licensing. There are two main ways to obtain them.
Through the Clerk's Office
Contact the Clerk's Office at the Worcester Trial Court for a certified copy of a specific case. Bring a photo ID (state ID or driver's license) and the case number. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
Through DCJIS (Criminal History Check)
To obtain a complete criminal history report (CORI) for an individual, submit a request to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services. Individuals can request their own CORI report online through the iCORI portal. You will need:
- A valid ID
- Full name, date of birth, social security number
- Payment of the fee
Employers and organizations must register separately with the DCJIS system and obtain permission to check CORI.
Through the City Clerk's Office
The Worcester City Clerk's Office issues certificates and licenses, but criminal records are not within its jurisdiction. However, it can assist with name changes or other documents related to the court process.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Worcester
Fees depend on the type of request and the agency processing it.
| Service | Cost | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Clerk's Office, Worcester Trial Court |
| Document certification | $2.50 | Clerk's Office, Worcester Trial Court |
| CORI report (own, via iCORI) | $25.00 | DCJIS |
| CORI for employers/organizations | Depends on registration type | DCJIS |
Fees for copies of court documents are set according to M.G.L. c. 262, § 4. The court accepts payment in cash, money orders, or checks — confirm acceptable payment methods before visiting.
Processing Times
- Requests for copies at the court clerk's office are usually processed within a few business days, sometimes immediately upon request
- CORI via iCORI — results are usually available within minutes after online submission
- Written requests by mail may take from 10 to 30 business days depending on the volume of the request
For Worcester city public records requests, the timelines set by the Massachusetts Public Records Law apply: a response must be provided within 10 business days, with a possible extension to 25 days in complex cases.