Penobscot County Public Records / Penobscot County Arrest Records

Penobscot County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Penobscot County

Arrest records in Penobscot County are considered public information under Maine's Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), codified in Title 1, Chapter 13 of the Maine Revised Statutes. Pursuant to § 408-A, public records must be made available for inspection and copying by any person. However, access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations and exemptions.

The Maine Criminal History Record Information Act (Title 16, Chapter 7) specifically governs the dissemination of criminal history record information, including arrest records. Under § 703, conviction data is public information, while non-conviction data has restricted access. This creates an important distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement
Conviction Records: Document the final disposition showing a person was found guilty of a crime

The Penobscot County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state law. These records become part of an individual's criminal history record information (CHRI) maintained by the Maine State Bureau of Identification. While the fact of an arrest is public information, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with § 705.

What's in Penobscot County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Penobscot County contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. The contents typically include:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identification numbers (state ID, driver's license)
Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer information
Circumstances leading to arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Charge severity (felony, misdemeanor, civil violation)
Charge descriptions

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing authority
Date warrant was issued
Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking facility
Booking officer
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bail conditions
Whether bail was posted
Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case/docket number
Scheduled court appearances
Court disposition (if resolved)

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained (if applicable)
Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Known associates
Vehicle information
Probation/parole status
Protective orders

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Penobscot County and the circumstances of the arrest.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Penobscot County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Penobscot County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:

Contact the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office directly for recent arrest information:

Penobscot County Sheriff's Office
85 Hammond Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 947-4585
Penobscot County Sheriff's Office

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Submit a formal request to the Maine State Bureau of Identification for comprehensive criminal history information through the Maine Criminal History Record & Juvenile Crime Information Request portal. Requesters must:
- Create an account in the system
- Provide the subject's full name and date of birth
- Pay the required fee ($31 for name-based searches)
- Indicate the purpose of the request
Visit the Penobscot County Courthouse to review public court records related to arrests:

Penobscot County Unified Criminal Court
78 Exchange Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 561-2300
Maine Judicial Branch

Court Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Submit a Freedom of Access Act request to the appropriate law enforcement agency if seeking specific arrest information not otherwise available. Pursuant to § 408-A of the FOAA, agencies must respond to requests within 5 working days.

When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide:

The full name of the person whose records are being sought
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Valid government-issued photo identification
Payment of applicable fees

How To Find Penobscot County Arrest Records Online

Penobscot County arrest records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by state and local agencies. The following digital resources are currently available:

Maine State Police Criminal History Record Check: The Maine Criminal History Record & Juvenile Crime Information Request portal provides authorized users with electronic access to criminal history information, including arrest data. Users must:
- Register for an account
- Provide required identifying information
- Pay the statutory fee ($31 per name-based search)
- Specify the purpose of the request
Maine Department of Corrections Inmate Search: The Maine Adult Resident/Adult Community Corrections Client Search allows users to verify if an individual is currently in custody or under supervision following an arrest. This database includes:
- Current inmates in state correctional facilities
- Individuals on probation or parole
- Basic demographic and custody information
Penobscot County Jail Inmate Lookup: The Penobscot County Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals detained at the county jail. This information is updated regularly and includes:
- Inmate name and booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
Maine Judicial Branch Electronic Court Records: The Maine Judicial Branch provides access to court records through its re:SearchMaine portal. While full remote access requires attorney credentials, the public can:
- Search for case information by name
- View limited case information
- Access court calendars and schedules
Bangor Police Department Records: The Bangor Police Department provides limited online access to recent arrest information through its website and social media channels.

When using online resources, users should note 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 verification may require direct contact with the relevant agency

How To Search Penobscot County Arrest Records for Free?

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

Visit the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office in person to review publicly available arrest logs:

Penobscot County Sheriff's Office
85 Hammond Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 947-4585
Penobscot County Sheriff's Office

Visitors may review recent arrest logs during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM).

Access the Penobscot County Jail Inmate Roster online through the Sheriff's Office website. This resource provides basic information about currently incarcerated individuals, including:
- Name and age
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
Review court dockets at the Penobscot County Courthouse:

Penobscot County Unified Criminal Court
78 Exchange Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 561-2300
Maine Judicial Branch

Public terminals are available during court hours for searching case information.

Monitor local law enforcement social media accounts for arrest announcements. The Bangor Police Department and other local agencies regularly post information about significant arrests.
Review local news sources that report on arrests and criminal proceedings in Penobscot County.
Submit a Freedom of Access Act request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. While the initial request is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching, retrieving, and copying records pursuant to § 408-A(8) of the FOAA.

When conducting free searches, requesters should be aware of certain limitations:

Information may be less comprehensive than paid searches
Recent arrests may not be immediately available
Some details may be redacted or unavailable
Multiple sources may need to be consulted for complete information

How To Delete Arrest Records in Penobscot County

Under Maine law, individuals may have options to limit public access to their arrest records through sealing or expungement processes. The following procedures are currently available:

Record Sealing vs. Expungement

Maine law distinguishes between sealing (restricting access) and expungement (complete removal):

Sealing: Records remain in existence but are not accessible to the general public
Expungement: Records are physically destroyed or permanently removed from databases

Pursuant to Title 15, Chapter 310 of the Maine Revised Statutes, certain arrest records may be eligible for restriction or removal.

