Washington County, ME Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Maine Judicial Branch is a unified statewide court system. The Superior Court and District Court serve Washington County, and the county Probate Court handles estates, guardianships, and adoptions.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Maine Superior Court and District Court, Maine Judicial Branch |
| Website | MaineCourts.org |
| Handles | Felonies, civil cases above the District Court limit, and appeals from District Court in the Superior Court; misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, protection orders, juvenile matters, and other limited civil cases in the District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Maine), estates and guardianships (Probate Court), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
Court addresses, phone numbers, and clerk contacts for Washington County should be checked on MaineCourts.org.
How to Search Washington County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search Washington County court records.
Online
Go to MaineCourts.org to find the court's contact directory.
Look for any official search tool that covers your case type.
Remember that not every court record is available online.
Best for: Finding the right office to contact
In Person
Go to the Washington County Clerk of Courts office.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which division holds your case type.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Clerk of Courts using the contact directory on MaineCourts.org.
Ask the clerk what they need before you request records.
Confirm the case type and court before you call.
Best for: Quick questions about a case
Search by Name on MaineCourts.org
Go to MaineCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Washington County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
Washington County courts handled an estimated 2,949 new cases in FY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 2,859. The estimate scales Maine statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~2,949
Total filings in FY 2024
~2,859
Total dispositions in FY 2024
~2,949
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+3.1%
Change in total filings vs FY 2023
| Metric | FY 2024 | FY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~2,949 | ~2,859 | ~+3.1% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,859 | ~2,770 | ~+3.2% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,161 | ~1,139 | ~+1.9% |
| Civil Filings | ~782 | ~759 | ~+3.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~386 | ~380 | ~+1.6% |
| Probate Filings | ~1 | ~1 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~67 | ~67 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~56 | ~56 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Maine statewide figures scaled by Washington County's 2.23% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Washington County?
Estimated total filings in Washington County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2024 | ~2,949 | ~2,859 | ~+3.1% |
| FY 2023 | ~2,859 | ~2,770 | ~+4.9% |
| FY 2022 | ~2,725 | ~2,658 | ~+10.9% |
| FY 2021 | ~2,457 | ~2,412 | ~-4.4% |
| FY 2020 | ~2,569 | ~2,524 | ~-4.4% |
Estimated filings changed +14.8% between FY 2020 and FY 2024, from 2,569 to 2,949. The largest annual change was +10.9% in FY 2022. The latest change of +3.1% reflects statewide Maine trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Maine statewide figures scaled by Washington County's 2.23% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Washington County?
The Superior Court and District Court hear the case types below in Washington County. Filing counts for each case type are not available here.
| Case Type | Handled By |
|---|---|
| Felonies | Superior Court |
| Civil cases above the District Court limit | Superior Court |
| Appeals from District Court | Superior Court |
| Business and Consumer Docket (statewide) | Superior Court |
| Misdemeanors | District Court |
| Traffic infractions and traffic citations | District Court |
| Small claims and other limited civil cases | District Court |
| Protection orders | District Court |
| Juvenile matters | District Court |
| Estates, guardianships, and adoptions | Probate Court (run by the county) |
| Federal cases | U.S. District Court for the District of Maine |
How Does Washington County Compare With Maine Overall?
Washington County is estimated to account for about 2.23% of the 132,031 cases filed in Maine courts in FY 2024.
| Metric | Washington County | Maine | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~2,949 | 132,031 | ~2.23% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+3.1% | +3.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~2,949 | 2,539 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~2,859 | 2,462 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~39.4% | 39.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~26.5% | 26.5% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~13.1% | 13.1% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Maine figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Maine statewide figures scaled by Washington County's 2.23% share of the state population.
Washington County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Maine statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Washington County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 16.0% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 98.9% of Maine's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
1,332
Violent crimes, Maine statewide, 2025
13,430
Property crimes, Maine statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
94.1
Violent crime rate per 100K, Maine statewide, 2025 (population 1,414,874)
-16.0%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Maine statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (14,762 vs 17,581)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 21 | 1.5 | 34 | -38.2% |
| Rape | 401 | 28.3 | 465 | -13.8% |
| Robbery | 155 | 11.0 | 155 | +0.0% |
| Aggravated assault | 755 | 53.4 | 779 | -3.1% |
| Violent crimes total | 1,332 | 94.1 | 1,433 | -7.0% |
| Burglary | 1,115 | 78.8 | 1,395 | -20.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 11,310 | 799.4 | 13,449 | -15.9% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 845 | 59.7 | 1,136 | -25.6% |
| Property crimes total | 13,430 | 949.2 | 16,148 | -16.8% |
Rates use the Maine 2025 population of 1,414,874. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Washington County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Washington County Courthouse Locations
Washington County court proceedings are held at the Washington County Superior Court. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington County Superior Court | 85 Court Street, Machias, ME 04654 | (207) 255-3326 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Washington County?
Maine uses one statewide court system, so the case type usually decides which court hears a matter. Check your paperwork for the charge or case type before you choose a court.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are heard in District Court. |
| Parking ticket | Issuing agency | Parking tickets are handled by the citing agency, not the court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District Court hears misdemeanors. |
| Felony | Superior Court | Superior Court hears felonies. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Protection orders are heard in District Court; criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route. |
| Civil lawsuit | Superior Court or District Court | Superior Court hears civil cases above the District Court limit; District Court hears limited civil cases. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in District Court. |
| Probate or estate | Probate Court | Estates, guardianships, and adoptions are handled by the county Probate Court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | Juvenile matters are heard in District Court, and juvenile proceedings are confidential. |
| Appeal | Superior Court | The Superior Court hears appeals from District Court. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for the District of Maine | Federal cases are not heard in Maine state courts. |
Are Washington County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Washington County court records are public, with exceptions set by Maine court rules and the Judicial Branch's own rules.
