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Maine Arrest Records

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Are Arrest Records Public in Maine?

Yes. Under the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA)—enacted in 1959 and codified at Title 1, Chapter 13 of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (MRSA)—arrest records are generally considered public records. This means that booking details, arrest logs, and court filings are typically accessible to anyone requesting them. The Maine State Bureau of Identification, part of the Maine State Police, maintains the central repository for criminal history records, including arrests, convictions, and adjudications. Individuals may submit a name-and-date-of-birth request for criminal history information, which will include convictions and pending cases less than one year old.

However, access is not absolute. The law exempts certain categories of data from public release—such as investigative files retained for active law enforcement purposes, juvenile arrest records, or personal information about victims. Additionally, criminal histories that did not result in charges may be withheld or redacted for privacy or investigatory integrity.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Maine?

Access to arrest records in Maine is primarily governed by two key pieces of legislation:

  1. Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) - Title 1, Chapter 13: This is Maine's public records law, which establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests. The FOAA operates under the presumption that government records are public unless specifically exempted by law.

  2. Maine Criminal History Record Information Act (CHRIA) - Title 16, Chapter 7: This act specifically regulates the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information in Maine, including arrest records. It defines what constitutes criminal history information and establishes rules for its disclosure.

Additional regulations that may affect access to arrest records include:

  • Maine Intelligence and Investigative Record Information Act - Title 16, Chapter 9: This act governs the confidentiality of intelligence and investigative information.
  • Maine Juvenile Code - Title 15, Chapter 507: This code establishes special protections for juvenile records.
  • Maine Criminal Records Review Act - Regulates background checks and the use of criminal history information for employment purposes.

These laws collectively establish a framework that balances the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

What Information Is Included in a Maine Arrest Record?

A typical arrest record in Maine contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records generally include:

  • Personal Identification Information:

    • Full legal name
    • Date of birth
    • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
    • Photograph (mugshot)
    • Fingerprints
    • Address at time of arrest

  • Arrest Details:

    • Date and time of arrest
    • Location of arrest
    • Arresting agency
    • Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
    • Booking information
    • Detention facility information

  • Criminal Charges:

    • Specific charges filed
    • Statutory citations
    • Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
    • Description of alleged criminal activity

  • Case Processing Information:

    • Court docket number
    • Arraignment date
    • Bail or bond information
    • Court appearances
    • Case disposition (if available)
    • Sentencing information (if convicted)

  • Additional Information:

    • Prior criminal history references
    • Warrant information (if applicable)
    • Probation or parole status (if applicable)

It's important to note that the comprehensiveness of information may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific agency maintaining the record.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Maine in 2025

To obtain arrest records in Maine, individuals can follow several established procedures depending on their specific needs:

  1. State Bureau of Identification (SBI): The primary repository for criminal history records in Maine is the State Bureau of Identification, which is part of the Maine State Police. To request records:
    • Submit a completed Criminal History Record Check form
    • Provide proper identification
    • Pay the required fee
    • Mail or deliver in person to:

Maine State Bureau of Identification
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-7240
Maine State Bureau of Identification

  1. Local Law Enforcement Agencies: For recent arrests, contact the police department or sheriff's office that made the arrest. Most agencies have specific procedures for requesting arrest records.

  2. Maine Judicial Branch: Court records related to arrests can be obtained through the Maine court system:

Administrative Office of the Courts
1 Court Street, Suite 301
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 213-2800
Maine Judicial Branch

  1. In-Person Requests: Visit the records division of the relevant law enforcement agency or courthouse during business hours. Bring identification and be prepared to complete request forms and pay applicable fees.

