Bristol County, MA Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Bristol County Superior Court Clerk's Office keeps Superior Court records for the county, and the Massachusetts Trial Court runs the other state courts that serve it. Massachusetts has no county court system or elected county court clerk.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Bristol County Superior Court (Massachusetts Trial Court) |
| Main Address | 9 Court St., Taunton, MA 02780 |
| Main Phone | (508) 823-6588 |
| Online Case Search | MassachusettsCourts.org (statewide public case search, not county-specific) |
| Courthouse Locations | 6 (Taunton, New Bedford, Fall River) |
| Handles | Felonies and larger civil cases in Superior Court; misdemeanors, smaller civil cases, small claims, and summary process in District Court; probate, divorce, and custody in Probate and Family Court; delinquency and care and protection in Juvenile Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Massachusetts); parking tickets (the issuing city or agency); restricted criminal offender record information (CORI) |
How to Search Bristol County Court Records
Have the full name, the docket number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search.
Online
Go to MassachusettsCourts.org to search statewide public case information.
Search by name or docket number for basic case details.
Find scheduled court dates for some cases.
Best for: Checking basic case status
In Person
Go to 9 Court St., Taunton, MA 02780.
Bring the party names, docket number, and approximate dates.
Ask the clerk which division holds your case type.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call (508) 823-6588 for the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Ask which office holds your case type and the records you need.
Confirm the record type before you visit the courthouse.
Best for: Checking which office holds a case
Search by Name on MassachusettsCourts.org
Go to MassachusettsCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Bristol County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Bristol County courts handled an estimated 59,386 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 57,736. The estimate scales Massachusetts statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~59,386
Total filings in FY 2024
~57,736
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,800
Filings per judicial position (33 estimated positions)
~+2.9%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~59,386 | ~57,736 | ~+2.9% |
| Total Dispositions | ~57,736 | ~56,087 | ~+2.9% |
| Criminal Filings | ~18,970 | ~18,558 | ~+2.2% |
| Civil Filings | ~21,445 | ~20,620 | ~+4.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~8,248 | ~8,083 | ~+2.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~4,124 | ~4,042 | ~+2.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~660 | ~660 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~2,474 | ~2,392 | ~+3.4% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~33 | ~33 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Massachusetts statewide figures scaled by Bristol County's 8.25% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Bristol County?
This table compares filings by department for fiscal years 2023 and 2024, the two years available in the Trial Court's county data.
| Measure | FY 2023 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Court | 1,289 | 1,451 | +12.6% |
| District Court | 51,451 | 56,950 | +10.7% |
| Probate and Family Court | 10,890 | 11,589 | +6.4% |
| Juvenile Court | 2,827 | 2,949 | +4.3% |
| Total filings (county) | 66,457 | 72,939 | +9.8% |
| Massachusetts statewide total (context) | 713,214 | 779,568 | +9.3% |
Total filings rose 9.8% from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2024, from 66,457 to 72,939. The largest change came from the District Court (+5,499 filings, +10.7%). Statewide, total filings rose 9.3% over the same two years.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bristol County?
Civil cases are estimated to be the largest category in Bristol County, at about 36.1% of filings in FY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | ~21,445 | ~36.1% | ~+4.0% |
| Criminal | ~18,970 | ~31.9% | ~+2.2% |
| Family law | ~8,248 | ~13.9% | ~+2.0% |
| Probate | ~4,124 | ~6.9% | ~+2.0% |
| Juvenile | ~2,474 | ~4.2% | ~+3.4% |
| Mental health | ~660 | ~1.1% | ~+0.0% |
Civil cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and mental health cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Massachusetts statewide figures scaled by Bristol County's 8.25% share of the state population.
How Does Bristol County Compare With Massachusetts Overall?
Bristol County is estimated to account for about 8.25% of the 720,000 cases filed in Massachusetts courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Bristol County | Massachusetts | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~59,386 | 720,000 | ~8.25% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+2.9% | +2.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,800 | 1,800 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,750 | 1,750 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~31.9% | 31.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~36.1% | 36.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~13.9% | 13.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Massachusetts figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Massachusetts statewide figures scaled by Bristol County's 8.25% share of the state population.
Bristol County Crime Statistics (2024)
These are Massachusetts statewide totals of violent and property crimes reported to the FBI, not county counts, and county crime counts are not available in this data. Agency reporting may be incomplete, so these are not complete statewide totals, and from 2023 to 2024 violent crimes fell 1.1% and property crimes fell 0.1%.
22,601
Violent crimes in 2024 (Massachusetts statewide)
80,142
Property crimes in 2024 (Massachusetts statewide)
316.7
Violent crime rate per 100K (Massachusetts statewide)
-0.3%
YoY change in total violent plus property crimes vs 2023 (Massachusetts statewide)
| Offense | 2024 | Rate per 100K | 2023 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crimes total | 22,601 | 316.7 | 22,844 | -1.1% |
| Property crimes total | 80,142 | 1,123.0 | 80,227 | -0.1% |
Only violent and property totals are available in this data. Homicide, robbery, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft breakdowns are not included, and no county-level crime rate is shown.
