Dukes County Public Records / Dukes County Arrest Records

Dukes County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dukes County in 2026

DukesRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Dukes County, Massachusetts. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and applicable state law.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Dukes County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest records for individuals processed through the county jail. At present, the Sheriff's Office does not operate a publicly accessible online jail roster, but members of the public may contact the office directly to inquire about inmate status and recent bookings. Information available includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. Records are updated as bookings occur.

Dukes County Sheriff's Office
Dukes County Courthouse, 81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-7211
Dukes County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipal police departments operate within Dukes County, each maintaining their own arrest logs and press release systems. The Edgartown Police Department, Oak Bluffs Police Department, Tisbury Police Department, West Tisbury Police Department, Chilmark Police Department, and Aquinnah Police Department each handle arrests within their respective jurisdictions. Some departments publish arrest summaries or press releases on their official websites or through local media outlets.

Edgartown Police Department
72 Vineyard Avenue
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-4343
Edgartown Police Department

Oak Bluffs Police Department
64 School Street
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
Phone: (508) 693-0750
Oak Bluffs Police Department

Tisbury Police Department
66 Spring Street
Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Phone: (508) 696-4240
Tisbury Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Dukes County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal case records that are directly linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search for court cases by the arrestee's name through the Massachusetts Trial Court's online case search portal. Court case records reflect charges filed following an arrest, arraignment dates, case dispositions, and sentencing information.

Dukes County Clerk of Courts
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-7610
Dukes County Clerk of Courts

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) maintains the state's criminal history database, which includes arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions across the Commonwealth. Members of the public may request a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) report through the iCORI online system. Standard CORI requests are available to individuals seeking their own records at no charge. Third-party requesters, including employers and landlords, may access CORI subject to restrictions established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, § 167–178.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 81 Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
Records division is located within the main courthouse building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Phone: (508) 627-7211
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per Massachusetts public records law

Clerk of Court:

Address: 81 Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539
Criminal records division is on the ground floor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: (508) 627-7610
Case file inspection is available during business hours
Copy fees: $0.05 per page for black-and-white copies under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Dukes County Sheriff's Office at 81 Main Street, Edgartown, MA 02539. A written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies but is subject to the ten-business-day response requirement under Massachusetts public records law.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (508) 627-7211
No automated arrest information system is currently available in Dukes County
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may refer callers to the online iCORI system or an in-person visit for complete records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may request arrest and booking records on behalf of clients through formal public records requests or through the discovery process in active legal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available to the general public. Defense counsel may access police reports, witness statements, and investigative materials through the criminal discovery process governed by Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Dukes County

Arrest records in Dukes County are public records under Massachusetts law, subject to specific statutory exemptions. The Commonwealth's public records framework, codified at Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, establishes that all government records are presumptively open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records serve the purposes of government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Massachusetts law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Massachusetts Declaration of Rights and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution support public access to government records, including arrest information. Courts have recognized that public access to arrest records serves the First Amendment interest in monitoring government conduct. At the same time, privacy interests and due process considerations require that access be balanced against the potential harm of disclosing records for arrests that did not result in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA and Massachusetts fair employment laws. Massachusetts law limits the use of CORI information in employment decisions and requires employers to follow specific procedures before taking adverse action based on criminal history. The Commonwealth's ban-the-box law prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish guilt and may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment or housing decisions.

What's in Dukes County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or Massachusetts State Police)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Massachusetts General Laws statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Dukes County District Court or Superior Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests processed in Dukes County
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges associated with the individual

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Dukes County?

Current fees for obtaining arrest records in Dukes County are governed by Massachusetts public records law. Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, § 10, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of reproducing records, subject to the following standard rates:

Record Type	Standard Fee
Black-and-white paper copies	$0.05 per page
Color copies	Actual cost of reproduction
Certified copies (court records)	$2.50 per document
Electronic records (email/CD)	No charge for electronic delivery in many cases
CORI report (own record)	No charge via iCORI
CORI report (employer/third party)	Fees set by CHSB; currently $25.00 per request for standard access

Accepted payment methods vary by office but typically include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the specific agency. Credit card payment may be available at some offices.

Fee waivers are available under Massachusetts law for indigent requesters who can demonstrate financial hardship. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only to copies. Fees may vary slightly between the Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, and the Clerk of Courts based on each agency's reproduction costs.

The following records are available at no cost:

In-person inspection of public arrest records
An individual's own CORI report through the iCORI system
Online court case information through the Massachusetts Trial Court case search portal

How To Delete Arrest Records in Dukes County

Massachusetts law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical or electronic destruction of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. These are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.

Expungement permanently destroys the record and is available under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100E–100U, enacted through the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018. Expungement is available in the following circumstances:

The individual was under 21 years of age at the time of the offense and the offense occurred before the individual turned 18, with no subsequent criminal record
The offense involved a misdemeanor or certain felonies, and a waiting period of three years (misdemeanor) or seven years (felony) has elapsed since the case concluded
The record resulted from a false accusation or identity fraud
The offense has been decriminalized since the time of arrest

Sealing restricts public access to a criminal record without destroying it. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records. Sealing is available after a waiting period of three years for misdemeanors and seven years for felonies following the conclusion of the case, under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100A.