  2. Written Requests: Submit a written request to the appropriate agency, including:

    • Full name of the person in the record
    • Date of birth
    • Approximate date of arrest
    • Your contact information
    • Purpose of the request
    • Notarized authorization (if requesting someone else's records)

  3. Maine Department of Corrections: For records of individuals who have been incarcerated:

Maine Department of Corrections
25 Tyson Drive, 3rd Floor
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 287-2711
Maine Department of Corrections

Processing times vary by agency and request volume, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Maine

Maine offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally:

  1. Maine State Police - State Bureau of Identification (SBI) Online Portal: The SBI provides an online service for requesting criminal history record checks:

  2. Maine Judicial Branch Public Portal: The Maine court system maintains an online case lookup system:

    • Access the Maine Courts Public Portal
    • Search by name or case number
    • View case information, including charges and court dates
    • Note that some documents may require in-person requests

  3. County Sheriff's Office Websites: Many county sheriff's offices in Maine maintain online inmate lookup tools or recent arrest logs:

  4. Municipal Police Department Websites: Larger police departments often publish daily arrest logs or maintain searchable databases:

  5. Third-Party Aggregators: While not official sources, several commercial websites compile public record information from Maine. Exercise caution with these services as they may:

    • Charge additional fees
    • Provide outdated information
    • Not include complete records
    • Potentially violate terms of use for official record systems

When using online systems, be aware that the most current and complete information may still require direct contact with the relevant agency. Additionally, some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of records.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Maine?

Under Maine law, access to arrest records varies depending on the requester's status and purpose:

  1. General Public: Any member of the public can request and obtain non-confidential arrest records. However, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.

  2. The Subject of the Record: Individuals have the right to access their own criminal history information, including arrest records. They may need to provide fingerprints or other identification to verify their identity.

  3. Criminal Justice Agencies: Law enforcement, courts, corrections, and other criminal justice agencies have broader access to complete arrest records for official purposes.

  4. Government Agencies: State and federal agencies may access arrest records for authorized purposes such as employment screening for sensitive positions.

  5. Employers and Licensing Boards: Maine law permits certain employers and licensing boards to access criminal history information, including arrest records, particularly for positions involving:

    • Law enforcement
    • Childcare
    • Education
    • Healthcare
    • Financial institutions
    • Security services

  6. Researchers and Statisticians: Qualified researchers may access arrest data for statistical analysis, typically with personally identifiable information removed.

  7. Media Organizations: News media can access arrest records as part of public information, though they must follow ethical guidelines regarding publication.

  8. Attorneys: Legal representatives may access arrest records for clients they represent or for case preparation.

The Maine Criminal History Record Information Act establishes specific provisions regarding who can access different types of criminal history information and under what circumstances.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Maine?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Maine typically involves fees that vary depending on the type of record, the requesting agency, and the method of request:

State Bureau of Identification (SBI) Fees:

  • $31 for a standard criminal history record check
  • $52 for fingerprint-based criminal history checks
  • $15 for notarized copies of criminal history records
  • Additional fees may apply for expedited service

Court Record Fees:

  • $5-$10 for copies of court documents (per document)
  • $1-$2 per page for photocopies
  • $10-$40 for certified copies of court records
  • Research fees may apply for extensive searches ($25 per hour)

Local Law Enforcement Agency Fees:

  • Varies by agency, typically $5-$25 per report
  • Some agencies may charge additional fees for photographs or other supplemental materials

Online Access Fees:

  • Maine Judicial Branch online access: Basic search is free, but document access may require fees
  • SBI online portal: Same fees as in-person requests ($31 standard)

Fee Waivers:

  • Some agencies may waive fees for:
    • Governmental entities requesting records for official purposes
    • Indigent individuals who demonstrate financial hardship
    • Certain non-profit organizations conducting research
    • Victims requesting records related to their case

Payment methods typically include credit/debit cards, checks, money orders, and sometimes cash for in-person requests. All fees are subject to change, and it's advisable to verify current fee schedules with the specific agency before making a request.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Maine

Maine maintains arrest records for extended periods, following a structured records retention schedule:

State Bureau of Identification (SBI):

  • Adult arrest records: Maintained for the lifetime of the individual
  • Fingerprint records: Permanently maintained
  • Criminal history information: Permanently maintained in the central repository

Local Law Enforcement Agencies:

  • Arrest reports: Typically maintained for 10-20 years
  • Booking photographs: Generally kept for 5-10 years
  • Incident reports related to arrests: Usually retained for 5-7 years

Maine Judicial Branch:

  • Felony case records: Permanently maintained
  • Misdemeanor case records: Maintained for 10-15 years after case disposition
  • Court dockets: Permanently maintained
  • Dismissed cases: May be maintained for 5-7 years

Maine Department of Corrections:

  • Inmate records: Maintained for 10 years after final release from supervision
  • Probation records: Kept for 7 years after completion of probation

Special Circumstances:

  • Sex offender records: Maintained for extended periods based on offense classification
  • Juvenile records: Generally maintained until the individual reaches age 21, with exceptions for serious offenses
  • Homicide and other serious felony records: Permanently maintained

The Maine State Archives Records Retention Schedules provide detailed guidelines for various agencies regarding how long different types of records must be kept. These schedules are developed in accordance with Maine statutes and administrative rules.

