York County, Maine Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in York County, Maine?
Yes, arrest records are public in York County, Maine. The accessibility of these records is governed by the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), Title 1, Chapter 13 of the Maine Revised Statutes, which ensures that government records, including arrest records, are available to the public. This transparency aims to maintain an open government and informed citizenry. Pursuant to Maine law, arrest records are considered public information unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.
The York County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in law enforcement. Members of the public may request access to arrest records through established procedures, which typically involve submitting a formal request to the appropriate agency. The Maine Freedom of Access Act stipulates that public agencies must respond to requests for public records within a reasonable timeframe, generally within five working days.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in § 402(3) of the FOAA, including confidential informant identities, intelligence information, and certain personal identifiers.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in York County?
Yes, arrest records can be found online in York County. Various authorized online platforms and local government agencies provide access to these records digitally, enhancing convenience for users seeking this information. The Maine Judicial Branch has implemented electronic court record systems that allow for remote access to certain court documents, including those related to arrests.
The State of Maine has developed several online resources for accessing criminal justice information. The Maine Criminal History Record & Juvenile Crime Information Request portal provides electronic access to criminal history records maintained by the Maine State Police. Additionally, the Maine Department of Corrections offers an online inmate search function that includes information about individuals who have been arrested and are in custody.
Users should be aware that online records may not always be comprehensive or current. Some records may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate agency. Online access to certain records may also require payment of statutory fees as authorized under Maine law.
How to Look Up York County Arrest Records in 2025
To obtain York County arrest records, various methods are available to members of the public. The following procedures are established pursuant to Maine's public records laws:
Visit the York County Sheriff's Office in person to request records at: York County Sheriff's Office 1 Layman Way Alfred, ME 04002 (207) 324-1113 Official Website Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Access records through the Maine Judicial Branch electronic court records system, which provides information about court cases related to arrests in York County.
Submit requests to the York County Superior Court for court records related to arrests at: York County Superior Court 45 Kennebunk Road Alfred, ME 04002 (207) 459-7860 Official Website Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Utilize the Maine State Police Criminal History Record Check service for comprehensive criminal history information. Fees apply pursuant to 25 M.R.S. § 1541.
Access the Maine Adult Corrections Information System to locate individuals currently in custody following arrest.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, date of birth if known, and approximate date of the arrest. Pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 408-A, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of requested records.
Contents of a York County Arrest Record
A York County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Pursuant to Maine law and standard law enforcement practices, these records generally include:
- Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed account of the alleged offense and circumstances leading to arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Formal charges filed, including Maine statute citations
- Booking information, including processing location and time
- Mugshot photographs taken during booking
- Fingerprint records collected during processing
- Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions of release
- Case disposition information if available
- Warrant information if the arrest was pursuant to a warrant
The Maine Background Check Center utilizes information from these records when conducting background checks as authorized by Maine law. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with privacy protections established under Maine statutes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in York County
In York County, individuals may have their arrest records expunged under certain conditions established by Maine law. Expungement is the process of legally removing records from public view. The Maine Criminal Code, specifically 15 M.R.S. § 2251-2259, governs the expungement process.
Eligibility for expungement in Maine typically depends on several factors:
- The nature and severity of the offense
- The time elapsed since arrest or completion of sentence
- The individual's subsequent criminal history
- Whether the case resulted in a conviction, dismissal, or acquittal
- Special provisions for juvenile records or certain drug offenses
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the York County Superior Court. Petitioners must complete the appropriate forms and may need to attend a court hearing where a judge will evaluate the merits of the expungement request. The court considers factors such as rehabilitation, public safety, and the petitioner's legitimate interest in having the record expunged.
Successful expungement results in the sealing of records from public view, though certain government agencies may retain access for limited purposes as specified by statute. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances and eligibility under current Maine law.
Search Arrest Records in York County
