Search Public Records
Maine Arrest Records Online >Cumberland County Arrest Records Online

Cumberland County, Maine Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cumberland County, Maine?

Arrest records in Cumberland County, Maine are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), Title 1, Chapter 13, §§ 400-414. This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the county jurisdiction. The Maine Legislature has determined that public access to governmental proceedings and records ensures governmental accountability and transparency.

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under Maine Revised Statutes Title 30-A, Chapter 13. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public unless specifically exempted by statute. Members of the public may request access to these records through established procedures that balance the public's right to information with privacy protections mandated by state and federal law.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under § 402(3) of the FOAA, including records that would compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informants, or disclose juvenile records. Additionally, records sealed by court order or expunged pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 15, Chapter 310 are not available for public inspection.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cumberland County?

Cumberland County arrest records are increasingly available through digital platforms, reflecting the county's commitment to modernizing record access systems. The Maine eCourts system provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This system is part of the Maine Judicial Branch's initiative to improve public access to court information.

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of recent arrests and inmate information. This resource allows members of the public to search for arrest information using name, date of birth, or booking number. The system typically updates within 24-48 hours of processing.

For comprehensive criminal history information, the Maine Criminal History Record & Juvenile Crime Information Request portal provides a centralized system for requesting official records maintained by the Maine State Police. Pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 7, these records may include arrest data, disposition information, and correctional status.

Users should note that online access to certain records may be limited by statutory restrictions or technical constraints. Records containing sensitive information may be redacted or require in-person verification before release.

How to Look Up Cumberland County Arrest Records in 2025

Cumberland County provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. The following procedures are established pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 1, Chapter 13, § 408-A, which governs public access to government records:

  • In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records.

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
36 County Way
Portland, ME 04102
(207) 774-1444
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Electronic Requests: The Maine eCourts portal allows users to search for court cases related to arrests. For cases filed after implementation of the eCourts system, electronic access is available 24 hours per day.

  • Criminal History Records: Complete criminal history information, including arrest data, may be requested through the State Bureau of Identification. Requestors must submit a completed form and applicable fees as prescribed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 25, § 1541.

  • Court Records: The Cumberland County Superior Court maintains records of criminal proceedings that follow arrests. These records may be accessed at:

Cumberland County Superior Court
205 Newbury Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 822-4269
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for copies of records are established pursuant to § 408-A(8) and are subject to annual review.

Contents of a Cumberland County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Cumberland County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 25, Chapter 341. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, place of birth, gender, race, and ethnicity of the arrested individual.

  • Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars. These descriptors conform to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) standards.

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and statutory authority for the arrest.

  • Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Maine criminal statutes for which the individual was arrested, including citation to relevant code sections and classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies.

  • Booking Information: Unique booking number, fingerprints captured according to FBI standards, and mugshot photographs taken from front and profile views.

  • Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, conditions of release if applicable, or detention status pursuant to Maine Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 5.

  • Case Disposition: Court docket number, scheduled court appearances, and ultimate resolution of charges (though this information may be added to the record over time).

The Cumberland County Jail, as the primary detention facility for the county, maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats in compliance with state record retention schedules.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cumberland County

Under Maine law, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances. The process is governed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 15, Chapter 310, which establishes criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public access.

Eligibility for expungement in Cumberland County is limited to the following circumstances:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
  • Arrests not resulting in prosecution within the applicable statute of limitations
  • Certain juvenile records as specified in Title 15, § 3308
  • Records pertaining to crimes that have been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that had jurisdiction over the case. Petitioners must:

  1. Complete the appropriate petition form available from the Cumberland County Superior Court
  2. Provide certified copies of relevant court documents demonstrating eligibility
  3. Pay the filing fee established by the Maine Judicial Branch (fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
  4. Attend a hearing if scheduled by the presiding judge

If granted, an expungement order directs all governmental agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. Pursuant to § 2254, expunged records are treated as if they do not exist and the individual may legally state they have never been arrested for the expunged offense.

The Maine State Bureau of Identification maintains oversight of expunged records and ensures compliance with court orders across all agencies holding arrest information. Individuals seeking information about the expungement process may consult the Court Records information page for current procedures and requirements.

Search Arrest Records in Cumberland County