Clinton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Clinton, Maine?
Arrest records are public documents in Clinton, Maine, pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 M.R.S.A. § 400 et seq. This state legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The FOAA operates under the principle that government activities should remain transparent to promote accountability and public oversight. Under this statute, members of the public may request and obtain arrest records maintained by the Clinton Police Department and other law enforcement entities operating within municipal and county jurisdictions.
The public nature of these records serves several governmental and societal functions. First, it enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings. Second, it provides researchers, journalists, and advocacy organizations with data necessary to analyze crime patterns and law enforcement practices. Third, it allows potential employers and landlords to conduct background checks as permitted by applicable state and federal laws.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions. These exemptions typically protect sensitive information such as the identities of minors, victims of certain crimes, confidential informants, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations. Additionally, records pertaining to cases that have been expunged pursuant to Maine law are not accessible to the public.
How to Look Up Clinton Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Clinton, Maine. Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search process, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of the arrest if known. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Clinton Police Department located at 27 Baker Street, Clinton, ME 04927. The records division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters should complete the designated public records request form and present valid government-issued identification.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Clinton Police Department, 27 Baker Street, Clinton, ME 04927. The request should include the requester's contact information, specific details about the records sought, and a copy of the requester's identification.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Town of Clinton's official website. The online portal requires creation of a user account and submission of the same identifying information required for in-person requests.
Maine State Bureau of Identification maintains a centralized repository of criminal history information, including arrest records from Clinton and other municipalities. Requests may be submitted to: Maine State Bureau of Identification, 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1, Augusta, ME 04333. The bureau's public counter operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at (207) 624-7240.
Kennebec County Sheriff's Office may have records pertaining to arrests made by county deputies within Clinton town limits. Their records division is located at 125 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330, and operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The office can be contacted at (207) 623-3614.
Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 408-A, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of public records. The first hour of search and retrieval is typically provided without charge, with subsequent time billed at the hourly rate of the lowest paid employee capable of performing the task. Copy fees are generally set at $0.25 per page for standard documents.
Contents of a Clinton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Clinton Police Department and accessible to the public typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Maine Criminal Justice Information System protocols. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include:
Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest details including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred, the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal charges filed against the individual, including the specific Maine statutes allegedly violated, the classification of each offense (felony or misdemeanor), and the severity level (Class A through E under Maine's criminal code).
Case processing information such as the assigned case number, court docket number, scheduled arraignment date, and initial plea entered.
Custody status indicating whether the individual was released on personal recognizance, posted bail, or remained in detention pending further proceedings. If bail was set, the record typically includes the amount and conditions imposed.
Booking documentation including fingerprints and mugshot photographs taken during processing. These biometric identifiers are maintained in both local and state databases.
Property inventory listing items in the arrested person's possession at the time of booking, including those held as potential evidence or for safekeeping during incarceration.
Preliminary investigative findings that established probable cause for the arrest, often summarized in the arresting officer's narrative report.
It should be noted that pursuant to 16 M.R.S.A. § 703, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information protected under federal HIPAA regulations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Clinton
Maine law provides limited mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by Clinton law enforcement agencies. The process is governed primarily by 16 M.R.S.A. § 703 and related statutes, which establish strict eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Expungement eligibility in Maine is significantly more restrictive than in many other states. The following circumstances may qualify an individual for consideration:
Cases resulting in acquittal after trial, where the court has made a specific finding that the arrest was made without probable cause.
Arrests that did not result in prosecution, provided that the statute of limitations has expired and the prosecuting attorney has filed a formal declination to prosecute.
Juvenile records, which may be sealed pursuant to 15 M.R.S.A. § 3308 when the individual reaches 18 years of age and meets other statutory requirements.
Certain minor marijuana possession offenses that occurred prior to Maine's legalization of recreational cannabis, as specified in 22 M.R.S.A. § 2383.
The expungement petition process requires submission of formal documentation to the Maine District Court having jurisdiction over Clinton (located in the Augusta District Court, 145 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330). Petitioners must provide certified copies of relevant court dispositions, a notarized affidavit attesting to eligibility, and payment of applicable filing fees.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing at which the petitioner must demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements. The prosecuting attorney and arresting agency are notified and permitted to present evidence in opposition to the petition. Judicial discretion plays a significant role in the determination, with the court weighing the public interest in maintaining the record against the petitioner's interest in expungement.
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Clinton Police Department, Kennebec County Sheriff's Office, and Maine State Bureau of Identification, to seal the specified records from public access. However, these records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate investigative purposes and may be considered in sentencing determinations for subsequent offenses.
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