Androscoggin County Court Records
What Is Androscoggin County Court Records
Court records in Androscoggin County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities maintained pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 4 § 7. Court records typically include case files, docket entries, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information.
Androscoggin County court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voting records
The Maine Judicial Branch maintains records for several courts operating within Androscoggin County:
- Superior Court
- District Court
- Probate Court
- Family Division
These courts generate records pertaining to various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. The Maine Judicial Branch serves as the custodian of these records and establishes policies governing their maintenance and accessibility in accordance with state law.
Are Court Records Public In Androscoggin County
Court records in Androscoggin County are generally accessible to the public under Maine's Freedom of Access Act (Title 1, Chapter 13) and the constitutional principle of open courts. The Maine Constitution, Article I, § 19 establishes that "all courts shall be open" and justice shall be administered "promptly and without delay."
Publicly accessible court records typically include:
- Civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted from public access pursuant to Maine Rules of Electronic Court Systems (RECS) Rule 12, which establishes categories of non-public information. These restrictions apply to:
- Juvenile cases
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Child protection matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Certain personal identifiers (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers)
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has established comprehensive rules governing public access to court records through Administrative Order JB-05-20, "Public Information and Confidentiality." This order balances the public's right to information with privacy interests and the efficient administration of justice.
How To Find Court Records in Androscoggin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Androscoggin County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect:
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Visit the appropriate courthouse in person:
- Identify which court holds the records of interest
- Proceed to the clerk's office during business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case number or party names for search purposes
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
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Submit a written request:
- Prepare a detailed letter specifying the records sought
- Include case number, party names, and approximate date if known
- Address correspondence to the appropriate court clerk
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
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Utilize online resources:
- Access the Maine Judicial Branch website
- Navigate to the case lookup section
- Enter required search parameters
- Review available case information
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
For criminal records, requestors may also contact:
Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office
2 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 753-2500
Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office
Pursuant to Maine Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 79(a), the clerk maintains a docket for each case, which serves as the official record of court proceedings. Requestors should reference this rule when seeking docket information.
How To Look Up Court Records in Androscoggin County Online?
Androscoggin County court records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by the Maine Judicial Branch. The availability of records varies by court type and case category.
The primary online resources include:
-
Maine eCourts:
- Navigate to the Maine eCourts portal
- Select "Case Search" from the available options
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review case summary information
- Request copies of specific documents if needed
-
Maine Judicial Branch Case Look-up:
- Access the Public Case Look-up system
- Select the appropriate court type
- Enter party name or case number
- Review available case information
- Note that document images may not be available for all cases
-
For criminal history information:
- Visit the Maine State Bureau of Identification
- Complete the required forms
- Submit payment for search fees
- Receive results via mail or secure electronic delivery
Pursuant to Administrative Order JB-05-15, certain case types and document categories have restricted online access. Users should be aware that comprehensive case files may require in-person inspection at the courthouse.
How To Search Androscoggin County Court Records for Free?
Maine law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse locations during regular business hours, as established in Maine Revised Statutes Title 1 § 408-A. While copying fees may apply, viewing records in person typically incurs no charge.
Free access options include:
- In-person courthouse inspection:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine records at designated public terminals or reading areas
- No fee for visual inspection
Androscoggin County Superior Court
2 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 753-2999
Androscoggin County Superior Court
Lewiston District Court
71 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 795-4800
Lewiston District Court
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Limited online resources:
- The Maine Judicial Branch website offers free access to court calendars and docket information
- Case search functions provide basic case status information without charge
- Document images and detailed records may require payment
-
Public law libraries:
- Visit the Androscoggin County Law Library
- Access public terminals for legal research
- Obtain assistance from library staff in locating court records
While free options exist, comprehensive searches may be more efficient through fee-based services, particularly for complex or historical records.
What's Included in a Androscoggin County Court Record?
Androscoggin County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. Pursuant to Maine Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 79, court records typically include:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers or responses from defendants
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of proceedings
- Final judgment or disposition
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation if applicable
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictment, information, complaint)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bail determination records
- Plea agreements
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Evidence logs
- Witness lists
- Jury selection records (limited access)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal documentation if applicable
For Probate Cases:
- Petitions for probate or administration
- Wills and codicils
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Accountings
- Guardianship/conservatorship documents
- Adoption petitions and decrees (confidential)
- Name change petitions and orders
For Family Cases:
- Divorce or separation petitions
- Child custody and support orders
- Parental rights determinations
- Protection from abuse orders
- Financial affidavits (limited access)
- Mediation reports
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Final judgments and decrees
Case dockets serve as chronological indices of all filings and proceedings, providing a comprehensive overview of case progression from initiation to resolution.
How Long Does Androscoggin County Keep Court Records?
Androscoggin County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 4 § 17(15), which authorizes the State Court Administrator to establish records management policies.
The current retention periods for major record categories include:
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 10 years after judgment
- Real property cases: Permanent retention
- Protection from harassment: 10 years after expiration of order
- Protection from abuse: 10 years after expiration of order
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: 50 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 15 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 5 years after final disposition
- Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
Probate Cases:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
- Adoptions: Permanent retention (confidential)
- Name changes: Permanent retention
Family Cases:
- Divorce/separation: Permanent retention
- Child custody/support: Until youngest child reaches age 18
- Paternity: Permanent retention
The Maine Judicial Records Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on retention periods for all court document types. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed or transferred to the Maine State Archives for historical preservation.
