Kennebec County Arrest Records

Kennebec County arrest records are documents providing an official account of an individual's apprehension. These records serve law enforcement, the courts, and defense attorneys while also being accessible to the public, as required by law.

The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office and local police departments generate these records, which become part of the court system if criminal charges are filed. However, when they are incorporated into court documents, like Kennebec County Court Records, arrest records can be accessed through the Maine Judicial Branch. Arrest information is typically featured in judicial records when it is relevant to a court proceeding.

Are Arrest Records Public in Kennebec County?

Yes, per 16 M.R.S.A. § 704, most arrest records in Kennebec County are public information. The law mandates law enforcement agencies to document arrest information and make it available to the public. Additionally, court records involving arrests are generally accessible through the Maine judiciary at the courthouse or via remote access.

However, certain types of information are exempt from public disclosure, including:

• Personal financial data like bank accounts, credit reports, and tax documents
• Personal identification details such as Social Security and driver's license numbers
• Medical records and educational information
• Data related to victims, witnesses, and confidential informants
• Juvenile records for individuals under the age of 18
• Sealed or expunged records after a successful court petition
• Investigative materials related to ongoing cases.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Pursuant to 16 M.R.S.A. § 706, public arrest records in Kennebec County typically include:

• The biodata of the arrestee
• Their address and occupation
• A description of the alleged offense and related state statute violations.
• Arrest date, time, and location.
• Court-related information, including details of their prospective court date
• Bail/bond information (if applicable)

Kennebec County Crime Rate

According to the most recent data published under the National Incident-Based Reporting System, law enforcement in Kennebec County reported 5,136 criminal offenses in 2022. This represented a 2.6% increase in criminal activity, given the report of 5,005 criminal reports in the preceding year. At the end of that year, Kennebec County's crime rate was 3.71 per 1000, while the state-wide equivalent stood at 32.03 per 1000

A breakdown of this number revealed 1 incident of negligent manslaughter, 15 rape, 1 sodomy, 5 statutory rape, 16 aggravated assaults, 211 simple assault, 106 reports of intimidation, 45 burglary incidents, 132 vandalism, 18 motor vehicle thefts, and 183 of all other categories of larceny.

Kennebec County Arrest Statistics

With a population of approximately 53,875 residents, Kennebec County experiences an average arrest rate of around 1,161 arrests per 100,000 people annually. According to the 2022 Crime in Maine Report, there were a total of 626 arrests conducted in Kennebec county in that year. Adult arrests stood at 588 while juvenile arrests were 38. On average the average number of offenses per incident comes to 1.22.

Find Kennebec County Arrest Records

In Kennebec County, arrest records are maintained by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office and the police departments within municipalities like Augusta and Waterville. Inquirers may query the departments directly or utilize any of their inmate rosters, typically published online. For example, the County Sheriff's Office provides a Current Inmate List on its website, where inquirers can view the full names, booking dates, and Inmate IDs of the county's inmates.

However, requests made via mail or in person should provide the individual's personal information, the date and location of the arrest, and any known incident details. If physical copies are required, the requester can expect to pay $10 to cover its production cost. Mail queries may be addressed to:

The Records Officer
Kennebec County Sheriff's Office
73 Winthrop Street
Augusta ME, 04330
Phone: (207) 623-3614 ext. 1006
Fax: (207) 623-6387
records@kennebecso.com

Free Arrest Record Search in Kennebec County

Many agencies, including the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office, offer online logs/rosters where arrest or current inmate information can be searched without charge. Inquirers may use these or make in-person, verbal queries to the arresting agency. The required information will likely be provided for free if the inquirer does not request physical copies of the record. Additionally, third-party public record databases compile arrest information from government sources, though comprehensive reports often require a fee.

Get Kennebec County Criminal Records

Full criminal history checks are primarily available through state law enforcement agencies in Maine. However, the Records Division of the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office processes requests for background checks and reports. Inquirers may submit written requests containing the full name of the individual to records@kennebecso.com or call (207) 623-3614 ext. 1006 or fax to (207) 623-6387. These records can be obtained for $10 payable in form of a money order or cash.