Bristol County Courthouse Locations
Bristol County has 6 court locations in the official Massachusetts Court System directory, listed below. Check your notice or summons to confirm which court and location handle your case.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol County Superior Court | 9 Court St., Taunton, MA 02780 | (508) 823-6588 | See location page |
| Bristol County Superior Court-New Bedford (civil matters) | 441 County St., 1st Floor, New Bedford, MA 02740 | (508) 996-2051 | See location page |
| Bristol County Superior Court-Fall River (criminal matters) | 186 S. Main St., Fall River, MA 02720 | (508) 491-3300 | See location page |
| Bristol Probate and Family Court | 40 Broadway, Suite 240, Taunton, MA 02780 | (508) 977-6040 | See location page |
| Fall River Probate and Family Court | 289 Rock Street, Fall River, MA 02720 | (508) 672-1751 | See location page |
| New Bedford Probate and Family Court | 505 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 | (508) 999-5249 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Bristol County?
Each case type is heard in a specific Trial Court department, so check the court named on your paperwork. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court (or Boston Municipal Court in Boston) | Traffic and civil motor vehicle infraction matters are heard in the District Court. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the Trial Court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanor charges. |
| Felony | Superior Court | Superior Court handles felonies, and District Court holds preliminary felony hearings. |
| DUI | District Court or Superior Court | The court depends on the charge, so check the offense named on your paperwork. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Superior Court | Criminal charges follow the offense, so ask the clerk where a related protective order matter is heard. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court or District Court | Larger civil cases go to Superior Court, and smaller civil cases go to District Court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are filed in the District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court (Housing Court sessions in some areas) | Summary process (eviction) matters are heard in the District Court or Housing Court. |
| Divorce | Probate and Family Court | Divorce cases are heard in the Probate and Family Court. |
| Child custody or support | Probate and Family Court | Custody and support matters are heard in the Probate and Family Court. |
| Probate or estate | Probate and Family Court | Probate and estate matters are heard in the Probate and Family Court. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court | Delinquency and care and protection matters are heard in the Juvenile Court and are confidential. |
| Appeal | Massachusetts Appeals Court or Supreme Judicial Court | Appeals go to the Appeals Court or the Supreme Judicial Court. |
Are Bristol County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Bristol County court records are public, with exceptions set by Massachusetts law and the Trial Court's rules on public access to court records.
Public records
Most case files in the Superior Court, District Court, and other Trial Court departments are open to inspection, subject to the court's public access rules. The Massachusetts Public Records Law (G.L. c. 66, sec. 10) covers executive agencies and does not itself govern most court case files.
Restricted or confidential records
Criminal offender record information (CORI) is restricted under G.L. c. 6, secs. 167-178 and is not released through the court. Sealed, impounded, juvenile, care and protection, adoption, and mental health records are not publicly available.
Online access
Basic case information is available through MassachusettsCourts.org, the statewide public case search. It does not show every document or every case, and restricted records do not appear.
In-person access
Visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office at 9 Court St., Taunton, MA 02780 to ask about records for Superior Court cases. Call (508) 823-6588 to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
This page does not list copy or certification fees. Ask the Superior Court Clerk's Office at (508) 823-6588 for current fees before you request records.
How to Search Bristol County Court Records Online
Use the statewide case search for basic case information, and contact the court for documents that are not online. Juvenile matters are not in the general online search.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open MassachusettsCourts.org for most case types, or contact the court directly for juvenile matters.
- Search by party name or docket number and note the docket number from the results.
- Review the docket for case status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Bristol County Superior Court Clerk's Office at (508) 823-6588 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | MassachusettsCourts.org | Basic case information and docket entries | Full documents may require the court |
| Traffic | MassachusettsCourts.org | Basic case information for traffic matters | Payment methods are not covered by this search |
| Civil | MassachusettsCourts.org | Basic case information and docket entries | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | MassachusettsCourts.org | Basic case information and docket entries | Documents may require the court |
| Family law | MassachusettsCourts.org | Basic case information for divorce and other family matters | Sensitive details are restricted |
| Probate | MassachusettsCourts.org | Basic case information for probate matters | Files may require the Probate and Family Court |
| Juvenile | Contact the Juvenile Court directly | Limited information through the court | Not in the public online search; juvenile records are confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bristol County
Payments for Bristol County court matters are handled by the court and the statewide ePay service, so confirm the current methods with the court before you pay.
- Online: Use ePay in the Courts, the Trial Court's online payment service listed on mass.gov. This page does not give a direct link, so ask the court which case types it accepts.
- Phone: Call the Bristol County Superior Court Clerk's Office at (508) 823-6588 to ask about payment options for your case.
