Middlesex County Warrant Search

A Middlesex County warrant search involves checking law enforcement or court records for active or outstanding warrants. In Middlesex County, warrants issued under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276 are typically entered into court and police records & databases, and a warrant search is conducted when these records are queried. This typically entails querying the courthouse that issued the warrant, the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, or local police departments (offline or online).

The type of information typically returned from a Middlesex County warrant search includes the subject's full name, physical description (e.g., gender, race, height), address, the alleged offense or reason for the warrant, date of issuance, and the issuing authority.

Why Conduct a Warrant Search in Middlesex County?

Individuals search for active or outstanding warrants for themselves or others for various reasons, including:

• To determine whether a warrant exists or not
• To avoid unexpected arrests
• To voluntarily surrender or resolve issues
• For travel or immigration purposes
• Employment-related background checks
• Tenancy-related background checks
• License and permit issuance or renewal purposes
• Verify eligibility for government benefits (outstanding warrants disqualify a person from benefits like state tax refunds and unemployment compensation under the Warrant Reform Act).

Generally, immigration, travel, and applications for government benefits are times when being aware of an active or outstanding warrant is critical.

How to Perform a Middlesex County Warrant Search Online

Interested individuals can conduct a Middlesex County warrant search online through:

• The Massachusetts Trial Courts Electronic Case Access Portal: This portal provides public access to Middlesex County trial court case information, including district court and Superior Court dockets, where information regarding an outstanding warrant may be listed. Searches require a party name, case number, or other case details.
• iCORI: The iCORI database allows individuals to request Massachusetts-only criminal information and find active or outstanding warrants. This service costs $25 per search. Search criteria include full name and date of birth.
• Third-party sites: Aggregate third-party websites may be used as an alternative to official sources to check for outstanding Middlesex County warrants online. Most third-party sites offer free warrant lookup services. However, because third-party sites are not affiliated with the government, they may contain wrong, outdated, or misleading information.
• Massachusetts State Police Most Wanted: Individuals can check the state’s police most wanted list. Typically, anyone listed has an active warrant.

Note: Online access to active or outstanding warrants in Massachusetts is limited. Consequently, online checks may prove difficult. Checks via phone or in person remain the best.

How to Check for Outstanding Warrants in Middlesex County by Phone or In Person

Interested parties can make offline warrant checks in Middlesex County in person or by phone through the following agencies:

• Sheriff’s Court: The Middlesex County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) is the primary contact for warrant checks—through the Warrant Apprehension Unit or Public Records Division. The Apprehension Unit locates and arrests offenders wanted on outstanding felony warrants issued in the county. They can be reached in person at 269 Treble Cove Road, Billerica, MA 01824, or by phone at (617) 682-4890. Additionally, warrant inquiries may be submitted to the Public Records Division in person, by phone, or by email.

Check requirements include the subject’s full name and date of birth. Note that a photo ID may be required.

• The Originating Court: Checks can also be in person or by phone through the originating courthouse, such as the Middlesex County district courts (e.g., Ayer,Concord, Lowell, and Framingham), the Superior Court, juvenile courts (e.g., Cambridge and Lowell), or probate and family courts. Identify the likely courthouse before requesting a check and provide the subject’s full name and case number if applicable. Clerks may require an ID or the requester’s name and address for record purposes.

• Middlesex County Police Departments: Local police departments obtain and execute warrants within their jurisdiction. Individuals may contact any Middlesex County police department to check for active or outstanding warrants. The phone numbers and addresses of each department are listed on their official websites.

Individuals requesting in-person warrant checks should understand they risk immediate arrest if a warrant exists.

Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Search Process

Active or outstanding warrant check inquiries are submitted to the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office through the Public Records Division or Warrant Apprehension Unit by phone, email, or in person. If a warrant is available and is released, the information one can expect to receive includes the subject's identifying details (such as name, DOB, and address), issuance date, warrant type and reason, and the issuing court. Note that certain warrants may only be searched through the originating court.

