Massachusetts court guide
Fall River District Court
Fall River District Court is on the 2nd floor of 186 S. Main St. in Fall River, Massachusetts. It serves Fall River, Freetown, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport, and most criminal cases from those communities, including OUI, begin here.
Address, hours, and phone numbers
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- 186 S. Main St., 2nd Floor, Fall River, MA 02721
- Clerk’s Office: 508-491-3200
- Criminal Department: 508-491-3225
- Probation: 508-491-3240
- MassRelay: dial 711
What the court hears
Like all District Courts, it hears all misdemeanors, felonies punishable by up to five years, and some more serious felonies, plus civil cases likely worth no more than $50,000. It also runs an Adult Drug Court. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases here.
Parking, transit, and security
Mass.gov lists metered street parking and paid parking garages near the courthouse. For transit, it says the court is accessible by the Southeastern Transit Authority.
Expect screening with metal detectors and X-ray machines. Weapons are not allowed, and photos and video are not allowed anywhere inside.
What happens at arraignment
Your arraignment is your first appearance before a judge. Start at the probation office for an intake interview, which helps show whether you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer. In the courtroom, answer “Present” when called. The charges are read, a not guilty plea is usually entered, and the judge may address bail and set a pretrial conference date.
If you are accused of a misdemeanor and were not arrested, you are generally entitled to a show cause hearing before a clerk-magistrate first. Our show cause hearing guide covers it.
OUI and the 30-day license suspension
A breath or blood test of 0.08 or more (0.02 under 21) generally means police suspend your license right away. If they did not, the judge must do it at arraignment once the prosecutor makes the required showing. It lasts until the case ends, but no more than 30 days (M.G.L. c. 90 § 24N). Refusing a test leads to a separate, longer suspension.
Finding your case and what to bring
Case information and court dates are free on MassCourts (masscourts.org). For most criminal cases you need the docket number, typed exactly as shown on your paperwork. Bring all your case papers and plan on at least three hours.
How we help
Talk with a lawyer before you resolve anything at arraignment. The court system warns that a plea can affect immigration status, public housing, and student loans. We review the complaint, get you ready, and appear with you. Lisa DiLibero, Esq., is admitted in Massachusetts and handles the firm’s Massachusetts matters, and Dylan C. DiLibero, Esq., appears in all Massachusetts state courts. We answer. We listen. We fight.
Frequently asked questions
Mass.gov lists Fall River, Freetown, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport. Freetown and Westport are also on New Bedford’s list, so go by the court named in your paperwork.
Bristol County Superior Court’s Fall River location is listed at the same street address and handles only criminal matters. The District Court is on the 2nd floor, so check which court your paperwork names.
It can be. After a test of 0.08 or more, police or the judge can suspend it for up to 30 days.
Contact the clerk’s office before the date, and plan to appear unless a new date is granted.
Next step
Have a date at Fall River District Court?
Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation. The first conversation is free.