Suffolk 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 Suffolk County Superior Court Clerk's Office keeps Superior Court records for the county, which covers felonies and larger civil cases. Other Trial Court departments keep their own records at their courthouses.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Suffolk County Superior Court (Massachusetts Trial Court) |
| Main Address | 3 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 |
| Main Phone | (617) 788-8175 |
| Courthouse Locations | 3 listed in the official court locations listing: Superior Court (Boston); Probate and Family Court (Boston); Boston Municipal Court (Boston) |
| Handles | Felonies and larger civil cases in Superior Court; misdemeanors, violations, small claims, and civil cases under the limit in District Court or Boston Municipal Court; probate, divorce, and custody matters in the Probate and Family Court; juvenile delinquency and care and protection cases in Juvenile Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Massachusetts) and parking tickets (the citing agency). Probate, divorce, and custody matters are heard in the Probate and Family Court, not Superior Court. |
| Online Case Search | MassCourts, the statewide public case search (not specific to this county) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office at (617) 788-8175. Criminal offender record information (CORI) is restricted under state law. |
How to Search Suffolk County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Suffolk County Superior Court records are kept by the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Online
Go to MassCourts, the statewide public case search.
Search basic case information and scheduled court dates.
Results cover cases statewide, not only this county.
Best for: Basic case status and scheduled dates
In Person
Go to 3 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 for Superior Court records.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which department or division holds your case.
Best for: Superior Court records and questions
By Phone
Call (617) 788-8175 to reach the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Ask what information the clerk needs to locate your case.
Confirm the request steps before you visit the courthouse.
Best for: Checking what a request requires
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
Suffolk County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Suffolk County courts handled an estimated 80,024 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 77,801. The estimate scales Massachusetts statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~80,024
Total filings in FY 2024
~77,801
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,819
Filings per judicial position (44 estimated positions)
~+2.9%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~80,024 | ~77,801 | ~+2.9% |
| Total Dispositions | ~77,801 | ~75,578 | ~+2.9% |
| Criminal Filings | ~25,563 | ~25,007 | ~+2.2% |
| Civil Filings | ~28,897 | ~27,786 | ~+4.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~11,114 | ~10,892 | ~+2.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~5,557 | ~5,446 | ~+2.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~889 | ~889 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~3,334 | ~3,223 | ~+3.4% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~44 | ~44 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Massachusetts statewide figures scaled by Suffolk County's 11.11% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Suffolk County?
This section compares two fiscal years only, fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2023, and covers filings only.
| Department | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Court | 4,803 | 4,591 | +4.6% |
| District Court | 12,405 | 9,368 | +32.4% |
| Boston Municipal Court | 64,436 | 54,578 | +18.1% |
| Probate and Family Court | 13,055 | 12,707 | +2.7% |
| Juvenile Court | 3,926 | 3,629 | +8.2% |
| Total filings | 98,625 | 84,873 | +16.2% |
| Massachusetts statewide total (context) | 779,568 | 713,214 | +9.3% |
Total filings in Suffolk County rose 16.2% from 84,873 in fiscal year 2023 to 98,625 in fiscal year 2024. The largest change came from Boston Municipal Court, which rose by 9,858 filings. Statewide total filings changed +9.3% over the same period, from 713,214 to 779,568, and that total includes Housing Court and Land Court filings that are not assigned to counties.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Suffolk County?
Civil cases are estimated to be the largest category in Suffolk County, at about 36.1% of filings in FY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | ~28,897 | ~36.1% | ~+4.0% |
| Criminal | ~25,563 | ~31.9% | ~+2.2% |
| Family law | ~11,114 | ~13.9% | ~+2.0% |
| Probate | ~5,557 | ~6.9% | ~+2.0% |
| Juvenile | ~3,334 | ~4.2% | ~+3.4% |
| Mental health | ~889 | ~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 Suffolk County's 11.11% share of the state population.
How Does Suffolk County Compare With Massachusetts Overall?
Suffolk County is estimated to account for about 11.11% of the 720,000 cases filed in Massachusetts courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Suffolk County | Massachusetts | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~80,024 | 720,000 | ~11.11% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+2.9% | +2.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,819 | 1,800 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,768 | 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 Suffolk County's 11.11% share of the state population.
Suffolk County Crime Statistics (2024)
These figures are Massachusetts statewide totals reported to the FBI, not totals for Suffolk County, and agency reporting may be incomplete. Statewide violent crimes fell 1.1% and property crimes fell 0.1% in 2024.