Below is how the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office handles warrant inquiries:

• Receipt of Inquiry: The MCSO receives requests by phone, email, or in person. Requests typically contain the name of the warrant subject and/or their DOB.
• Verification and Search: Personnel verify the request details, then conduct a check on their records or the Massachusetts Warrant Management System (WMS). The WMS is inaccessible to the public—only law enforcement and designated agencies.
• Response and Release of Information: If a warrant exists, the office furnishes the requester with the relevant information; if not, it informs them accordingly.

Accessing Public Records Related to Warrants in Middlesex County

In Middlesex County, warrant-related public records include court records, arrest records, arrest logs, and Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). Courts issue warrants, and law enforcement executes them; as a result, they often appear in public court and law enforcement records. CORI, maintained by the Massachusetts DCJIS, may also include warrant information from the WMS as part of an individual’s criminal record.

Each of these records (court record, arrest log, arrest record, and CORI) is maintained by its custodian: Every Middlesex County court maintains its court records, the Massachusetts DCJIS is responsible for statewide CORI, and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office is the primary custodian of county arrest logs and records.

To access court records in the county, contact the relevant Middlesex County Court or use the Massachusetts Trial Courts Electronic Case Access portal. For arrest logs and records, query the Public Records Division of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office in person, by email, or by phone. For CORI, use iCORI to look up statewide criminal records, submit inquiries to the CORI unit via email (icori.info@mass.gov), or call at (617) 660-4640.

Types of Warrants Issued in Middlesex County

The types of warrants issued in Middlesex County include arrest, bench, search, and capias warrants, each serving a distinct legal situation.

• Arrest warrants: An arrest warrant, also called a straight warrant, authorizes law enforcement to apprehend a named individual suspected of committing a felony or misdemeanor. In Middlesex County, a judge or magistrate issues the warrant under M.G.L. c. 276, §§ 22, based on a law enforcement complaint that establishes probable cause. All felony arrest warrants in Middlesex County are executed by the sheriff’s “Warrant Apprehension Unit.”
• Bench warrants: A bench warrant, also called a default warrant, directs law enforcement to arrest and bring an individual to court for failing to appear, violating probation terms, or failing to fulfill court-ordered conditions. Unlike an arrest warrant, it is issued from the bench under M.G.L. c. 276, §§ 26 without a complaint or affidavit.
• Search warrants: A search warrant authorizes law enforcement to search premises, vehicles, or individuals for evidence of crime, such as stolen property, contraband, or documents. In Middlesex County, search warrants are issued under M.G.L. c. 276, §§ 1-3B, based on sworn complaints that demonstrate probable cause and specify the locations, vehicles, and persons to be searched.
• Capias warrants: A capias warrant is known as a civil contempt arrest warrant. It is issued for a person’s arrest when they fail to obey a summons, subpoena, or court order in civil cases (e.g., child support hearings).

Note: During searches, it typically helps to find warrants faster if the type is clarified.

How Long Warrants Remain Active in Middlesex County

In Middlesex County, the duration of a warrant’s validity depends on its type and factors such as court actions (e.g., recall or cancellation) or law enforcement procedures (e.g., the time it takes the police to locate and arrest the subject of the warrant). For example, under state law (M.G.L. c. 276, §§ 3A), search warrants remain valid for seven (7) days from the date of issuance. In contrast, arrest and bench warrants stay active until executed, recalled, or quashed by the court. Courts typically recall or cancel warrants if the statute of limitations on the underlying offense has expired, law enforcement withdraws the complaint, or new evidence exonerates the suspect.

The Massachusetts Warrant Management System (WMS), the official statewide database for warrant information, is updated continuously and in real time.

What To Do if You Find an Outstanding Warrant in Middlesex County

If an individual finds an active or outstanding warrant (against themselves or a person they know), they can verify the information to be certain of its accuracy, seek to understand the reason for the warrant, and consult an attorney (such as a criminal defense or civil lawyer). An attorney can help find ways to resolve the warrant, arrange a surrender or court appearance, and negotiate bail.

Note that ignoring a warrant can lead to arrest at any time. Seeking legal counsel and taking proactive actions may lead to more favorable outcomes.