Berkshire 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 Berkshire 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 | Berkshire County Superior Court (Massachusetts Trial Court) |
| Main Address | 76 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 |
| Main Phone | (413) 499-7487 |
| Online Case Search | MassachusettsCourts.org (statewide public case search, not county-specific) |
| Courthouse Locations | 2 (Pittsfield) |
| 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 Berkshire 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 76 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201.
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 (413) 499-7487 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
Berkshire County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Berkshire County courts handled an estimated 12,988 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 12,627. The estimate scales Massachusetts statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~12,988
Total filings in FY 2024
~12,627
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~1,855
Filings per judicial position (7 estimated positions)
~+2.9%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~12,988 | ~12,627 | ~+2.9% |
| Total Dispositions | ~12,627 | ~12,266 | ~+2.9% |
| Criminal Filings | ~4,149 | ~4,059 | ~+2.2% |
| Civil Filings | ~4,690 | ~4,510 | ~+4.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,804 | ~1,768 | ~+2.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~902 | ~884 | ~+2.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~144 | ~144 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~541 | ~523 | ~+3.4% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~7 | ~7 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Massachusetts statewide figures scaled by Berkshire County's 1.80% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Berkshire 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 | 430 | 413 | -4.0% |
| District Court | 9,632 | 11,103 | +15.3% |
| Probate and Family Court | 2,927 | 2,913 | -0.5% |
| Juvenile Court | 842 | 839 | -0.4% |
| Total filings (county) | 13,831 | 15,268 | +10.4% |
| Massachusetts statewide total (context) | 713,214 | 779,568 | +9.3% |
Total filings rose 10.4% from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2024, from 13,831 to 15,268. The largest change came from the District Court (+1,471 filings, +15.3%). Statewide, total filings rose 9.3% over the same two years.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Berkshire County?
Civil cases are estimated to be the largest category in Berkshire County, at about 36.1% of filings in FY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | ~4,690 | ~36.1% | ~+4.0% |
| Criminal | ~4,149 | ~31.9% | ~+2.2% |
| Family law | ~1,804 | ~13.9% | ~+2.0% |
| Probate | ~902 | ~6.9% | ~+2.0% |
| Juvenile | ~541 | ~4.2% | ~+3.4% |
| Mental health | ~144 | ~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 Berkshire County's 1.80% share of the state population.
How Does Berkshire County Compare With Massachusetts Overall?
Berkshire County is estimated to account for about 1.80% of the 720,000 cases filed in Massachusetts courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Berkshire County | Massachusetts | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~12,988 | 720,000 | ~1.80% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+2.9% | +2.9% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,855 | 1,800 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,804 | 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 Berkshire County's 1.80% share of the state population.
Berkshire 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.
Berkshire County Courthouse Locations
Berkshire County has 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkshire County Superior Court | 76 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 | (413) 499-7487 | See location page |
| Berkshire Probate and Family Court | 44 Bank Row, Pittsfield, MA 01201 | (413) 442-6941 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Berkshire 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 Berkshire County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Berkshire 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 76 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 to ask about records for Superior Court cases. Call (413) 499-7487 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 (413) 499-7487 for current fees before you request records.
How to Search Berkshire 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 Berkshire County Superior Court Clerk's Office at (413) 499-7487 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 Berkshire County
Payments for Berkshire 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 Berkshire County Superior Court Clerk's Office at (413) 499-7487 to ask about payment options for your case.
- In person: Visit the courthouse at 76 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 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.
Berkshire County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Berkshire 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 (413) 499-7487.
Are Berkshire 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 (413) 499-7487 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 Berkshire County each year?
Berkshire County recorded 15,268 filings in fiscal year 2024, which rose 10.4% from 13,831 in fiscal year 2023.
What is the most common type of case?
District Court filings were the largest share in fiscal year 2024, at 11,103 filings or 72.7% of the 15,268 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
Northern Berkshire District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 111 Holden St, North Adams, MA, 1247 |
| Phone Number: | 413-663-5339 |
| Fax: | 413-664-7209 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/northern-berkshire-district-court |
Pittsfield District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 24 Wendell Ave., P.O. Box 875, Pittsfield, MA, 1202 |
| Phone Number: | 413-499-0558 |
| Fax: | 413-499-7327 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/pittsfield-district-court |
Berkshire County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 76 East St, Pittsfield, MA, 1201 |
| Phone Number: | 413-499-7487 |
| Fax: | 413-442-9190 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/berkshire-county-superior-court |
Southern Berkshire District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 9 Gilmore Ave., Great Barrington, MA, 1230 |
| Phone Number: | 413-528-3520 |
| Fax: | 413-528-0757 |
| Website: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/southern-berkshire-district-court |
Useful Links
- Berkshire County Superior Court This page provides contact information, hours, and directions for the Berkshire Superior Court located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
- Berkshire Probate and Family Court Offers details on the services, location, and contact information for addressing family and probate matters in Berkshire County.
- Berkshire County Juvenile Court Provides information on juvenile court services and facilities in Berkshire County for cases involving minors.
- Berkshire County District Court Learn about the District Court's locations, services, and contact details for addressing criminal, civil, and traffic cases.
- Berkshire County Land Court This resource provides information on land dispute resolutions and real property legal matters in Berkshire County.
- Mass Legal Services A comprehensive resource for legal information geared towards low-income and vulnerable individuals in Massachusetts.
- Berkshire District Attorney’s Office Provides information about prosecutorial services, victim support, and community programs in Berkshire County.
- MassLegalHelp Offers easy-to-understand information on a wide range of legal topics relevant to Massachusetts residents.
- Probate and Family Court Forms Access family and probate court forms relevant to cases involving divorce, guardianship, and more in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Court System: Berkshires Information General information about the Massachusetts Court System specific to the Berkshires, including court directories and services.
- How to Find a Court Date or Case Number Assistance in locating court dates and case numbers through the Massachusetts Judiciary's official resources.
- Massachusetts Court System Reports and Publications Access reports, publications, and statistics provided by the Massachusetts Court System relevant to public records and information.
- Appeals Court in Massachusetts Official website providing information on the appellate court system and processes in Massachusetts.
- Supreme Judicial Court: Guide to the Justices Learn about the justices of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and their roles within the judicial system.
- Office of Jury Commissioner Information on jury duty, responsibilities, and related resources for prospective jurors in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Legislature The official site for the Massachusetts General Court, providing legislative information, bills, laws, and statutes.
- Criminal Law in Massachusetts Explore resources and information about criminal law procedures and rights in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Sentence Review Board This page provides guidance on the processes involved in reviewing criminal sentences in Massachusetts.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs Information on out-of-court resolution options such as mediation and arbitration available in Massachusetts.
- About the Massachusetts Court System A comprehensive overview of the structure, function, and components of the Massachusetts judicial system.
Table of Contents
- Berkshire County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Berkshire County Court Records
- Berkshire County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Berkshire County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Berkshire County?
- How Does Berkshire County Compare With Massachusetts Overall?
- Berkshire County Crime Statistics (2024)
- Berkshire County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Berkshire County?
- Are Berkshire County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Berkshire County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Berkshire County
- Berkshire County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links