Auburn Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Auburn, Maine?
Arrest records are public documents in Auburn, Maine, pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 M.R.S. §§ 400-414. This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The FOAA serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Auburn Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state statutes and makes them available through established protocols. Public access to arrest information supports the judicial system's commitment to transparency while balancing privacy considerations as prescribed by law. Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under 1 M.R.S. § 402(3).
Individuals seeking arrest records may submit FOAA requests to the appropriate municipal department. The City of Auburn processes these requests in compliance with statutory timeframes, typically acknowledging receipt within five working days as required by state law.
How to Look Up Auburn Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Auburn have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The Auburn Police Department serves as the primary custodian of these records and provides several options for retrieval:
- In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Auburn Police Department to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying specific records sought.
Auburn Police Department
60 Court Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 333-6650
Auburn Police Department
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Written Requests: Written FOAA requests may be submitted via postal mail or email. Pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 408-A, requests must reasonably describe the public record sought. Requestors should include their contact information and specify the format in which they wish to receive the records.
Online Access: The Auburn Police Department provides limited arrest information through their official website. Recent arrest logs and police reports may be available through the department's online portal.
City Clerk's Office: For historical arrest records or certified copies, the City Clerk's Office may provide assistance with locating and retrieving these documents.
City Clerk's Office
60 Court Street, 1st Floor
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 333-6601
City Clerk's Office
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Fees for record retrieval are assessed in accordance with 1 M.R.S. § 408-A(8), which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of requested materials. The first hour of search and retrieval is provided at no cost, with subsequent time billed at the hourly rate of the lowest paid employee qualified to perform the task.
Contents of an Auburn Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Auburn Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and individuals involved in an arrest. These documents are standardized in accordance with Maine Criminal Justice Information System requirements and generally include:
Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and any documented aliases or previous names.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred, including GPS coordinates when available.
Offense Information: Description of the alleged criminal violation(s), including applicable Maine Revised Statutes citations and classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.
Law Enforcement Data: Identification of the arresting agency, badge numbers and names of officers involved in the arrest, and the case number assigned to the incident.
Processing Information: Details regarding booking procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, and initial appearance before judicial authorities.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determinations, release conditions, or continued detention.
Property Inventory: Itemized list of personal effects taken into custody at the time of arrest.
Vehicle Information: When applicable, details regarding any vehicles involved in the incident or impounded as a result of the arrest.
Pursuant to 16 M.R.S. § 703, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including social security numbers, dates of birth, medical information, and information that would identify confidential informants or compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Auburn
The State of Maine provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. This process is governed by 16 M.R.S. § 703 and related provisions of Maine law. Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in Auburn must navigate the following procedures:
Eligibility Determination: Expungement may be available in cases where charges were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or where the arrest did not lead to formal charges. Additionally, certain juvenile records and records related to minor offenses after specified waiting periods may qualify for expungement.
Petition Process: Eligible individuals must file a formal petition with the court of jurisdiction that originally handled the case. Standard petition forms are available through the Maine Judicial Branch.
Maine District Court - Androscoggin County
2 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 330-7500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Judicial Review: Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court conducts a comprehensive review considering factors including:
- The nature and severity of the original offense
- Time elapsed since the arrest or completion of any sentence
- The petitioner's subsequent criminal record, if any
- Public safety considerations
- Rehabilitation evidence
Hearing Process: In some cases, the court may schedule a hearing where the petitioner and representatives from the District Attorney's Office may present arguments regarding the expungement request.
Order Implementation: If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all relevant agencies, including the Auburn Police Department, to seal the specified records from public access.
It is important to note that pursuant to 16 M.R.S. § 703(2), even expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and criminal justice officials for legitimate law enforcement purposes. Additionally, certain offenses, particularly those of a violent or sexual nature, may be statutorily ineligible for expungement under Maine law.
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