Boston DUI and OUI Records
Boston DUI records are processed through Boston Municipal Court, which handles first and second offense OUI charges across all neighborhoods of the city. With roughly 675,000 residents and active enforcement on major highways and downtown streets, Boston sees significant OUI case volume each year.
Boston Overview
Courts Handling Boston DUI Records
Most Boston OUI cases start at Boston Municipal Court (BMC). The main BMC location handles first and second offense OUI charges for the entire city. BMC has seven divisions spread across Boston neighborhoods, but the central courthouse on New Chardon Street is where most records are filed and maintained. A third OUI offense is a felony under MGL c.90 § 24 and moves to Suffolk Superior Court.
| Court | Boston Municipal Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 24 New Chardon St Boston, MA 02114 |
| Phone | (617) 660-9200 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
BMC also has neighborhood divisions that hear cases arising in specific parts of the city. These include Brighton (52 Academy Hill Rd), Charlestown (3 City Square), Dorchester (510 Washington St), East Boston (37 Meridian St), Roxbury (85 Warren St), South Boston (535 East Broadway), and West Roxbury (445 Arborway). Each division keeps its own docket, but all records are searchable through the statewide MassCourts system.
Felony OUI charges go to Suffolk Superior Court. That court is located at 3 Pemberton Square, Boston MA 02108. The criminal division can be reached at 617-788-8160. Superior Court handles third offense and higher OUI cases, where the stakes are much greater and the process more complex.
How to Search Boston DUI Records Online
The fastest way to find Boston OUI records is through MassCourts, the Massachusetts Trial Court's free public access system. You can search by party name or case number. Results show docket entries, hearing dates, charges, and case status. The guide to searching court dockets on Mass.gov walks you through each step.
The Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access portal is the main tool for finding OUI dockets statewide. The Massachusetts Trial Court Case Access system shows dockets for all BMC divisions and Suffolk Superior Court. Search by name, docket number, or court location to narrow results.
This portal is updated regularly and gives you direct access to public OUI case information without any fee or login.
You can also search in person at any BMC division. Bring a valid ID and the name of the person you are looking for. Staff can pull case files and make copies on request. Plain copies cost $0.05 per page. Certified copies run $2.50 per page. Call ahead at (617) 660-9200 to confirm what you need to bring for your specific request.
Boston OUI Enforcement and Arrests
Two agencies enforce OUI laws in Boston. The Boston Police Department handles enforcement throughout city neighborhoods, while Massachusetts State Police Troop H covers the major highway corridors running through the city.
Boston Police run regular patrols and respond to OUI-related calls across all districts of the city.
State Police Troop H focuses on I-93, I-90, and the tunnels connecting the city to the airport and the South Shore. These corridors see heavy traffic volume late at night and on weekends. Sobriety checkpoints are common on these routes and throughout downtown. Enforcement also increases around major events at TD Garden, Fenway Park, and other venues that draw large crowds.
Under MGL c.90 § 24, operating under the influence in Massachusetts means a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher for most drivers. The limit is lower for commercial drivers and anyone under 21. A first OUI offense carries fines of $500 to $5,000, up to 2.5 years in jail, and a one-year license suspension. Many first-time defendants qualify for the 24D program under MGL c.90 § 24D, which offers probation, a 45 to 90 day suspension, and required alcohol education in exchange for a guilty plea.
A second OUI carries fines of $600 to $10,000 and a two-year suspension. A third is a felony. Fines jump to $1,000 to $15,000, and the suspension is eight years. Boston Municipal Court has a special provision worth knowing. Persons with three or more BMC charges may file a petition to seal all their BMC cases together in a single division, which can simplify an otherwise complex sealing process.
Requesting OUI Record Copies in Boston
You can get copies of Boston OUI records by mail or in person at the relevant BMC division. Mail requests should go to the division where the case was heard. Include the full name of the defendant, the approximate year of the case, and a case number if you have one. Enclose a check or money order for copy fees. Plain copies are $0.05 per page; certified copies are $2.50 per page.
In-person requests are processed the same day in most cases. Staff at the clerk's office will pull the docket and make copies while you wait. If you need a certified copy, ask specifically for that. The certification adds the court seal and is needed for most legal and administrative uses, such as license reinstatement applications.
Note: Some older BMC records may not be in the digital system. For cases from before the late 1990s, it is best to contact the specific BMC division directly and ask about physical file retrieval.
Driving Records and CORI for Boston OUI Cases
An OUI conviction in Boston affects two separate record systems. The court maintains the criminal docket. The Registry of Motor Vehicles maintains the driving record. You may need to pull both to get a full picture of any OUI case.
The RMV driving record request shows license status, suspension history, and any OUI-related entries. An unattested record costs $8. An attested record costs $20. Both can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at an RMV service center. Driving records show the administrative side of an OUI, including suspension dates and reinstatement requirements.
Criminal history through CORI comes from the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS). A standard CORI request costs $25 and is available at DCJIS. CORI shows charges, dispositions, and whether a case has been sealed. CORI sealing timelines depend on the outcome. A 24D disposition can be sealed immediately. A misdemeanor OUI can be sealed after five years. A felony OUI requires ten years before sealing is available. License reinstatement after an OUI suspension is handled through the RMV reinstatement process.
For a full overview of Massachusetts drunk driving law, the Mass.gov drunk driving law page covers statutes, penalties, and licensing consequences in one place.
Suffolk County DUI Records
Boston sits in Suffolk County. All OUI cases in the city are part of the broader Suffolk County court system. The Suffolk County page covers the full court structure, including Chelsea District Court, and has additional information on how OUI cases flow through the county's courts.
Nearby Cities
OUI cases in cities near Boston are handled by separate courts. Each city links to its own court and record access options.