Arrest records in Androscoggin County, Maine are considered public documents pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), Title 1, Chapter 13, §§ 401-414. This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public. The FOAA serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials by ensuring citizens have access to records of governmental actions, including law enforcement activities.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties. These records document the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity within the county's jurisdiction. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other information specifically exempted by statute.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is public, the method of access and any associated fees are regulated by county policies in accordance with state law. The county may require formal requests for certain records and may assess reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying services as permitted under FOAA.
Androscoggin County provides limited online access to arrest records through various digital platforms. The Androscoggin County official website serves as a primary portal for public information, though comprehensive arrest record databases may not be directly accessible through this channel.
The Maine Judicial Branch has implemented the Maine eCourts system, which includes records from Androscoggin County Superior Court and Lewiston District Court. This system allows for electronic access to court records, which may include information related to arrests that have proceeded to court action. Access to these electronic court records is governed by the Maine Rules of Electronic Court Systems.
Additionally, the Maine State Bureau of Identification maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest information from all Maine counties, including Androscoggin. This system allows for online requests of criminal history record information for a prescribed fee.
The Maine Department of Corrections also provides an online inmate search function that may include individuals arrested and subsequently detained in Androscoggin County facilities.
Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive or current, as there may be delays in updating digital systems. For the most accurate and complete information, direct contact with the appropriate county agency is advised.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Androscoggin County have several methods available to them. The following procedures are established for accessing these public documents:
Contact the Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office directly: Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office 2 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210 Phone: (207) 753-2500 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Visit the Androscoggin County Jail for records of current inmates: Androscoggin County Jail 40 Pleasant Street Auburn, ME 04210 Phone: (207) 753-2500 ext. 1992 Hours: 24 hours daily for basic information
Submit a request to the appropriate court: Androscoggin County Superior Court 2 Turner Street Auburn, ME 04210 Phone: (207) 753-2999 Court Information Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Utilize the Maine State Police Criminal History Record Request service: Maine State Bureau of Identification 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1 Augusta, ME 04333 Phone: (207) 624-7240 Criminal History Records Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Access the Maine Adult Corrections Information System: This online database provides information about individuals currently in the custody of Maine correctional facilities, including the Androscoggin County Jail.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of their search, including full name and date of birth when available. Pursuant to 5 M.R.S.A. § 92-A, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search and copying services.
Arrest records maintained by Androscoggin County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Maine state law. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Standard arrest records in Androscoggin County contain the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
Arrest details:
Criminal charge information:
Processing information:
Case disposition information (if available):
Pursuant to 16 M.R.S.A. § 703, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile offenders. Additionally, records related to arrests that did not result in conviction may have limited accessibility under certain circumstances as provided by Maine law.
The State of Maine provides statutory mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. In Androscoggin County, these processes are governed by state law rather than county ordinance. The Maine Criminal History Record Information Act (16 M.R.S.A. §§ 701-710) establishes the framework for record expungement.
Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the Androscoggin County Superior Court. Petitioners must provide documentation supporting their eligibility for expungement. The court reviews each petition individually, considering factors including:
If granted, expungement orders direct all county agencies to seal the specified records from public view. However, pursuant to 16 M.R.S.A. § 709, certain sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate investigative purposes and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process does not automatically remove records from private databases or third-party websites that may have previously obtained the information. Additional steps may be necessary to address these non-governmental records.