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

Lawrence District Court

Court Type: District Court
Street Address: 2 Appleton St
Website URL: https://www.mass.gov/locations/lawrence-district-court
Phone: 978-687-7184
Fax: 978-686-2063
Hours: Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Judge: Hon. Lynn C. Rooney
Clerk: Keith E. McDonough
Parking: There are two paid parking lots near the courthouse as well as one paid garage adjacent to the courthouse
Public transportation: For public transportation information to the courthouse, visit the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority website or call 508-588-1000
Restrictions: No cell phones, or other electronic devices
Languages: Multiple
Email: cmlawrencedc@jud.state.ma.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lawrence-District-Court/302129633208746
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawrence-district-court
ADA: Patricia Evangelista
ADA Phone: 978-687-7184
ADA Fax / Email: patricia.evangelista@jud.state.ma.us
Special Access: Yes Wheelchair accessible
About / Additional Info: This court serves Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, and North Andover.

Lynn District Court

Court Type: District Court
Street Address: 580 Essex St
Website URL: https://www.mass.gov/locations/lynn-district-court
Phone: 781-598-5200
Fax: 781-598-4350
Hours: Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Judge: Hon. Matthew J. Nestor
Clerk: Michael F. Hogan
Parking: There is metered street parking around the courthouse as well as two paid lots located near the courthouse
Public transportation: For public transportation information to the courthouse, visit the MBTA website or call 800-392-6100
Restrictions: No cell phones, or other electronic devices
Languages: Multiple
Email: cmlynndc@jud.state.ma.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynn-District-Court/121014784618966
ADA: Paul Hickey
ADA Fax / Email: paul.hickey@jud.state.ma.us
About / Additional Info: This court serves Lynn, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott.

Peabody District Court

Court Type: District Court
Street Address: 1 Lowell St
Website URL: https://www.mass.gov/locations/peabody-district-court
Phone: 978-532-3100
Fax: 978-531-8524
Hours: Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Judge: Hon. James D. Barretto
Clerk: Kevin L. Finnegan
Parking: There is free parking located nearby on Railroad Avenue
Public transportation: The Peabody District Court is accessibly through the following Bus lines of the MBTA: Bus 435 and Bus 465. The closest stop to the courthouse is Central Street
Restrictions: No cell phones, or other electronic devices
Languages: Multiple
Email: cmpeabodydc@jud.state.ma.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peabody-District-Court/128537123860144
ADA: Rosalind Faretra
ADA Phone: 978-532-3100 x303
ADA Fax / Email: rosalind.faretra@jud.state.ma.us
About / Additional Info: This court serves Lynnfield and Peabody.

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

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