Kennebec County Public Records / Kennebec County Arrest Records

Kennebec County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kennebec County

Arrest records in Kennebec County are generally considered public information under Maine's Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), codified in Title 1, Chapter 13 of the Maine Revised Statutes. Pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 408-A, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities operating within Kennebec County.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was ultimately convicted.
Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding, either by trial or plea agreement.

Under current Maine law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, with certain exceptions. The Maine Criminal History Record Information Act, found in Title 16, Chapter 7 of the Maine Revised Statutes, governs the dissemination of criminal justice information, including arrest records.

Certain records may be subject to confidentiality provisions or redaction requirements, particularly those involving:

Juvenile offenders (with limited exceptions)
Ongoing investigations
Intelligence and investigative information
Records sealed by court order
Records subject to specific statutory exemptions

The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and provides public access in accordance with state law.

What's in Kennebec County Arrest Records

Kennebec County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. The content of these records generally includes:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address (may be redacted in public versions)
Identifying numbers (may include state ID or booking number)
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (not typically included in public versions)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Reason for arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, civil violation)
Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Warrant type

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Processing facility
Booking officer

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount
Bond type
Bond conditions
Release status

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Court disposition (if available)

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Vehicle information related to arrest
Property seized during arrest
Incident reports
Witness statements (often redacted)

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. Pursuant to Maine's public records laws, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available versions of these records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Kennebec County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kennebec County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in place for obtaining arrest records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.

Kennebec County Sheriff's Office
125 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 623-3614
Kennebec County Sheriff's Office

Complete a public records request form, which requires:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Date range of records sought
- Name and date of birth of the subject (if known)
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for record search and copies (currently $10 for record search plus $0.25 per page for copies).

Written Requests:

Submit a written request via mail or email to the Records Division.
Include all information listed above for in-person requests.
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees, or request fee information if submitting via email.
Allow 5-10 business days for processing, as specified under 1 M.R.S. § 408-A(4).

Online Requests:

The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate list that is updated regularly. This resource provides information about individuals currently in custody at the Kennebec County Correctional Facility.

For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Maine State Bureau of Identification (SBI) maintains the state's central repository of criminal history record information. Requests for official criminal history records can be submitted through the Maine State Police.

Pursuant to Maine's Freedom of Access Act, agencies must acknowledge receipt of a request within 5 working days and provide an estimate of the time required to fulfill the request.

How To Find Kennebec County Arrest Records Online

Kennebec County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information. The following digital platforms are currently available to the public:

Kennebec County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Current Inmates page provides a regularly updated roster of individuals currently detained at the Kennebec County Correctional Facility.
- Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status.
- This resource is limited to current inmates and does not include historical arrest records.
Maine Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- The Maine Adult Resident/Adult Community Corrections Client Search allows users to search for individuals in state custody.
- Search parameters include first and last name.
- Results provide information on individuals currently in state custody or under community supervision.
Maine Judicial Branch Electronic Court Records
- The Maine Judicial Branch is implementing a new electronic court records system that provides public access to court records.
- Court records often contain information related to arrests, charges, and case dispositions.
- Users can search by name or case number.
- Note that implementation is phased by county, with Kennebec County records becoming available as the system expands.
Maine State Police Criminal History Record Check
- While not specific to Kennebec County, the Maine State Police provides an online portal for requesting official criminal history records.
- These records include arrest information from all Maine jurisdictions, including Kennebec County.
- Fees apply for this service, currently $31 per record check.
- Results are typically provided within 1-3 business days.

When using online resources, users should be aware that:

Information may not be comprehensive or complete
Recent arrests may not appear immediately
Some details may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Official record verification may require direct contact with the Sheriff's Office

For the most current and complete information, direct contact with the Kennebec County Sheriff's Office Records Division is recommended.

How To Search Kennebec County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Kennebec County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:

Kennebec County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Sheriff's Office website provides free access to current inmate information.
- The Current Inmates page is updated regularly and can be accessed without charge.
- This resource is limited to individuals currently in custody and does not include historical arrest records.
Public Access Terminals
- The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office maintains public access terminals at their main office where visitors can search basic arrest information at no cost.
- These terminals are available during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
- While terminal access is free, printing fees may apply ($0.25 per page).
Kennebec County Superior Court Public Access
- The Kennebec County Superior Court provides public access terminals for searching court records related to criminal cases.

