Franklin County Arrest Records

In Franklin County, arrest records contain information derived from all arrest incidents. Inquirers typically obtain these records from the county's local law enforcement authorities or other public documents, like criminal records. For example, Franklin County court records may include arrest information.

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County?

Yes, The Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) ensures public access to government records, including arrest information. Consequently, the public may view, inspect, or copy all physical and electronically generated arrest records generated and maintained by custodial law enforcement.

Nonetheless, the Act restricts public access to specific Franklin County arrest records. For instance, arrest records where the public interest in confidentiality, public safety, and security outweighs the public interest in disclosure or puts businesses at a competitive disadvantage are usually inaccessible to the general public. Other restricted records include arrest details restricted by federal statute, health care information, and other sensitive data specifically designated as confidential.

For further details on Franklin County arrest records, interested parties may wish to contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at:

123 County Way
Farmington, ME 04938
Phone: (207) 778-2680
Fax: (207) 778-9064
Toll Free: (800) 773-2680

Franklin County Arrest Statistics

A 5-year crime statistics by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) revealed that the Franklin County Sheriff's Office recorded 972 arrests between 2020 and 2024. The gender distribution of the arrest data indicated that males accounted for 77.64% (755) of all arrests, while females accounted for 22.36% (217) of the total.

A breakdown of the types of offenses for which law enforcement officers arrested suspects between 2020 and 2024 showed that all offences other than traffic violations were the most predominant, accounting for 53.54% (755), followed by simple assault at 15.21% (148), driving under the influence at 12.95% (126), vandalism at 5.04% (49), and unspecified larceny-theft at 2.36% (23).

Find Franklin County Arrest Records

In Franklin County, requesters seeking the whereabouts of inmates may use the following state and federal resources:

State of Maine Department of Corrections Adult Resident Search: This tool allows users to search for Maine adult residents or adult community corrections clients in the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) system. Users may search using one or more options, including MDOC number, first and last name, gender, and age range. Additional search criteria include height and weight ranges, eye and hair colors, race, offense type, and more. Searches typically yield results on the search variables.

Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator: This search tool allows interested parties to locate federal inmates who have been incarcerated since 1982. Users may search by name, BOP register number, FBI number, or INS number.

Franklin County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest Records

These records detail the circumstances of a person's arrest by law enforcement. Information in arrest reports includes the arrestee's name, the date and time of the arrest, the charges filed, and the location of the arrest.

It is worth noting that possessing an arrest record does not imply guilt. It only states that someone was arrested and booked for an alleged offense. Individuals seeking arrest records in Franklin County may access these documents through the County Sheriff's Office or other police departments and precincts in the county.

Criminal Records

Criminal records are comprehensive documents that encompass the entire criminal justice process. These reports include arrest records, judicial hearings, trial transcripts, witness statements, and final judgments.
In Maine, the State of Maine Judicial Branch maintains criminal court records.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

A person's arrest record in Maine will remain accessible indefinitely unless they seek to expunge or seal these records. The individual will remain subject to the public record unless they delete it, even if an extended period has passed since the arrest.

On August 9, 2024, changes to Maine law regarding the sealing of specific arrest records took effect. Consequently, Franklin County residents may petition for the sealing of certain criminal convictions, including:

• Current or former Class E crimes (except certain sexual assaults).
• Marijuana-related offenses committed before January 30, 2017.
• Juvenile offenses after completing probation or turning 21.
• Non-conviction records, such as dismissed charges or not-guilty verdicts.
• Certain drug offenses under Maine's Adult Drug Court Program.

Applicants whose conviction is eligible for sealing must also meet the following additional requirements:

• At least 4 years must have passed since completing their sentence, including probation, fines, and community service.
• Applicants must not have any pending charges in Maine or any other state or federal court.

Sealing Process

• The petitioner must complete and submit the Motion to Seal Criminal History (CR-218) at the court where the case was heard.
• The court will schedule a hearing to evaluate the petition.
• If the court grants the petition and issues an order to seal the conviction, the court will notify the State Bureau of Identification of the action taken.
• The State Bureau of Identification subsequently seals the conviction and sends a letter to the petitioner informing them of the sealed record.

Franklin County Arrest Warrants

Franklin County arrest warrants are orders issued by a court or authorized official that grant law enforcement officers the power to take someone into custody.

In Franklin County, a judge or magistrate usually issues an arrest warrant based on an affidavit or complaint from law enforcement or a prosecuting attorney. Before an arrest warrant is issued, probable cause must be established. Probable cause means there is adequate proof that a suspect committed an offense.

The State Governor may issue an arrest warrant in situations involving fugitives. In Franklin County, an arrest warrant may be issued when an accused person is required to appear in court or fails to do so. It may also be issued for fugitives or crimes related to domestic violence.

Franklin County arrest warrants typically contain details such as the defendant's name, alias, physical description, distinguishing characteristics, photographs (if available), the specifics of the allegations, locational information, and the signature of the issuing authority.

Do Franklin County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Generally, arrest warrants do not expire. If they did, that would encourage offenders to evade arrest or prosecution. The arrest warrant remains valid until the person listed on the warrant passes away or the judge issues a restraining order.

The following circumstances may result in the revocation of an arrest warrant in Franklin County:

• A judge has the authority to revoke a warrant if it was issued incorrectly or if the individual listed in the document voluntarily appears in court.
• The arrest warrant may be revoked if the prosecutor's office or law enforcement organizations decide to change the course or objectives of a case.
• The charges related to arrest warrants may be subject to the statute of limitations, even though they often do not have an expiration date.