Even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, digital records or summary information may be maintained for longer periods in various databases.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Maine Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Maine, certain information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and sensitive data:

Personal Identifying Information:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Driver's license numbers
  • Financial account information
  • Personal telephone numbers and email addresses
  • Home addresses (in certain circumstances)
  • Medical and mental health information
  • Dates of birth (may be partially redacted)

Sensitive Investigation Details:

  • Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
  • Confidential informant identities
  • Undercover officer information
  • Investigative techniques and procedures
  • Grand jury information

Victim Information:

  • Identities of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence
  • Personal information of crime victims
  • Victim statements and interviews
  • Medical records of victims

Juvenile Information:

  • Records pertaining to juvenile arrests (with limited exceptions)
  • Information that would identify a minor
  • School records or juvenile history

Other Protected Information:

  • Information protected by federal law (HIPAA, FERPA, etc.)
  • Intelligence and surveillance information
  • Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Expunged or pardoned offense information

The redaction of information is governed by the Maine Freedom of Access Act, the Maine Criminal History Record Information Act, and various court decisions interpreting these laws. Law enforcement agencies and courts make case-by-case determinations about what information should be redacted based on these legal frameworks.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Maine

Maine law provides several mechanisms for sealing or destroying arrest records under specific circumstances:

Criminal Record Sealing:

Maine does not have a comprehensive expungement law, but certain records may be sealed:

  1. Juvenile Records: Under Title 15, Chapter 507, juvenile records may be sealed if:

    • Three years have passed since the juvenile was discharged from the disposition
    • No subsequent juvenile or adult criminal proceedings are pending
    • The juvenile has not been adjudicated of a juvenile crime during the three-year period
    • No proceeding seeking a criminal conviction or juvenile adjudication is pending

  2. Deferred Disposition Records: When a case is resolved through deferred disposition and successfully completed, the court may order the records sealed.

  3. Court-Ordered Sealing: In limited circumstances, a court may order records sealed if:

    • The case was dismissed
    • The person was acquitted
    • The court finds that the public interest in sealing outweighs the public interest in access

Process for Requesting Record Sealing:

  1. File a petition with the court that handled the original case
  2. Include all relevant case information and grounds for sealing
  3. Pay any required filing fees
  4. Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
  5. If granted, obtain certified copies of the sealing order

Administrative Record Correction:

If an arrest record contains inaccurate information, individuals can:

  1. Contact the Maine State Bureau of Identification:

Maine State Bureau of Identification
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-7240
Maine State Bureau of Identification

  1. Submit a written challenge with supporting documentation
  2. Request a review of the record
  3. If necessary, appeal adverse decisions through administrative channels

Pardons:

While not technically sealing or destroying records, a gubernatorial pardon can mitigate the effects of an arrest record:

  1. Apply through the Maine Board of Pardons and Commutations
  2. Submit a complete application with supporting documentation
  3. Attend a hearing before the board
  4. If recommended by the board and granted by the Governor, the pardon becomes part of the record but does not erase it

It's advisable to consult with an attorney experienced in Maine criminal record matters before pursuing any of these options, as the processes can be complex and outcomes vary based on individual circumstances.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Maine?

Maine law imposes several important limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts:

Employment Restrictions:

  1. Ban the Box Provisions: Maine's LD 1167, enacted in 2019, prohibits state employers from requesting criminal history information on initial employment applications, with exceptions for positions where certain convictions would disqualify an applicant by law.

