Bath Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bath, Maine?
Arrest records are public in Bath, Maine, pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), 1 M.R.S.A. § 400 et seq. This statute establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public. The FOAA serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and municipal agencies, including the Bath Police Department.
Public access to arrest records is subject to certain statutory exemptions. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile matters, or those sealed by court order may be withheld from public disclosure in accordance with 16 M.R.S.A. § 703. Additionally, certain personal identifying information may be redacted prior to release to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public's right to access the substantive information contained within the records.
Requestors seeking arrest records in Bath should be aware that while these documents are generally public, the custodian agency may require proper identification and the completion of a formal request form. Fees for copying and research services may be assessed in accordance with the fee schedule established by the City of Bath.
How to Look Up Bath Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Bath provides multiple methods for members of the public to access arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
- Visit the Bath Police Department in person to submit a records request. The department is located at:
Bath Police Department
55 Front Street
Bath, Maine 04530
(207) 443-5563
Bath Police Department Official Website
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 AM-5:00 PM
Submit a written request via postal mail to the Records Division at the above address. Requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought.
Access the Bath Police Department's online incident report summaries, which provide basic information about recent arrests and incidents.
Contact the Sagadahoc County Superior Court for arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings:
Sagadahoc County Superior Court
752 High Street
Bath, Maine 04530
(207) 443-8581
Sagadahoc County Superior Court Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
- Utilize the Maine State Bureau of Identification for statewide criminal history information:
Maine State Bureau of Identification
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1
Augusta, Maine 04333
(207) 624-7240
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Pursuant to 16 M.R.S.A. § 701, requestors must provide proper identification when seeking arrest records. A processing fee of $10.00 per record search is typically assessed, with additional charges for copies of documents or certified records as established by the Maine Criminal History Record Information Act.
Contents of a Bath Arrest Record
Bath arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Maine state law and local record-keeping protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and last known address
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Maine Criminal Code citations and offense classifications (misdemeanor or felony)
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the law enforcement agency involved
Booking information, including fingerprints, photograph (mugshot), and personal property inventory
Preliminary case disposition information, such as bail amount, court date, and initial appearance details
Incident report number and other administrative identifiers for cross-referencing within the criminal justice system
Brief narrative description of the circumstances leading to the arrest
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to arrests that have led to formal charges will contain additional documentation regarding court proceedings, while records of arrests not resulting in prosecution may be more limited in scope.
Pursuant to 16 M.R.S.A. § 705, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and medical data. Additionally, information regarding confidential informants, undercover officers, or details that might compromise ongoing investigations may be withheld in accordance with applicable exemptions under Maine law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Bath
The State of Maine provides statutory mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to 15 M.R.S.A. § 2251-2258, individuals may petition for the expungement of records pertaining to:
Arrests that did not result in formal charges being filed
Cases where charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Certain non-violent offenses after the completion of all sentencing requirements and a waiting period as specified by statute
Juvenile offenses, subject to the provisions outlined in 15 M.R.S.A. § 3308
The expungement process requires the filing of a formal petition with the court of jurisdiction. For arrests made in Bath, petitions are typically filed with:
West Bath District Court
101 New Meadows Road
West Bath, Maine 04530
(207) 442-0200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Petitioners must complete the appropriate court forms and may be required to attend a hearing where a judge will evaluate the merits of the expungement request. Factors considered in this determination include:
- The nature and severity of the original offense
- The amount of time that has elapsed since the arrest or conviction
- The petitioner's criminal history before and after the arrest in question
- Evidence of rehabilitation and good conduct
- The public interest in maintaining versus expunging the record
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Bath Police Department, to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest. Following expungement, the individual may legally respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred, with certain exceptions for specific types of employment or licensing applications as outlined in 15 M.R.S.A. § 2257.
It should be noted that expungement in Maine is discretionary rather than an absolute right. The burden of demonstrating eligibility and justification for expungement rests with the petitioner. Legal representation is advisable but not required for this process.
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