Criminal records in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, can be accessed through several channels. BerkshireCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the Massachusetts Trial Court system, local law enforcement agencies such as the Pittsfield Police Department, and the clerk's office at the Berkshire County courthouses. Whether you need to look up a pending case, verify a disposition, or obtain certified copies, the steps below explain how.
How to Search Criminal Records in Berkshire
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Berkshire County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and what type of record you need.
Online Search Options
- BerkshireCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information by name or case number.
- Massachusetts Trial Court Case Search — The Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access portal allows public searches of District Court and Superior Court criminal cases filed in Berkshire County. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name.
- iCORI (Internet-based Criminal Offender Record Information) — The Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) offers iCORI for criminal background checks. Registration and a fee are required.
In Person
- Visit the Clerk of Courts at the Berkshire Superior Court or the Berkshire District Court in Pittsfield. Public access terminals may be available for looking up case information.
- Local police departments, including the Pittsfield Police Department, may provide police reports or arrest log information upon request.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts at the appropriate Berkshire County courthouse. Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a statewide criminal history (CORI), mail a request to the Massachusetts DCJIS. A signed CORI Acknowledgement Form and required fees must accompany the request.
To begin any search, you will generally need at least the individual's full legal name. A date of birth, case number, or specific court location will narrow results significantly.
Search Berkshire Criminal Cases by Case Number
Massachusetts case numbers follow a standard format that tells you the court, year, and case type at a glance. A typical criminal case number looks like this:
- Court code — A four-digit code identifying the specific court (e.g., Berkshire Superior Court or one of the district courts).
- Case type prefix — Letters indicating the case category. Common criminal prefixes include "CR" for criminal cases and "SP" for Superior Court criminal matters.
- Year — A two- or four-digit filing year.
- Sequence number — A sequential number assigned when the case is filed.
For example, a case number like 1876CR000123 would indicate a criminal case filed in a specific Berkshire court in 2018. Enter the full case number into the Massachusetts Trial Court electronic case access system or provide it to the clerk's office for the fastest results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Berkshire
Understanding what appears on a criminal case record helps you interpret search results correctly.
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Massachusetts General Laws section the defendant is charged under (e.g., M.G.L. c. 265, § 13A for assault and battery). |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or civil infraction. Felonies carry potential state prison sentences; misdemeanors carry up to 2.5 years in a house of correction. |
| Amended charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or at the court's discretion before disposition. |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution.
- Active — Proceedings are ongoing, with scheduled hearings or trial dates.
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.).
- Closed — All proceedings, including any probation or post-disposition matters, are complete.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — First court appearance where charges are read and a plea is entered.
- Pretrial conference — A hearing to discuss case status, discovery, and potential resolution.
- Motion hearing — Arguments on legal motions filed by either side.
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented.
- Sentencing — The court imposes a sentence after a guilty finding or plea.
- Review hearing — A check-in on compliance with probation or other court orders.
Court Results (Dispositions)
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was found or pleaded guilty. |
| Not guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial. |
| Dismissed | The case was dropped by the court or prosecution. |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecution chose not to pursue the charges. |
| Continued without a finding (CWOF) | The defendant admits to sufficient facts but no guilty finding is entered; the case is continued with conditions. Common in Massachusetts. |
| Filed | The case is placed on file without a change of plea, effectively suspending it. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Berkshire
Certified copies of criminal case records carry an official court seal and can be used for legal proceedings, employment verification, or other formal purposes.
Where to Request
- Clerk of Courts — Berkshire Superior Court: Handles Superior Court criminal cases (typically felonies).
- Clerk-Magistrate — Berkshire District Court (Pittsfield): Handles District Court criminal cases (misdemeanors and some felonies).
- Massachusetts DCJIS: For certified CORI reports (statewide criminal history).
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the clerk's office during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office. Include the case number (if known), the subject's full name, date of birth, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Online (CORI only): Use the iCORI system through DCJIS for criminal offender record information. You will need to create an account and verify your identity.
Municipal records access officers in towns like Dalton and Williamstown can assist with public records requests related to local police reports, though court records must be obtained from the court itself.
Berkshire Superior Court — Clerk of Courts
Berkshire District Court — Pittsfield
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Berkshire
Fees for criminal record copies and searches in Berkshire County are set by Massachusetts court rules and state statute.
| Service | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court record (per page) | $2.50 | M.G.L. c. 262, § 4 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $2.50 | M.G.L. c. 262, § 4 |
| iCORI background check | $25.00 | DCJIS fee schedule |
| Attestation of records | $2.50 | M.G.L. c. 262, § 4 |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often fulfilled the same day or within a few business days, depending on the volume and complexity.
- Mail requests: Allow 2–4 weeks for processing and return mailing.
- iCORI online: Results are typically available within minutes after identity verification.
Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted by check or money order. Ask the clerk about accepted payment methods before visiting, as policies may vary.