Data Quest researchers are on-site at courthouses throughout Massachusetts every weekday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, conducting comprehensive criminal and civil record searches using the Commonwealth’s public access terminals. Our statewide coverage encompasses all 14 Massachusetts counties, including 14 Superior Courts and 70 District Courts and includes felony and misdemeanor charges and convictions.

Search Requirements & Turnaround Time
A full name and date of birth are all that is required to initiate a search. Results are delivered within 1–2 business days. A signed release or authorization form is not required for Data Quest to conduct public court record research. However, Data Quest adheres to all applicable federal and state laws governing the disclosure and reporting of court records, taking into consideration the intended purpose of the search, including employment screening, litigation, and other investigative matters. Clients remain responsible for obtaining any authorizations required for their intended use of the information.

Court Docket Retrieval
If a criminal or civil case is identified, Data Quest will retrieve and provide the available court docket, typically within 1–2 business days. Depending on the case, the docket may include the case number, parties’ names, filing date, charges or claims, court fees, sentencing information, probation or incarceration terms, case disposition, and disposition date.

All findings are reviewed and reported in accordance with applicable legal requirements and any restrictions relevant to the purpose of the investigation.

Important compliance distinction: Although public courthouse research does not itself require a signed release, employers obtaining background reports through Data Quest generally must secure written authorization under the Fair Credit Reporting Act before requesting an employment screening report. Massachusetts also restricts certain criminal history information that employers may request or use.