Digital records management systems are increasingly being implemented to enhance long-term preservation capabilities while improving public access to court information.
Types of Courts In Androscoggin County
Androscoggin County's court system consists of several judicial forums, each with distinct jurisdiction and authority:
Androscoggin County Superior Court
2 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 753-2999
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Androscoggin County Superior Court
The Superior Court serves as the county's general jurisdiction trial court, handling major civil cases, all jury trials, and serious criminal matters. It also functions as an appellate court for District Court cases.
Lewiston District Court
71 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 795-4800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Lewiston District Court
The District Court handles civil matters under $30,000, family cases, protection orders, traffic violations, and misdemeanor criminal cases. It also operates specialized dockets including drug court and veterans court.
Androscoggin County Probate Court
2 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 753-2500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Androscoggin County Probate Court
The Probate Court handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, name changes, and adoptions. It is the only county-administered court in Maine's judicial system.
Maine's court hierarchy extends beyond the county level to include:
- Maine Supreme Judicial Court (the state's highest appellate court)
- Maine Superior Court (trial court of general jurisdiction)
- Maine District Court (limited jurisdiction trial court)
- Maine Probate Court (specialized county-level courts)
The Maine Judicial Branch operates under a unified court system established by Maine Revised Statutes Title 4, with administrative oversight provided by the Supreme Judicial Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts.
What Types of Cases Do Androscoggin County Courts Hear?
Androscoggin County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictional authority:
Superior Court:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases with damages exceeding $30,000
- Real property disputes
- Administrative appeals
- Appeals from District Court
- Jury trials (civil and criminal)
- Complex commercial litigation
- Medical malpractice claims
- Class action lawsuits
- Constitutional challenges
District Court:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases with damages up to $30,000
- Small claims (up to $6,000)
- Traffic violations
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Protection from abuse/harassment
- Family matters (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Land use violations
- Municipal ordinance violations
Probate Court:
- Wills and testamentary trusts
- Estate administration
- Guardianships (minors and incapacitated adults)
- Conservatorships
- Adoptions
- Name changes
- Determination of heirs
- Trust administration
- Adult protective proceedings
- Marriage waivers
Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established in Maine Revised Statutes Title 4 § 105 for Superior Court and Title 4 § 152 for District Court. The Probate Court's authority derives from Title 18-C, Maine's Probate Code.
Specialized dockets within these courts include:
- Adult Drug Treatment Court
- Co-Occurring Disorders Court
- Veterans Court
- Family Recovery Court
- Domestic Violence Docket
- Business and Consumer Court
These specialized courts implement evidence-based practices to address underlying issues while maintaining accountability and public safety.
How To Find a Court Docket In Androscoggin County
Court dockets in Androscoggin County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
-
Online Case Search:
- Visit the Maine Judicial Branch website
- Select "Case Look-up" from the main navigation
- Choose the appropriate court type
- Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
- Review docket entries showing filings, hearings, and decisions
-
In-Person Request:
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Complete a docket search request form
- Provide case number or party names
- Pay applicable search fees
- Review docket information on public access terminals
-
Written Request:
- Submit a written request to the court clerk
- Include case number or sufficient identifying information
- Enclose appropriate search fee
- Provide return address for mailed response
For Superior Court dockets:
Androscoggin County Superior Court Clerk
2 Turner Street
Auburn, ME 04210
(207) 753-2999
Superior Court Records
For District Court dockets:
Lewiston District Court Clerk
71 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 795-4800
District Court Records
Pursuant to Maine Rules of Electronic Court Systems Rule 5, electronic dockets are the official record in courts using digital case management systems. Paper dockets remain official in courts not yet converted to electronic filing.
Docket information typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Document filings with dates
- Scheduled hearings and conferences
- Court orders and judgments
- Case status and disposition
Which Courts in Androscoggin County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Maine judicial system, a "court of record" maintains formal documentation of proceedings and has the authority to fine or imprison for contempt. Courts not of record typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts and have limited contempt powers.
Pursuant to Maine Revised Statutes Title 4 § 151, all District Courts and Superior Courts in Androscoggin County are courts of record. These courts maintain official transcripts or recordings of proceedings, and their decisions may serve as precedent.
The following forums in Androscoggin County operate as non-courts of record:
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Small Claims Session of District Court
- While part of the District Court, small claims proceedings follow simplified procedures
- No verbatim record is required unless specifically requested
- Appeals are heard de novo (completely new hearing) in Superior Court
-
Administrative Hearings
- Municipal board hearings
- Zoning appeals
- Licensing proceedings
- These are quasi-judicial proceedings without formal court status
-
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Sessions
- Court-annexed mediation
- Arbitration proceedings
- These processes are confidential and not part of the public record unless incorporated into court judgments
-
Traffic Violation Bureau
- Handles minor traffic infractions
- Operates administratively rather than judicially
- No formal record of proceedings is maintained
The distinction between courts of record and non-courts of record affects appeal rights, as appeals from non-record courts typically result in de novo trials rather than reviews limited to the record below. This distinction is established in Maine Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76D governing appeals from District Court to Superior Court.