  2. Fair Consideration Requirements: Employers must consider:

    • The nature and gravity of the criminal conduct
    • The time elapsed since the conduct or completion of sentence
    • The nature of the position sought
    • Rehabilitation efforts

  3. Occupation-Specific Limitations: Certain professions have specific restrictions on considering arrest records, particularly those regulated by:

    • Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
    • Maine Department of Education
    • Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Housing Limitations:

  1. Maine fair housing laws limit how landlords can use arrest records in housing decisions
  2. Public housing authorities follow HUD guidelines regarding criminal history consideration

Consumer Reporting Restrictions:

  1. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) applies to background checks conducted by third parties
  2. Maine's Fair Credit Reporting Act provides additional consumer protections

Non-Conviction Records:

Maine law provides special protections for arrest records that did not result in conviction:

  1. Employers are generally prohibited from asking about arrests that did not lead to conviction
  2. Non-conviction information cannot be used to deny employment, housing, or licensing unless there is a substantial relationship to the position

Penalties for Misuse:

Improper use of arrest records may result in:

  1. Civil liability under Maine's Human Rights Act
  2. Administrative penalties from regulatory agencies
  3. Potential legal action by affected individuals

Notification Requirements:

When adverse actions are taken based on criminal history information:

  1. The individual must be notified of the basis for the decision
  2. They must be provided an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information
  3. They must be informed of their rights under applicable laws

These limitations aim to balance public safety concerns with the rights of individuals with arrest records to reintegrate into society and avoid perpetual punishment beyond legal sentences.

Lookup Arrest Records in Maine

Various agencies in Maine maintain and provide access to arrest records. Below is a comprehensive list of the primary resources for looking up arrest records in the state:

State Repository for Criminal History Records:

Maine State Bureau of Identification (SBI)
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-7240
Maine State Bureau of Identification

State Department of Public Safety:

Maine Department of Public Safety
45 Commerce Drive
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 626-3800
Maine Department of Public Safety

State Police:

Maine State Police Headquarters
45 Commerce Drive
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-7200
Maine State Police

State Department of Corrections:

Maine Department of Corrections
25 Tyson Drive, 3rd Floor
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 287-2711
Maine Department of Corrections

State Court System:

Maine Judicial Branch Administrative Office of the Courts
1 Court Street, Suite 301
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 213-2800
Maine Judicial Branch

Attorney General's Office:

Maine Attorney General's Office
6 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 626-8800
Maine Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office
2 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 753-2500
Androscoggin County Sheriff

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
36 County Way
Portland, ME 04102
(207) 774-1444
Cumberland County Sheriff

Kennebec County Sheriff's Office
125 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 623-3614
Kennebec County Sheriff

Penobscot County Sheriff's Office
85 Hammond Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 947-4585
Penobscot County Sheriff

York County Sheriff's Office
1 Layman Way
Alfred, ME 04002
(207) 324-1113
York County Sheriff

Aroostook County Sheriff's Office
25 School Street, Suite 216
Houlton, ME 04730
(207) 532-3471
Aroostook County Sheriff

Knox County Sheriff's Office
301 Park Street
Rockland, ME 04841
(207) 594-0429
Knox County Sheriff

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
42 Bath Road
Wiscasset, ME 04578
(207) 882-6576
Lincoln County Sheriff

Oxford County Sheriff's Office
26 Western Avenue
South Paris, ME 04281
(207) 743-9554
Oxford County Sheriff

Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office
752 High Street
Bath, ME 04530
(207) 443-8201
Sagadahoc County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments:

Portland Police Department
109 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 874-8479
Portland Police Department

Bangor Police Department
240 Main Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 947-7382
Bangor Police Department

Lewiston Police Department
171 Park Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 513-3001
Lewiston Police Department

Auburn Police Department
60 Court Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 333-6650
Auburn Police Department

South Portland Police Department
30 Anthoine Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-5511
South Portland Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Maine:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Boston Division (covers Maine)
One Center Plaza, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02108
(857) 386-2000
FBI Boston Division

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Maine
156 Federal Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 780-3355
U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. Courts – District of Maine
156 Federal Street
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 780-3356
U.S. District Court - District of Maine

Counties in Maine
Aroostook Cumberland Franklin Kennebec Penobscot Sagadahoc Waldo Washington York
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