The Maine State Police processes requests for criminal history information through the Maine Criminal History & Juvenile Criminal Information Request Service. Interested persons will need the following to process a search:

• Subject's full name
• Subject's date of birth
• Credit card or an active subscription with InforME

The fees for this service are as follows:

• Maine InforME Subscribers: $21.00
• Out-of-State InforME Subscribers: $31.00
• Non-Subscribers: $31.00
• Inquirers may also order notarized reports online for $10

Following a search, inquirers may receive one of two responses:

• If no record was found matching the information provided, they will receive a "NO MATCH WAS FOUND FOR YOUR REQUEST" notification.
• If the record was found, inquirers will receive the record containing conviction and charge information, which is under a year old. However, the record provided may belong to a different person if they have similar personal identifiers as the record holder.

Kennebec County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

While the terms "arrest record" and "criminal record" are often used interchangeably, they are distinct in legal terms. An arrest record documents instances where an individual was apprehended by law enforcement, regardless of the final outcome. It may include details such as the date, time, and location of the arrest, as well as the charges at the time of the arrest.

In contrast, a criminal record is far more comprehensive. It contains a complete history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, from arrest to conviction, sentencing, and incarceration, if applicable. Criminal records are compiled from various sources, including law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest records in Kennebec County remain public indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged by court order. Records of arrests that did not lead to a conviction may be removed from public view after one year. Criminal justice agencies retain access to these records for legal purposes even if they are sealed from public access.

Expunge Kennebec County Arrest Records

Maine law allows individuals to petition for sealing, but not expunging, of criminal records. Those eligible for sealing must meet specific criteria, including having completed sentences for Class E misdemeanors (non-violent crimes). These individuals must:

• Have completed all sentence requirements, including probation or community service, at least 4 years prior.
• Have no pending charges in Maine or other jurisdictions.
• Have no subsequent convictions at the state or federal level.

To initiate the process, applicants must file a Motion to Seal Criminal History (CR-218) with the court and attend a hearing. If approved, the court orders the record sealed by the Maine State Bureau of Identification (SBI).

Kennebec County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Kennebec County is a legal order that authorizes law enforcement officers to detain an individual suspected of committing a criminal offense. The warrant compels the accused to appear in court to face charges.

The process of obtaining an arrest warrant in Kennebec County begins when a law enforcement officer presents evidence to establish probable cause that the suspect has committed a crime. Probable cause is defined under Maine Revised Statutes, Title 15, §55, requiring the officer to demonstrate sufficient evidence to reasonably believe the individual committed the offense.

After gathering the necessary evidence, the officer submits it to a prosecutor, who reviews the information to ensure it meets the legal threshold for probable cause. If the prosecutor agrees, they prepare an affidavit summarizing the evidence and submit it to a judge or magistrate for review. If the judge is satisfied that the evidence meets the legal standard, they issue the arrest warrant.

Once issued, the arrest warrant is entered into local and national law enforcement databases, such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), allowing officers throughout Maine and the United States to act on the warrant if they encounter the individual.

An arrest warrant in Kennebec County typically contains the following information:

• The name of the issuing court
• The name and physical description of the accused, including details such as height, weight, hair color, eye color, and any distinguishing marks or features.
• The criminal charges filed against the individual.
• The date the warrant was issued.
• The signature of the judge authorizing the warrant.
• Any bail amount set, which may allow the accused to secure their release pending trial.

Kennebec County Arrest Warrant Search

To determine if there is an outstanding arrest warrant in Kennebec County, inquirers may utilize any of the following options:

• Kennebec County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office may provide information on active warrants, and for high-priority cases the Department typically publishes a wanted notice for the alleged offender. Individuals may inquire by visiting the office in person or calling the Department.
• Maine Judicial Branch: The Clerk of Courts for Kennebec County maintains records of arrest warrants since they are issued by members of the judiciary. These records can be accessed by visiting the courthouse in person or through the Maine Judicial Branch's online system, which often includes active warrant information in court documents depending on their relevance to a case.
• Local Law Enforcement: Local police departments, including the Augusta Police Department or Waterville Police Department, may also have access to information regarding arrest warrants in Kennebec County.
• Online Warrant Databases: While the state of Maine does not have a central public database for arrest warrants, some third-party websites may compile public records.

Do Kennebec County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Kennebec County do not expire. Once a warrant is issued, it remains in effect indefinitely until one of the following occurs

• The individual is apprehended and brought before the court.
• A judge cancels or recalls the warrant.
• The charges are dropped.
• The individual dies.

As long as the warrant is active, it will be recorded in law enforcement databases, including national systems. If the individual evades arrest, the warrant remains in force, and they may be taken into custody if they encounter law enforcement at any point in the future.