Public records
Most case files in the Superior and District Courts are open to the public. The Freedom of Access Act (1 M.R.S. sections 400 to 414) covers public agency records, and copies of court records are requested from the Clerk of Courts.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
Online access
Official online case search tools are not verified here. Check MaineCourts.org for any online access options, since not all records are online.
In-person access
Request records from the Clerk of Courts for Washington County, who keeps the Superior and District Court records. Find the office through the directory on MaineCourts.org.
Fees
No fees are stated here. Ask the Clerk of Courts about any copy charges.
How to Search Washington County Court Records Online
Use MaineCourts.org to find official online search options for Washington County court records, and ask the Clerk of Courts for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Check MaineCourts.org for any official online search tool that covers that case type.
- Search by party name or case number, and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case information for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Clerk of Courts to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | MaineCourts.org | Case information where available | Documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | MaineCourts.org | Case information where available | Traffic citations are heard in District Court |
| Civil | MaineCourts.org | Case information where available | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | MaineCourts.org | Case information where available | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | MaineCourts.org | Case information where available | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Probate Court for Washington County | Estate and guardianship files | Separate from Clerk of Courts records |
| Juvenile | Clerk of Courts | Limited case information through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Washington County
Payment options for traffic tickets and fines in Washington County are not verified here, so confirm them with the court before you pay.
- Clerk of Courts: Find the clerk's contact details on MaineCourts.org and ask which payment methods the court accepts.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the District Court. Traffic citations are heard in District Court, while criminal fines follow the court that handles the charge.
Washington County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Washington County court records?
Check https://www.courts.maine.gov for any official online search options, or contact the Clerk of Courts for Washington County.
Are Washington County court records public?
Yes, most are, but juvenile, sealed, and other confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Use any official search tool listed on https://www.courts.maine.gov, or contact the Clerk of Courts with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, then contact the Clerk of Courts for Washington County using the directory on https://www.courts.maine.gov.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Contact the Clerk of Courts through https://www.courts.maine.gov to confirm which payment methods the court accepts.
How many cases are filed in Washington County each year?
Filing counts for Washington County are not available here. The county had 31,334 residents in 2025, which fell from 31,466 in 2024.
What is the most common type of case?
County filing counts are not available here, so no most common case type is stated for Washington County. Traffic citations are heard in District Court.
Is crime in Washington County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 7.0% to 1,332 in 2025 from 1,433 in 2024, and property crimes fell 16.8% to 13,430 from 16,148, as reported to the FBI. These are Maine statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Machias District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 85 Court Street P.O. Box 526, Machias, ME, 4654 |
| Phone Number: | 207-255-3044 |
| Website: | https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/district/machias-dc.html |
Calais District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 382 South Street, Suite B, Calais, ME, 4619 |
| Phone Number: | 207-454-2055 |
| Website: | https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/district/calais-dc.html |
Washington County Superior CourtMore Info
| Address: | 85 Court Street, Machias, ME, 4654 |
| Phone Number: | 207-255-3326 |
| Website: | https://www.courts.maine.gov/courts/superior/washington-sc.html |
Useful Links
- Maine State Judicial Courts - Access state court information and services in Maine through the official government website.
- Court Info & Resources - Provides various resources and information about state courts, including case records and calendars.
- Administrative Court Information - Offers insights into the administrative structure of Maine's judicial system and related organizational matters.
- Maine Legal Help - Comprehensive legal aid resources for Mainers seeking guidance and assistance in legal proceedings.
- Maine Rules of Court - Access the official rules and procedures that govern legal proceedings within Maine's state courts.
- Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault - Non-profit organization offering support and resources for assault victims navigating the legal landscape.
- Maine Civil Liberties Union - This organization provides support and resources for protecting civil liberties through legal action.
- Court Schedules & Delays - Stay updated on court schedules, delays, and holiday closures of Maine state courts.
- Guardianship Services - Detailed information on guardianship services offered through the Maine state court system.
- Attorney Discipline Board - Official repository of information regarding the discipline and regulation of attorneys in Maine.
- Mediation and Dispute Resolution - Learn about mediation services and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms available in Maine.
- Maine State Bar Association - Professional organization offering resources and support to legal practitioners within Maine.
- Protection Orders - Acquire guidance on obtaining protection orders and related legal processes in Maine.
- Resources for Practitioners - Information and tools necessary for practicing attorneys within the Maine state court system.
- Marriage Licenses and Records - The Secretary of State provides information on obtaining marriage licenses and accessing records.
- Maine Legislature - Legislative resources providing statutes, bills, and information on the legal framework governing Maine.
- Judicial Branch Official Portal - Maine's official portal to state court information and judiciary services, including case lookup.
- Licenses and Permits - State resource for accessing various licenses, including personal, professional, and business-related permits.
- Law and Legislative Reference Library - Comprehensive legal research resources available through Maine's legislative reference library.
- Help for Court Users - Assistance and guidance for individuals navigating the Maine state court system processes and services.
Table of Contents
- Washington County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Washington County Court Records
- Washington County Court Statistics (FY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Washington County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Washington County?
- How Does Washington County Compare With Maine Overall?
- Washington County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Washington County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Washington County?
- Are Washington County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Washington County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Washington County
- Washington County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links