Criminal records in York County, Maine, are available through several channels. YorkCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the court clerk's office. Online portals, in-person visits, and written requests are each suitable for different situations, depending on the specific information you need.
How to Search Criminal Records in York
There are several practical options for searching criminal records in York County. Start with what is most convenient for your situation.
Online Search
- YorkCourt.us — enter a person's name or case number to find publicly available information about court criminal cases in the county.
- Maine eCourts — the electronic access system to court records in Maine. As of March 30, 2026, eCourts and eFiling are available for York County Superior Court, Biddeford District Court, and York County Unified Criminal Docket. Through the portal, you can view many public court records online.
- Request a Criminal History through Maine State Police — a secure online service of the Department of Public Safety. It stores criminal history records at the state level. Results are usually sent by email.
- Maine Department of Corrections Inmate Search — allows you to check if a person is under the supervision of the state correctional system, including those held in county jails.
In-Person Visit
Visit the York County Superior Court office at the York Judicial Center. The clerk can assist with case searches through public access terminals or provide document copies. Call ahead to confirm business hours.
Written Request
You can send a request by mail to the court clerk's office or the State Bureau of Identification at Maine State Police. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
- Valid ID — for requests requiring identification
Search York Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific criminal record. In Maine, criminal case numbers typically follow this structure:
- Court prefix — indicates the type of court and county (e.g., "YORSC" for York County Superior Court or "BIDDC" for Biddeford District Court).
- Case type code — "CR" for criminal cases.
- Year — a two-digit or four-digit number indicating the year the case was opened.
- Sequential number — a unique sequential number within the year.
Example: YORSC-CR-2025-00123 would indicate a criminal case opened in York County Superior Court in 2025 with the number 123. The exact format may vary depending on the court. If you have the case number, enter it in the appropriate search field on the eCourts portal or provide it to the court clerk during an in-person visit.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in York
A criminal case contains several key elements. Understanding each of them will help you correctly interpret the court record.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to a specific article of the Maine Revised Statutes (e.g., Title 17-A) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or civil violation |
| Amended charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charges — new ones will appear in the case as amended charges |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is under court consideration
- Disposed — the court has made a decision
- Closed — the case is fully completed, all obligations fulfilled
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in York County:
- Arraignment — initial presentation of charges; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — the judge assesses whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial
- Trial — the case is heard on its merits
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review hearing — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — at the initiative of the prosecutor or court |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after a trial on the merits |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in York
Certified copies of criminal records are required for official purposes — employment, immigration, licensing. There are two main ways to obtain them.
Clerk of Court
To obtain certified copies of court documents, contact the clerk's office of the respective court. For cases heard in Superior Court:
Requests can be submitted in person or by mail. Include the full name of the party in the case, the case number (if known), and the type of document needed. Bring a valid photo ID. Necessary forms can be found on the Maine Judicial Branch website.
Maine State Police — State Bureau of Identification
An official state-level criminal history check can be ordered through the online criminal history request service. You need to provide the name, date of birth, and pay a fee. Results are usually sent by email.
County Sheriff
The York County Sheriff's Office can provide information about arrests and detentions. For inmate inquiries, contact the corrections division.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in York
The cost depends on the type of request and the institution. Below are approximate fees set by Maine state law.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 – $2.00 | The exact amount depends on the court; check with the clerk's office |
| Document certification | $5.00 – $25.00 | In addition to the cost of copies |
| Criminal history check (Maine State Police, online) | $31.00 | According to Title 25 M.R.S. §1541; results usually within a few business days |
| Fingerprint check (FBI/State) | From $31.00 and up | May include an additional fee for fingerprint processing |
Processing Times
- Online request through Maine State Police — most results are emailed within a few business days.
- Mail request to the court clerk's office — usually from 5 to 15 business days, depending on workload.
- In-person visit — simple copies are often issued the same day. Certified copies may require additional time.
Fees may change. Before submitting a request, confirm current rates directly with the relevant institution.