Steps to Petition for Expungement or Sealing:

Obtain a copy of the individual's CORI report through the iCORI system to identify all records subject to the petition
Determine eligibility based on the offense type, age at time of offense, and time elapsed since case conclusion
Complete the appropriate petition form available from the Massachusetts Trial Court
File the petition with the court that handled the original case — for Dukes County matters, this is the Dukes County District Court or Superior Court
Attend any scheduled hearing; the court will notify the petitioner of the hearing date
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order to all relevant agencies to destroy or seal the record

Dukes County District Court
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-7610
Dukes County District Court

Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board
200 Arlington Street, Suite 2200
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: (617) 660-4600
Massachusetts CHSB

What Happens After Arrest in Dukes County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Dukes County, the arrested individual is transported to the Dukes County Jail and House of Correction, the county's primary detention facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest across Martha's Vineyard. The individual remains handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires additional processing.

Dukes County Jail and House of Correction
1 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-7211
Dukes County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the arrested individual undergoes a standard intake process that typically takes one to four hours depending on volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

Personal information recorded
Miranda rights read if not already administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Massachusetts law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge within 24 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays, for an initial appearance. The first appearance serves the following purposes:

Formal notification of charges
Appointment of a public defender for indigent defendants
Bond and bail determination
Advisement of constitutional rights

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Massachusetts Trial Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
Amount refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
Amount set by a judge or magistrate at the initial appearance

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without the possibility of bail
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing time for release is typically one to eight hours
Personal property is returned upon release
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a default warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

Individual remains in custody at the Dukes County Jail
Housing assignment and inmate orientation completed
Commissary account established
Phone and visitation privileges explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance. The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) administers public defense in Massachusetts.

Committee for Public Counsel Services
44 Bromfield Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 482-6212
Committee for Public Counsel Services

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Dukes County Jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office reviews all arrests originating in Dukes County and determines whether to file formal charges. The review process typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges through a criminal complaint or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges.

Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office
3231 Main Street
Barnstable, MA 02630
Phone: (508) 362-8113
Cape and Islands District Attorney

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Serious felony charges in Massachusetts may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to indict the defendant. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel and result in an indictment if the grand jury finds sufficient cause to proceed.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters an initial plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all legal options. The court sets future hearing dates at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled as needed.

Plea Negotiations may result in a plea agreement under which the defendant pleads guilty or no contest to charges in exchange for a reduced sentence or lesser charges.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement or sealing.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, waiving the right to trial. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these options. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to two or more years
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and Massachusetts Declaration of Rights

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Sheriff's Office (Jail):
1 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-7211
Inmate information: (508) 627-7211
Dukes County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court:
81 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
Phone: (508) 627-7610
Dukes County Clerk of Courts

State Attorney's Office:
3231 Main Street
Barnstable, MA 02630
Phone: (508) 362-8113
Cape and Islands District Attorney

Public Defender's Office:
44 Bromfield Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 482-6212
Committee for Public Counsel Services

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dukes County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Dukes County is governed by Massachusetts state law and the records retention schedules established by the Massachusetts Secretary of State's office. Under current law, retention periods vary based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency maintaining the record.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Massachusetts CHSB, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent in most state and federal databases
Local law enforcement: Minimum of seven years; many agencies retain permanently
Court records: Permanent for cases resulting in conviction
State repository: Permanent

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of three years; often retained longer
Court records: Permanent unless sealed or expunged
State repository: Retained unless the subject successfully petitions for sealing or expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of three years
Court records: Often permanent unless sealed
State repository: Retained unless sealed or expunged by court order

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of three years
Local arrest logs: Minimum of three years
May be eligible for expungement petition under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 276, § 100E

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement: Minimum of three years
Often eligible for expungement petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum of three years; often longer
Fingerprint cards: Retained until superseded by digital records or per retention schedule
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of three years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retained for the duration of the associated record
Court electronic records: Often permanent

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement or sealing
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum of three years; serious offenses retained permanently
Arrest reports: Minimum of three years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (508) 627-7211

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum of three years per Massachusetts retention schedules
Incident reports: Minimum of three years
Retention periods may vary slightly by department

Clerk of Court:

Criminal case files: Permanent for felony convictions; minimum of seven years for misdemeanor convictions
Traffic cases: Minimum of three years
Electronic records: Often permanent

State Repository:

The Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board maintains arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions statewide
Retention policy: Permanent for convictions; subject to modification by court order for non-conviction records
Massachusetts CHSB

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention: Typically permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federal screening purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement or sealing. Dismissed charges are not reported on standard employment background checks in Massachusetts.

Expungement: Physical destruction or electronic deletion of local records is ordered. The state repository updates its records. The FBI database may retain a notation. Removal from all systems typically takes several weeks to months following the court order.

No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period applies. Records may be purged automatically after three years in some agencies. Immediate expungement may be available in certain circumstances.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Last Three Years):

Available through online court case search at Massachusetts Trial Court
Real-time or daily updates from booking facilities

Older Arrests (Three to Ten Years Ago):

May require an in-person request at the Clerk of Courts or Sheriff's Office
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Longer processing time for older materials

Very Old Arrests (More Than Ten Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Dukes County Clerk of Courts records division at (508) 627-7610

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the Massachusetts records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention — including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals — may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period:

Most employment background checks cover seven years of history under the FCRA
Massachusetts law prohibits the reporting of non-conviction records in many employment contexts
Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law
Massachusetts-specific restrictions may apply to certain industries and positions

"Ban the Box" and Fair Chance Laws:

Massachusetts prohibits employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial job applications
Employers may not consider arrests that did not result in conviction in most circumstances
Timeframe restrictions and procedural requirements apply under Massachusetts CORI reform law

Important Notes:

Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Commercial websites may not update records following a court order
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for official purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal jurisdiction with different retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate, more restrictive retention and access rules

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Dukes County Sheriff's Records Division at (508) 627-7211
Submit a public records request to the relevant agency
Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to a public records request

Lookup Arrest Records in Dukes County

Dukes County public records and government services