Kennebec County Superior Court
1 Court Street, Suite 101
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 213-2800
Kennebec County Superior Court

Maine State Law Library
- The Maine State Law Library provides free public access to legal resources, including some criminal case information.

Maine State Law Library
43 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 287-1600
Maine State Law Library

Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) Inspection Requests
- Under 1 M.R.S. § 408-A(3)(A), individuals have the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours.
- While inspection is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching for, retrieving, and compiling requested records if the time required exceeds 1 hour.
- Copying fees apply if physical copies are requested.

When utilizing free search options, requestors should be aware of the following limitations:

Information may be less comprehensive than paid record checks
Historical records may not be readily available
Search capabilities may be limited
Staff assistance for complex searches may trigger fees
Photo identification may be required for in-person access

For the most comprehensive free access, combining online resources with in-person inspection at the Sheriff's Office or courthouse typically yields the best results.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Kennebec County

In Kennebec County, as throughout Maine, arrest records generally cannot be deleted in the conventional sense. However, under specific circumstances, individuals may be eligible to have their records sealed (restricting public access) or expunged (legally erased). These processes are governed by Maine state law rather than county-level regulations.

Record Sealing vs. Expungement:

Sealing restricts public access to records but preserves them for limited official use by law enforcement and the courts. The records remain in existence but are not accessible through standard public records searches.
Expungement is the legal process of destroying or erasing records as if they never existed. Maine law provides limited circumstances where expungement is possible.

Eligibility for Record Sealing in Maine:

Under 15 M.R.S. § 2251-2259, Maine's Criminal History Record Information Act, certain records may be eligible for sealing if:

The case resulted in:
- Dismissal of all charges
- Acquittal on all charges
- No charges filed after arrest (after statute of limitations expires)
For certain Class E crimes, if:
- At least four years have passed since completion of all sentencing requirements
- The person has no subsequent criminal convictions
- The person has no pending criminal charges
- The crime did not involve domestic violence, sexual assault, or certain other excluded offenses

Expungement Eligibility:

Maine law provides for expungement in very limited circumstances:

Juvenile records may be eligible for expungement under 15 M.R.S. § 3308 if specific criteria are met.
Records related to certain marijuana possession offenses that are no longer crimes under current law.
Records of individuals who were victims of human trafficking and were convicted of prostitution as a result, pursuant to 15 M.R.S. § 2259.

Process for Seeking Record Sealing or Expungement:

File a petition with the court that handled the original case.
Complete required forms, which may include:
- Petition for Sealing of Criminal History Records
- Criminal History Records Affidavit
- Draft Court Order
Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available for those who qualify).
Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court.
If approved, ensure the court order is distributed to all agencies maintaining the records.

Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records should be aware that the process is complex and success is not guaranteed. Legal assistance is strongly recommended. The Maine State Bar Association or Pine Tree Legal Assistance may provide resources for those seeking legal help with record sealing or expungement.

What Happens After Arrest in Kennebec County?

Following an arrest in Kennebec County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Maine state law. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

1. Arrest and Booking

Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Kennebec County Correctional Facility or local police department holding facility.
During booking, officials record personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, conduct a search, inventory personal property, and check for outstanding warrants.
Health screening is conducted to identify immediate medical needs.

2. Initial Appearance and Bail Determination

Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge or bail commissioner.
The judge informs the individual of charges and their constitutional rights.
Bail is set based on factors including:
- Nature and circumstances of the charges
- Individual's criminal history
- Risk of flight
- Danger to the community
Individuals may be released on personal recognizance, cash bail, or supervised release, or may be held without bail in certain serious cases.

3. Arraignment

For misdemeanors, arraignment typically occurs at the initial appearance.
For felonies, arraignment occurs after grand jury indictment or waiver of indictment.
The defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
If pleading not guilty, the case proceeds to the pre-trial phase.

4. Pre-Trial Proceedings

Discovery: Prosecution must share evidence with defense counsel.
Motion hearings: Legal issues such as suppression of evidence may be argued.
Status conferences: Court monitors case progress and may facilitate plea negotiations.
Plea negotiations may occur throughout this phase.

5. Trial

Defendants have the right to a jury trial or may opt for a bench trial (judge only).
Prosecution presents evidence and witnesses to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defense may present evidence and witnesses to refute charges.
For jury trials, unanimous verdict is required for conviction.

6. Sentencing (if convicted)

Occurs after conviction by plea or trial verdict.
Judge determines appropriate sentence based on:
- Maine Sentencing Guidelines
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Victim impact statements
- Mitigating and aggravating factors
Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs.