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 (2024)
-0.3%
Change in total violent plus property crimes vs 2023, Massachusetts statewide
| Offense | 2024 | Rate per 100K | 2023 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crimes (statewide total) | 22,601 | 316.7 | 22,844 | -1.1% |
| Property crimes (statewide total) | 80,142 | 1,123.0 | 80,227 | -0.1% |
County crime counts and rates are not available in this data, so no county comparison is shown. Rates use the 2024 Massachusetts population of 7,136,171 for both years, and only violent and property totals are available.
Suffolk County Courthouse Locations
The official court locations listing shows 3 locations for Suffolk County, listed below. Check the courthouse and department named on your notice or paperwork before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suffolk County Superior Court | 3 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 | (617) 788-8175 | See location page |
| Suffolk Probate and Family Court | 24 New Chardon St., Boston, MA 02114 | (617) 788-8301 | See location page |
| Central Division, Boston Municipal Court | 24 New Chardon Street, Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, Boston, MA 02114 | (617) 788-8600 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Suffolk County?
Trial Court departments handle different case types, so match your case to the right row. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts, not a state court.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court or Boston Municipal Court | Traffic and civil motor vehicle infractions are heard in the District Court or Boston Municipal Court. |
| Parking ticket | The citing agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court, or Boston Municipal Court for Boston cases | Misdemeanors and violations are heard in the District Court and Boston Municipal Court for Boston cases. |
| Felony | Superior Court | Felonies are tried in the Superior Court, and District Court holds preliminary felony hearings. |
| DUI | District Court or Boston Municipal Court for misdemeanor charges; Superior Court for felony charges | Check the charge on your paperwork, since misdemeanor and felony charges go to different courts. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Boston Municipal Court | Criminal charges go to these courts, and you can ask the clerk about protective order procedures. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court for larger civil cases; District Court or Boston Municipal Court for smaller ones | Superior Court handles larger civil cases, and District Court handles civil cases under its limit. |
| Small claims | District Court, or Boston Municipal Court for Boston cases | Small claims are heard in the District Court and Boston Municipal Court for Boston cases. |
| Eviction | Housing Court or District Court (summary process) | Summary process (eviction) cases are heard in the Housing Court or the District Court. |
| Divorce | Probate and Family Court | Divorce cases are handled by the Probate and Family Court. |
| Child custody or support | Probate and Family Court | Custody and paternity cases are handled by the Probate and Family Court; confirm support filings with the clerk. |
| Probate or estate | Probate and Family Court | The Probate and Family Court handles probate and guardianship matters. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court | Delinquency and care and protection cases are heard in Juvenile Court and are confidential. |
| Appeal | Massachusetts Appeals Court or Supreme Judicial Court | Appeals are heard by the Appeals Court or the Supreme Judicial Court. |
Are Suffolk County Court Records Public?
Yes, with exceptions: under the Massachusetts Trial Court's rules on public access to court records, most case records are open to the public, while sealed, impounded, and some other records are restricted.
Public records
Most case records are open to the public at the courthouse that keeps them, subject to the court's rules.
Restricted or confidential records
Criminal offender record information (CORI) is restricted under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 6, sections 167 to 178, and is not public 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 MassCourts, the statewide public case search, which also shows scheduled court dates. Not every document is online, and confidential cases are not shown.
In-person access
Visit the court that keeps the record, such as the Superior Court Clerk's Office at 3 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108, to view or request records. Call (617) 788-8175 to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
This section does not list fees. Contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office at (617) 788-8175 for current fee information.
How to Search Suffolk County Court Records Online
Use the statewide MassCourts search for basic case information, and ask the court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open MassCourts for basic case information.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case status and scheduled dates.
- Contact the court that holds your case, using the phone in the courthouse table, to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | MassCourts | Basic case information and scheduled dates | Documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | MassCourts for basic information | Case status and scheduled dates | Ticket payment is separate from record search |
| Civil | MassCourts | Basic case information | Documents may require the clerk |
| Small claims | MassCourts | Basic case information | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | MassCourts or the Probate and Family Court at (617) 788-8301 | Basic case information | Custody and confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Probate and Family Court at (617) 788-8301 | Probate case information through the court | Not every file is available online |
| Juvenile | Contact the Juvenile Court clerk | Case information only through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are confidential and not in the public search |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Suffolk County
Traffic citations, criminal fines, and parking tickets are paid through different channels, so confirm which type of payment you owe with the court.
- Online: Find ePay in the Courts, the Trial Court's online payment service named on mass.gov, or contact the court for the access link.
- Phone: Call the court that holds your case at the phone in the courthouse table, such as (617) 788-8175 for the Superior Court, to ask about payment options.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the court.