Eligibility for Record Restriction

The following situations may qualify for record restriction:

Juvenile Records: Under § 3308, juvenile records may be sealed if:
- Three years have passed since the juvenile was discharged from the disposition
- No subsequent juvenile or adult adjudications or convictions have occurred
- No juvenile or criminal proceedings are pending
Adult Records: Under limited circumstances, adult records may be eligible for restriction:
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Certain non-violent offenses after completion of deferred disposition
- First-time drug possession offenses under specific conditions
Administrative Correction: Records containing factual errors may be amended through an administrative process.

Process for Requesting Record Restriction

To initiate the process, individuals must:

File a petition with the appropriate court:

Penobscot County Unified Criminal Court
78 Exchange Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 561-2300
Maine Judicial Branch

Provide documentation supporting eligibility for record restriction
Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers may be available)
Attend scheduled hearings as required

For juvenile records, petitions must be filed with the court that adjudicated the juvenile offense. For adult records, petitions are filed with the court where the case was processed.

Legal representation is strongly recommended when seeking record restriction. The Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project may provide assistance to eligible individuals.

What Happens After Arrest in Penobscot County?

Following an arrest in Penobscot County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Maine law. The typical progression includes:

1. Arrest and Booking

The individual is taken into custody by law enforcement
Transportation to the Penobscot County Jail or local police station
Booking procedures include:
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
- Medical screening

2. Initial Appearance/Arraignment

Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
Judge informs the defendant of:
- Charges filed
- Constitutional rights
- Right to counsel (public defender appointed if financially eligible)
Bail determination based on:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Weight of evidence
- Community ties and flight risk
- Danger to the community

3. Bail or Detention

If bail is granted, conditions may include:
- Monetary bond
- Pretrial supervision
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
If bail is denied or cannot be posted, detention continues at Penobscot County Jail

4. Preliminary Proceedings

For misdemeanors: Case proceeds directly to arraignment
For felonies: Grand jury indictment or probable cause hearing required
Discovery process begins with exchange of evidence
Pretrial motions may be filed

5. Plea Negotiations

Discussions between prosecution and defense
May result in:
- Reduced charges
- Sentencing recommendations
- Diversion programs for eligible cases

6. Trial or Plea

Defendant may plead guilty/no contest or proceed to trial
Trial rights include:
- Jury trial for most offenses
- Confrontation of witnesses
- Presentation of defense evidence
- Presumption of innocence
- Proof beyond reasonable doubt standard

7. Sentencing (if convicted)

Factors considered include:
- Offense severity
- Criminal history
- Mitigating/aggravating circumstances
- Victim impact
Potential sentences include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines
- Restitution
- Community service

8. Post-Conviction

Appeal rights explained
Sentence implementation
Probation supervision if applicable
Reentry planning for incarcerated individuals

Throughout this process, cases are handled by the Maine Judicial Branch court system, with proceedings typically occurring at the Penobscot County Courthouse in Bangor.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Penobscot County?

Arrest records in Penobscot County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Maine state law and administrative policies. The Maine State Archives Records Management Division oversees these retention requirements pursuant to Title 5, Chapter 6 of the Maine Revised Statutes.

Standard Retention Periods

Law Enforcement Records: Under § 95-C, arrest records maintained by the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office and local police departments are typically retained as follows:
- Arrest reports: Permanent retention
- Booking information: Minimum 10 years
- Investigative files: Minimum 20 years for felonies; 10 years for misdemeanors
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 21, then restricted access
Court Records: The Maine Judicial Branch maintains court records related to arrests according to the following schedule:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
- Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 21, then restricted access
Criminal History Records: The Maine State Bureau of Identification maintains comprehensive criminal history records, including arrests, as follows:
- Conviction data: Permanent retention
- Non-conviction data: Maintained for 5 years, then restricted from public disclosure
- Fingerprint records: Permanent retention

Digital vs. Physical Records

Modern arrest records exist in both digital and physical formats:

Digital records in law enforcement databases may be maintained indefinitely
Physical records may be archived or destroyed according to retention schedules
Microfilm or other archival methods may be used for long-term preservation

Factors Affecting Retention

Several factors may influence how long specific arrest records are maintained:

Severity of the alleged offense
Final disposition of the case
Statutory requirements for specific offense types
Court orders for record sealing or expungement
Administrative policies of individual agencies

The retention of arrest records serves important public interests, including:

Maintaining accurate criminal history information
Supporting ongoing investigations
Providing statistical data for policy development
Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system

How to Find Mugshots in Penobscot County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of arrest records in Penobscot County. Access to these images is governed by Maine's public records laws and agency policies.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process that typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile view (in some cases)
Identifying information board showing name and booking number
Date of arrest

These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Penobscot County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Penobscot County Sheriff's Office
85 Hammond Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 947-4585
Penobscot County Sheriff's Office
Local Police Departments, including:

Bangor Police Department
240 Main Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 947-7384
Bangor Police Department

Maine State Bureau of Identification (for statewide records)
45 Commerce Drive, Suite 1
Augusta, ME 04333
(207) 624-7240
Maine State Police

Finding Mugshots

To locate mugshots in Penobscot County, individuals may:

Submit a formal request to the arresting agency under the Freedom of Access Act. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of the request
Visit the law enforcement agency in person to review publicly available booking information, which may include mugshots for recent arrests.
Contact the Penobscot County Jail for information about current inmates:

Penobscot County Jail
85 Hammond Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 947-4585
Penobscot County Sheriff's Office

Online Availability

Unlike some jurisdictions, Penobscot County law enforcement agencies generally do not publish comprehensive mugshot galleries online. Limited information may be available through:

The Maine Department of Corrections inmate search for individuals currently in state custody
Press releases from law enforcement agencies in high-profile cases
Local news media reports on arrests

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances: