Belfast Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Belfast, Maine?
Arrest records in Belfast, Maine are considered public documents under Maine state law. The Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), Title 1, Chapter 13, §§ 400-414, establishes the legal framework for public access to government records throughout the state. This legislation mandates that records created, received, or maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Belfast Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities within municipal boundaries. Pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 3, Subchapter 8, § 703, criminal history record information that is not designated as confidential is available for public inspection. This includes basic arrest information such as the identity of the person charged, the offense alleged, and the date and place of the arrest.
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with privacy protections established under Maine law. For example, information pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or details that might compromise victim safety may be exempt from disclosure.
How to Look Up Belfast Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple pathways exist for individuals seeking to obtain arrest records in Belfast, Maine. The appropriate method depends on the requester's specific needs, the age of the records, and the purpose of the inquiry. The following options are available to members of the public:
• In-person requests may be submitted at the Belfast Police Department, located at 112 Church Street, Belfast, ME 04915. Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
• Written requests may be directed to the Records Division of the Belfast Police Department. Pursuant to Maine Freedom of Access Act § 408-A, agencies must acknowledge receipt of written requests within 5 working days and provide a good faith estimate of when the records will be available.
• The Waldo County Sheriff's Office maintains county-level arrest records and can be contacted at 6 Public Safety Way, Belfast, ME 04915. Their records division operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• The Maine State Bureau of Identification (SBI), operating under the Maine State Police, maintains the central repository for criminal history information. Requesters seeking comprehensive criminal history information may submit applications to: Maine State Bureau of Identification, 45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1, Augusta, ME 04333. Telephone: (207) 624-7240.
• Online access to certain arrest information may be available through the Maine State Police public portal. Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive and may require supplemental verification through official channels.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Maine Revised Statutes Title 1, § 408-A. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of searching for, retrieving, and compiling the requested public record. The first hour of staff time per request is provided without charge.
Contents of a Belfast Arrest Record
Belfast arrest records typically contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. The content of these records is governed by Maine Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 3, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. Standard arrest records include:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and last known address
• Unique identifiers such as state identification numbers and, when applicable, FBI numbers
• Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
• Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
• Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
• Arresting agency information and case number
• Booking information, including photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
• Custody status following arrest, including bail amount if applicable
• Disposition information, such as whether the case was referred for prosecution
• Court docket numbers for associated court proceedings
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of arrest records may vary based on the status of the case and applicable exemptions under Maine's public records laws. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, medical information, or information that might compromise ongoing investigations, is typically redacted from public versions of arrest records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Belfast
Maine law provides limited mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by Maine Revised Statutes Title 16, Chapter 3, Subchapter 8. Individuals seeking expungement must understand that Maine's provisions are more restrictive than those of many other states.
Pursuant to Maine law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:
• Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may qualify for restriction of public access under certain conditions
• Arrests made due to mistaken identity or factual innocence may be expunged following appropriate judicial determination
• Certain juvenile records may qualify for sealing under provisions outlined in Maine Juvenile Code
• Records related to crimes that have been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest may be eligible for expungement under specific statutory provisions
The expungement process typically requires filing a petition with the court of jurisdiction where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must provide documentation supporting their eligibility under the relevant statutory provisions. The court may schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that their circumstances meet the legal criteria for expungement.
It should be noted that even when records are expunged from public access, certain government agencies, particularly law enforcement and judicial entities, may retain access to the information for official purposes. Additionally, federal records maintained by agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation are not subject to state expungement orders and may require separate processes for modification.
Individuals considering expungement should be aware that Maine law does not provide for automatic expungement of records based solely on the passage of time. Each case requires individual review and judicial determination based on the specific circumstances and applicable statutory provisions.
Search Arrest Records in Belfast
• Belfast Police Department Records • Waldo County Sheriff's Office Records • Maine State Bureau of Identification • Maine Judicial Branch Public Records