Suffolk County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Suffolk County court records?
Use MassCourts, the statewide public case search, for basic case information, or call the court that holds the case.
Are Suffolk County court records public?
Most are, under the Massachusetts Trial Court's public access rules, but sealed, impounded, juvenile, and CORI records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name on MassCourts for basic case information, or call the Superior Court Clerk's Office at (617) 788-8175 for other cases.
How do I find a court date?
MassCourts shows scheduled court dates for many cases, and the court can confirm dates by phone.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Use ePay in the Courts, named on mass.gov, or call the court that issued the ticket to ask about payment options.
How many cases are filed in Suffolk County each year?
Suffolk County recorded 98,625 Trial Court filings in fiscal year 2024, up 16.2% from 84,873 in fiscal year 2023.
What is the most common type of case?
Boston Municipal Court handled 64,436 of the 98,625 fiscal year 2024 filings, or 65.3% of the total.
Is crime rising or falling?
Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 1.1% to 22,601 in 2024 from 22,844 in 2023; county crime counts are not available here.
Courts in the County
Massachusetts Supreme CourtMore Info
| Address: | 1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500, Boston, MA, 2108 |
| Phone Number: | 617-557-1000 |
| Fax: | 617-557-1145 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-supreme-judicial-court |
Massachusetts Court of AppealsMore Info
| Address: | One Pemberton Square, Room 1200, Boston, MA, 2108 |
| Phone Number: | 617-725-8085 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/orgs/appeals-court |
Chelsea District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 120 Broadway, Chelsea, MA, 2150 |
| Phone Number: | 617-660-9200 |
| Fax: | 617-660-9215 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/chelsea-district-court |
Suffolk County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 3 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA, 2108 |
| Phone Number: | 617-788-8175 |
| Fax: | 617-788-7798 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/suffolk-county-superior-court |
Brighton Division, Boston Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 52 Academy Hill Rd, Brighton, MA, 2135 |
| Phone Number: | 617-782-6540 |
| Fax: | 617-254-2127 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/brighton-division-boston-municipal-court |
Useful Links
- Boston Municipal Court - Find information and services specific to the Boston Municipal Court, part of the Massachusetts Court System.
- Suffolk County Superior Court - Details on the Suffolk County Superior Court, including case information and courthouse services.
- Suffolk Probate and Family Court - Information on probate and family law services, including divorce and custody information for Suffolk County residents.
- Suffolk County Jury - Official resources for jury duty in Suffolk County, including juror reporting and postponement information.
- Massachusetts Court Case Lookup - Access to online case lookup for court cases within the Massachusetts Court System, including Suffolk County.
- MassLegal Services - Resources and information related to legal services in Massachusetts, including guides on accessing court records.
- Online Services for the Trial Court - Explore various online services offered by the Massachusetts Trial Court, including eFiling and virtual hearings.
- Suffolk County Sheriff's Department - Information and resources from the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, including visitation and public records.
- Massachusetts Court System - Comprehensive overview of the Massachusetts Court System, including courthouses, court rules, and procedures.
- Eviction Diversion Resources - Legal resources and assistance related to eviction and housing disputes in Massachusetts, including Suffolk County.
- Executive Office of the Trial Court - Administrative resources, updates, and information related to the trial courts in Massachusetts.
- Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee - Legal services and resources for mental health and related legal matters in Massachusetts.
- Boston Bar Association - Professional association offering legal resources, public services, and member support for attorneys in Boston.
- MassLawHelp - Legal aid, self-help resources, and guidance on navigating Massachusetts law, including court records and procedures.
- Massachusetts Courts Topics - Browse by topic to find courts information, public records access, and legal procedures in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Public Records - Directory of public records resources and access points for Massachusetts, covering multiple counties including Suffolk.
- Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights - Resources and legal support focusing on civil rights and racial justice in Massachusetts and beyond.
- Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission - Initiative to promote access to justice in Massachusetts, offering resources and advocating for legal aid services.
- Mass Legal Help - Comprehensive legal assistance resources, guides, and self-help for Massachusetts residents facing court-related issues.
- Legal Advice and Lawyers - Find legal advice and services in Massachusetts, including directories and guidance on hiring attorneys.
Table of Contents
- Suffolk County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Suffolk County Court Records
- Suffolk County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Suffolk County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Suffolk County?
- How Does Suffolk County Compare With Massachusetts Overall?
- Suffolk County Crime Statistics (2024)
- Suffolk County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Suffolk County?
- Are Suffolk County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Suffolk County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Suffolk County
- Suffolk County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links