Criminal records in Penobscot County, Maine, are available through several channels. PenobscotCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official electronic court systems, law enforcement agencies — including the county sheriff's office — and the court clerk's office, which maintains case materials and issues certified copies of documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Penobscot
There are several ways to find criminal records in this county. Below are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Through PenobscotCourt.us
- Go to PenobscotCourt.us.
- Enter the full name of the person (last name and first name) or the case number.
- Review the search results — they display publicly available information about court cases in the county.
Online through Official State Portals
The judicial branch of the state of Maine has launched the electronic system Maine eCourts, which covers the Penobscot County Superior Court and Bangor District Court. Case parties can obtain remote access to electronic court records by providing their authentication data.
To check the criminal history of a specific person, use the Maine Criminal History Record Request service, maintained by the State Police Bureau of Identification. This search provides information about adult convictions and juvenile decisions. You need to know the person's full name and date of birth.
If you are interested in whether a person is under the supervision of the Department of Corrections, use the Maine Adult Resident Search. The system shows individuals in state correctional facilities, but not those held in county jails or federal institutions.
In Person
Visit the Penobscot Judicial Center, where the Penobscot County Superior Court is located. The court clerk's office provides access to public case materials. Bring identification and the case number, if known.
By Mail or Written Request
Send a written request to the Penobscot County Superior Court clerk's office at the address above. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and the type of document requested. To obtain an official state-level criminal history, direct your request to the State Bureau of Identification of the Maine State Police.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Penobscot Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Maine is assigned a unique number consisting of several elements. The format typically looks like this:
- County Code — a letter abbreviation indicating the county (for Penobscot — "PEN").
- Case Type Code — a letter or combination of letters indicating the category: "CR" for criminal cases, "SP" for Superior Court cases.
- Year — four digits of the year the case was filed.
- Sequential Number — a numerical sequence distinguishing the specific case from others in the same year.
For example, a number like PENCD-CR-2024-00123 indicates a criminal case filed in Penobscot County in 2024 with a sequential number of 123. The exact format may vary slightly depending on the court level — District Court or Superior Court.
Searching by case number is the most accurate method. It directly leads to the desired case without the need to filter results by name, which may match multiple individuals.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Penobscot
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Maine Criminal Code (Title 17-A or other titles) under which charges are filed |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime — classes A, B, C), Misdemeanor (offense — classes D, E), or Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend the initial charge — reduce the severity or add new counts during the case proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case has been filed, but no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is in the hearing stage or awaiting the next session
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, and the case is closed
Hearings
A criminal case in Penobscot goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance, where the charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to continue the case (usually for felony).
- Pre-trial conference — the parties discuss the possibility of a plea agreement or prepare for trial.
- Sentencing — the imposition of a penalty after a guilty plea or jury verdict.
- Review hearing — checking compliance with probation conditions or other court requirements.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court finds the defendant not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — at the initiative of the prosecutor or court |
| Acquitted | Acquittal after a full trial |
| Deferred Disposition | The decision is postponed; if court requirements are met, the charges may be dropped |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Penobscot
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, licensing, immigration procedures. Here's where to apply.
Clerk of Court
The Penobscot County Superior Court clerk's office issues certified copies of court documents — judgments, hearing transcripts, decisions. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
Required documents:
- Photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Case number or full name and date of birth of the defendant
- Completed request form (available on the Maine court forms website or directly at the clerk's office)
State-Level Criminal History
To obtain a complete criminal history of a person, contact the State Bureau of Identification at the Maine State Police. The request is submitted online and includes information on all adult convictions in the state. The public search only provides conviction data — arrests without convictions are not displayed.
To submit a request, you need to provide the person's full name and date of birth. A fee is charged for the results.
Sheriff's Office
Penobscot County Sheriff's Office can provide information about current inmates in the county jail and the status of arrest warrants.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Penobscot
| Service | Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Court clerk's office, according to Maine Judicial Branch rules |
| Document certification | $5.00 | In addition to the cost of copies |
| Public criminal history request (online through SBI) | $31.00 | State Bureau of Identification — payment online upon request submission |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history check | Depends on the type of request | Submitted through SBI; the amount depends on the purpose of the check |
Processing Time
- Copies from the court clerk's office — usually ready within 3–5 business days when requested by mail; often issued the same day for in-person visits.
- Online criminal history request through SBI — results are sent by email, typically within 3–5 business days.
- Fingerprint requests — processing may take up to 2–4 weeks depending on the bureau's workload.
Payment at the court clerk's office is accepted by check or money order. For online requests through the state police portal, a credit or debit card is used. Check directly with the institution for current amounts, as they may change.