Massachusetts court guide
Boston Municipal Court, Central Division
The Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court sits in the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse at 24 New Chardon Street, Boston. It hears criminal cases from downtown Boston, Chinatown, the North End, the West End, Beacon Hill, and the South End through Massachusetts Avenue. Here is what to expect.
Court at a glance
- Address: Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon Street, Boston, MA 02114
- Main phone: 617-788-8600
- Probation Department: 617-788-8426
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Prosecutor: Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
What this court hears
Central is one of eight Boston Municipal Court divisions. The BMC hears most misdemeanors and felonies that do not require a state prison sentence, as well as felonies punishable by up to 5 years. It also hears civil cases up to $50,000, small claims up to $7,000, and restraining orders.
Central also runs a Mental Health Court and a Veterans' Treatment Court. If a grand jury indicts on a more serious charge, the case moves to Superior Court.
Parking, transit, and security
There is no public parking at the courthouse. Nearby lots, garages, and street meters are available at your own expense. MBTA subway, bus, and Commuter Rail service reach the area.
Weapons are not allowed in any court building, and court officers screen visitors with metal detectors and X-ray machines. You may bring a phone, but it must be off or silent and put away before you enter a courtroom. Photos and video are not allowed anywhere inside.
What happens at your arraignment
Check in with probation first for an intake interview, including your finances. Then go to the courtroom and answer "Present" when your name is called.
The charges are read and a not guilty plea is usually entered for you. If you face possible jail and cannot afford a lawyer, the judge can appoint one. The judge may also hold a bail or dangerousness hearing. Most cases get a pretrial conference date.
Some cases start with a clerk-magistrate hearing on an application for a complaint, which decides whether there is probable cause. Our show cause hearing guide explains the process.
Finding your case and what to bring
Look up basic case information and court dates for free at masscourts.org. Most criminal cases can only be found by docket number, so enter it exactly as it appears on your paperwork.
Plan to stay at least 3 hours. Bring every paper you have about the case and a way to take notes. Cash is not required, but the court suggests $250 as a reasonable estimate for costs or fines. Do not wear shorts, hats, or flip flops.
How our firm helps
Lisa DiLibero, Esq. is admitted in Massachusetts and handles the firm's Massachusetts matters. Dylan C. DiLibero, Esq. appears in all Massachusetts state courts. We can review your paperwork, explain the charge, and stand with you at a clerk-magistrate hearing or arraignment.
Facing a drunk driving charge? Start with our Massachusetts OUI guide. The first conversation is free. Call 401-621-9700.
Frequently asked questions
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, which prosecutes cases from Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop and lists the Central Division among its courts.
The BMC has eight divisions. The name of your court should be on the paperwork you received after your arrest or in the mail.
No. The court has no public parking. Use a nearby paid lot, garage, or meter, or take the MBTA.
Ask before the scheduled date by contacting the clerk's office. If your name is called and you do not answer, the court treats it as if you were not there.
Next step
Have a date at BMC Central?
Call 401-621-9700 and we will explain the next step. The first conversation is free. Please do not send confidential details until we have agreed to represent you.