- In person: Visit the courthouse at 9 Court St., Taunton, MA 02780 and ask the clerk about payment options for your case.
Parking tickets are paid to the city or agency that issued them, not through the court.
Bristol County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Bristol County court records?
Use MassachusettsCourts.org to search basic case information by name or docket number, or call the Superior Court Clerk's Office at (508) 823-6588.
Are Bristol County court records public?
Most are, under Massachusetts Trial Court public access rules, but CORI, sealed, impounded, and juvenile records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name at MassachusettsCourts.org, or call the Superior Court Clerk's Office at (508) 823-6588 with the defendant's name and approximate dates.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or summons first, then look for scheduled dates on MassachusettsCourts.org, which shows them for some cases. You can also call the court listed in the courthouse locations section.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Use ePay in the Courts, listed on mass.gov, or call the court to ask which payment methods it accepts. Parking tickets are paid to the issuing city or agency.
How many cases are filed in Bristol County each year?
Bristol County recorded 72,939 filings in fiscal year 2024, which rose 9.8% from 66,457 in fiscal year 2023.
What is the most common type of case?
District Court filings were the largest share in fiscal year 2024, at 56,950 filings or 78.1% of the 72,939 total.
What is the crime trend in the latest year?
Massachusetts statewide violent crimes were 22,601 in 2024, -1.1% from 2023, and property crimes were 80,142, -0.1%. County crime counts are not available in this data.
Courts in the County
Attleboro District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 88 North Main St, Attleboro, MA, 2703 |
| Phone Number: | 508-222-5900 |
| Fax: | 508-226-3916 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/attleboro-district-court |
Fall River District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 186 S. Main St., 5th Floor, Fall River, MA, 2720 |
| Phone Number: | 508-491-3200 |
| Fax: | 508-491-3492 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/fall-river-district-court |
New Bedford District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 75 N. Sixth St, New Bedford, MA, 2740 |
| Phone Number: | 508-999-9700 |
| Fax: | 508-990-8094 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/new-bedford-district-court |
Taunton District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 40 Broadway, Taunton, MA, 2780 |
| Phone Number: | 508-977-6000 |
| Fax: | 508-824-2282 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/taunton-district-court |
Bristol County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 9 Court St, Taunton, MA, 2780 |
| Phone Number: | 508-823-6588 |
| Fax: | 508-821-9563 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/bristol-county-superior-court |
Useful Links
- Massachusetts Court System - Official resource providing information about the judicial branch, with services, directories, and guides.
- Bristol County Superior Court - Information and resources specific to the Bristol County Superior Court, its operations, and contact details.
- Massachusetts Courts - Comprehensive resource offering access to court locations, services, and judicial meetings across Massachusetts.
- Guidelines for Permitted Court Service Centers - Information about court service centers offering legal aid and resources for self-represented litigants.
- Bristol Probate and Family Court - Dedicated site for probate and family matters in Bristol County, with court rules and contact details.
- Massachusetts District Courts - Directory and resources for district courts, handling civil, criminal, and family matters in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Juvenile Court - Resource on juvenile matters including child protection, delinquency, and appointment forms.
- Bristol County District Attorney's Office - Provides public information and resources from the district attorney including victim services and community programs.
- MassLegalHelp - A non-profit offering guidance and resources on family, housing, and civil legal issues in Massachusetts.
- View Case Information - Portal for viewing docket entries and case summaries in Massachusetts trial courts and Superior Courts.
- Massachusetts Courts Self-Help Center - Self-help center providing information on different types of cases, including guides and court forms.
- Fall River Justice Center - Information about the Justice Center in Fall River, a key courthouse in Bristol County handling various cases.
- Mass Legal Services - Online resource with legal materials and information related to Massachusetts law and public welfare issues.
- New Bedford District Court - Provides contact information and resources concerning the New Bedford District Court's services and operations.
- Court Forms for the Trial Court - Repository of forms used within the Trial Court of Massachusetts, covering civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.
- Login to the Massachusetts Court System - Access portal for filing and viewing court documents for parties, attorneys, and public in Massachusetts.
- Bristol County Registry of Deeds - Official repository for real estate records pertaining to the Bristol County geographical area.
- Bristol County Jail and House of Correction - Information regarding the Bristol County jail services, inmate information, and correctional facilities.
- Victim Services - Bristol County District Attorney - Provides support and information for crime victims within Bristol County through the district attorney's office.
- Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) - Improves access to legal services for low-income individuals through funding and coordination of legal aid programs.
- Bridges: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support - Organization offering support and resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse across Massachusetts.
Table of Contents
- Bristol County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Bristol County Court Records
- Bristol County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Bristol County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bristol County?
- How Does Bristol County Compare With Massachusetts Overall?
- Bristol County Crime Statistics (2024)
- Bristol County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Bristol County?
- Are Bristol County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Bristol County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bristol County
- Bristol County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links