Massachusetts court guide
Dudley District Court
Dudley District Court is at 279 West Main Street in Dudley. It hears criminal cases from Charlton, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, Sturbridge, and Webster. If your paperwork names this court, here is what to expect.
Court at a glance
- Address: 279 West Main St., Dudley, MA 01571
- Main phone: 508-943-7123
- Criminal: ext. 141. Hearings: ext. 115. Civil: ext. 194. Small claims: ext. 143
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Prosecutor: Worcester County District Attorney's Office
What this court hears
The District Court hears all misdemeanors, felonies punishable by up to 5 years, many other specific felonies, and violations of town ordinances and bylaws. It also hears civil cases likely worth no more than $50,000 and small claims up to $7,000.
If a grand jury indicts on a more serious charge, the District Court complaint is dismissed and the case moves to Superior Court.
Parking, transit, and security
Mass.gov says there is free parking at the courthouse. It also says no public transportation serves the Dudley District Court, so plan a ride in advance.
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.
If you were not arrested and face only misdemeanors, you may first get a clerk-magistrate hearing. 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 show cause 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 Worcester County District Attorney's Office. It lists Dudley among the district courts in its Middle District.
Call 508-943-7123. Mass.gov lists ext. 141 for the criminal department and ext. 115 for hearings.
No. Mass.gov says there is no public transportation to this court. Free parking is available at the courthouse.
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 Dudley District Court?
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.