7. Post-Conviction

Convicted individuals have the right to appeal within 21 days of sentencing.
Those sentenced to incarceration may serve time at:
- Kennebec County Correctional Facility (sentences under 9 months)
- Maine Department of Corrections facilities (longer sentences)
Probation supervision is administered by the Maine Department of Corrections.

Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through diversion programs, deferred disposition agreements, or plea bargains. The Kennebec County District Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases, while the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services ensures legal representation for those who cannot afford an attorney.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kennebec County?

Arrest records in Kennebec County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Maine state law and administrative rules. The Maine State Archives Records Management Division oversees record retention policies for all government agencies in the state, including law enforcement entities.

Under 5 M.R.S. § 95, the State Archivist is authorized to establish records retention schedules that all state and local government agencies must follow. For law enforcement records specifically, the following retention periods generally apply:

Arrest Records Retention:

Basic arrest information: Permanent retention
Arrest reports and supporting documentation: Minimum of 20 years
Fingerprint cards and photographs: Permanent retention
Booking information: Minimum of 20 years

Related Records Retention:

Incident reports: Minimum of 5 years
Investigation files for unsolved felonies: Permanent retention
Investigation files for solved felonies: Minimum of 20 years after case closure
Investigation files for misdemeanors: Minimum of 6 years after case closure
Warrant information: Until executed plus 6 years

It is important to note that different agencies maintain different components of criminal justice records:

Kennebec County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for arrests made by county deputies and individuals housed in the county jail.
Municipal Police Departments within Kennebec County maintain their own arrest records for arrests made by their officers.
Maine State Bureau of Identification (SBI), under the Maine State Police, maintains the central repository of all criminal history information in the state, including fingerprints and arrest data from all law enforcement agencies.
Maine Judicial Branch maintains court records related to criminal cases, including case dispositions.

The retention of these records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
Maintains accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Provides historical documentation for statistical and research purposes
Ensures information is available for background checks and security clearances
Supports public safety through access to criminal history information

While records are maintained according to these retention schedules, access to older records may become more difficult as systems are updated and older records may be archived in formats that are not as readily accessible. Additionally, some older records may have been destroyed in accordance with previous retention schedules that were in effect at the time.

How to Find Mugshots in Kennebec County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Kennebec County, as in other jurisdictions, mugshots are considered part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Kennebec County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office for arrests made by county deputies and individuals processed at the Kennebec County Correctional Facility.
Municipal police departments within Kennebec County for arrests processed at their facilities.
The Maine State Bureau of Identification, which maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including booking photographs from all law enforcement agencies in the state.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Kennebec County have several options:

Direct Request to Law Enforcement Agency:
- Submit a written public records request to the agency that made the arrest.
- Specify the individual's name, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest.
- Requests may be subject to fees for search and reproduction.
Kennebec County Sheriff's Office Records Division:

Kennebec County Sheriff's Office
125 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
(207) 623-3614
Kennebec County Sheriff's Office

Maine State Bureau of Identification:
- For official criminal history records that may include booking photographs.
- Requires submission of a formal request and payment of applicable fees.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office currently publishes limited booking information on its current inmates page, but this information does not typically include mugshots. Unlike some jurisdictions, Kennebec County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online as a matter of policy.

Some third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records across multiple jurisdictions. However, the information on these sites may be:

Incomplete or outdated
Potentially inaccurate
Published without context
Maintained even after cases have been dismissed or individuals acquitted

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals should:

Submit a written request under Maine's Freedom of Access Act to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Include specific identifying information about the subject and the arrest.
Be prepared to pay applicable fees for search and reproduction.
Allow 5-10 business days for processing, as specified under 1 M.R.S. § 408-A(4).

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile records, including photographs, are generally confidential under Maine law.
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld.
Records that have been sealed by court order are not publicly accessible.
Maine law 16 M.R.S. § 703 defines confidential criminal history record information, which may include certain booking photographs in specific circumstances.

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware of privacy considerations and the potential impact of disseminating such images, particularly in cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted.

Lookup Arrest Records in Kennebec County

Current Inmates - Kennebec County Sheriff's Office

Maine Adult Resident/Adult Community Corrections Client Search

Kennebec County Sheriff's Office

Accessing Electronic Court Records: State of Maine Judicial Branch

Kennebec Court Superior Court: State of Maine Judicial Branch