Essex County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Essex County, Massachusetts

Essex County has an estimated population of more than 806,100 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in Massachusetts. The cities of Salem and Lawrence served as the county's seat until their dissolution in 1990. However, government agencies still recognize them as administrative regions for records and statistical purposes. The Essex County court system consists of five Trial Courts: Superior Courts, District Courts, Probate and Family Courts, Housing Courts, and Juvenile Courts.

Essex County Superior Courts are located in Lawrence, Newburyport, and Salem. These courts generally handle all civil and criminal cases outside the jurisdiction of other courts, such as first-degree murder cases, general civil claims involving $50,000 or more, and labor disputes. The District Courts handle misdemeanors, felonies punishable by a sentence of up to five years, civil actions of up to $50,000, and small claims involving $7,000 or less. They also exercise jurisdiction over certain juvenile, housing, and mental health cases. The Probate and Family Courts are next in the hierarchy, and they exercise authority over probate matters, adoption, divorce, domestic relations, child custody, and guardianships. The Housing Courts handle cases relating to residential housing, such as eviction matters, property damage, personal injury, and small claims cases. Finally, the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Courts encompasses several matters involving minors, such as child protection, juvenile delinquency, adoption, and guardianship cases.

The rate of crimes against persons in Essex County was 9 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2021. Additionally, according to the Massachusetts Annual Statistics, the District Courts in Essex County handle approximately 2,000 civil cases and 12,000 criminal cases annually. Likewise, the Probate and Family Courts entertain an estimated 7,000 domestic relations cases and 6,000 probate matters, while the Housing Courts in Essex County record over 6,000 case dispositions annually. Each Court in Essex County has a Clerk's Office that processes and manages all court documents filed in that court. Essex County court records are also available online on the Case Search Portal. This portal grants public access to most Trial Court records, excluding confidential court records like juvenile, adoption, and mental health records.

In summary, Essex County is home to several courts that perform adjudicatory functions in the county. These courts hear and resolve cases brought before them in a fair and equitable manner, promoting peace and order in the county. Essex County ensures transparency in the judicial process by granting the public access to public court records.

Essex County, MA - Courthouses

Essex County Superior Court - Lawrence

Court Type: Superior Court
Street Address: 43 Appleton Way
Website URL: https://www.mass.gov/locations/essex-county-superior-court-lawrence
Phone: 978-242-1900
Fax: 978-687-7869
Hours: Monday - Friday : 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Judge: Hon. Kimberly S. Budd
Clerk: Thomas H. Driscoll, Jr
Parking: There are two paid parking lots near the courthouse, as well as one paid garage adjacent to the courthouse.
Public transportation: The court is accessible by the Haverhill line of the MBTA. The closest station to the courthouse is the Lawrence Station stop, which is approximately 1/2 of a mile from the courthouse. Buses are also available through the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority.
Restrictions: No Cell Phones, Or Other Electronic Devices
Languages: Multiple
Email: Essex.clerksoffice@jud.state.ma.us
ADA: Stefano J. Cornelio, Esq.
ADA Phone: 978-242-1901
ADA Fax / Email: stefano.cornelio@jud.state.ma.us
About / Additional Info: This court serves all the cities and towns of Essex County.

Essex County Superior Court - Newburyport

Court Type: Superior Court
Street Address: 145 High St.
Website URL: https://www.mass.gov/locations/essex-county-superior-court-newburyport
Phone: 978-462-4474
Fax: 978-462-0432
Hours: Monday - Friday : 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Judge: Hon. Kimberly S. Budd
Clerk: Thomas H. Driscoll, Jr
Parking: There is a public parking lot 2 blocks from the courthouse, as well as a metered lot across the street from the courthouse and metered street parking.
Public transportation: The court is accessible by the Newburyport/Rockport line of the MBTA. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Newburyport Station, which is approximately 1/2 of a mile from the courthouse. The courthouse is also accessible through the Cape Ann Transit Authority.
Restrictions: No Cell Phones, Or Other Electronic Devices
Languages: Multiple
Email: Essex.clerksoffice@jud.state.ma.us
ADA: Dawn Mansfield
ADA Phone: 978-462-4474
ADA Fax / Email: dawn.mansfield@jud.state.ma.us
About / Additional Info: This court serves all the towns of Essex County.

Gloucester District Court

Court Type: District Court
Street Address: 197 Main St
Website URL: https://www.mass.gov/locations/gloucester-district-court
Phone: 978-283-2620
Fax: 978-283-8784
Hours: Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Judge: Hon. Michael A. Patten
Clerk: Margaret D. Crateau
Parking: There is a public parking lot 2 blocks from the courthouse as well as a metered lot across the street from the courthouse and metered street parking
Public transportation: The Gloucester District Court is accessible by the Newburyport/Rockport line of the MBTA. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Gloucester Station, which is approximately 1/2 of a mile from the courthouse. The courthouse is also accessible through the Cape Ann Transit Authority
Restrictions: Using cameras and electronic devices
Languages: Multiple
Email: cmgloucesterdc@jud.state.ma.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gloucester-District-Court/114976161925797
ADA: Melissa Joy Teixeira
ADA Phone: 978-283-2620 x3007
ADA Fax / Email: melissa.teixeira@jud.state.ma.us
About / Additional Info: This court serves Essex, Gloucester, and Rockport.

Essex County, MA - Sheriff's Office

Essex County Sheriff's Office

Location Type: Sheriff's Office
Street Address: 20 Manning Ave
Phone: 978-750-1900
Fax: 978- 750-1999
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Website URL: https://www.essexsheriffma.org/
Civil Services & Proceedings: https://www.essexsheriffma.org/civil-process
Public Records: https://www.essexsheriffma.org/public-information/pages/public-records-requests
Sheriff: Kevin F. Coppinger
Sheriff Phone: 978-750-1900 ext. 3371
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/essexcountysheriffsdepartment/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/essexsheriff?lang=en
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/essexsheriff

Other Counties in Massachusetts