Massachusetts court guide
Norfolk County Superior Court
Norfolk County Superior Court is at 650 High Street in Dedham. It hears the most serious criminal cases from every city and town in Norfolk County, usually after a grand jury indictment. If you have been indicted or have a date here, this guide explains what comes next.
Court at a glance
- Address: 650 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026
- Clerk's Office: 781-326-1600
- Probation Department: 649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026, 781-326-5190
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Prosecutor: Norfolk District Attorney's Office
What this court hears
The Superior Court is the state's trial court of general jurisdiction. It has exclusive original jurisdiction over first-degree murder and original jurisdiction over all other crimes. It also hears civil cases over $50,000.
Most criminal cases start in District Court, even murder cases. A case moves here when a grand jury returns an indictment. You are then notified and must appear in Superior Court on your arraignment date.
Parking and security
Mass.gov says a large paid parking lot behind the Registry of Deeds is open to the public.
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 arraignment
Go to the Superior Court probation office first for an intake interview. Mass.gov lists probation at 649 High Street, a different address from the courthouse. Then go to the courtroom and answer "Present" when your name is called.
The charges are read and a plea is entered. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the judge can appoint one. The judge may set bail, or the prosecutor may ask for a dangerousness hearing.
For felonies involving physical force and certain other listed charges, such as restraining order violations and some firearm offenses, the Commonwealth can ask to hold you as a danger to others. The judge must find by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will keep others safe. Superior Court detention on that basis is generally limited to 180 days, not counting certain delays (M.G.L. c. 276 § 58A). Our dangerousness hearing guide explains more.
Finding your case and what to bring
Look up basic case information and court dates for free at masscourts.org. Indictments are searchable, but most criminal cases can only be found by docket number.
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 the indictment, prepare you for arraignment, and argue bail or dangerousness. The first conversation is free. Call 401-621-9700.
Frequently asked questions
The Norfolk District Attorney's Office. It lists Norfolk Superior Court as serving all communities in the county.
A grand jury returns an indictment. If you had a District Court case on the same charge, that complaint is dismissed and the case continues in Superior Court.
Start at the Superior Court probation office. Mass.gov lists it at 649 High Street in Dedham, 781-326-5190.
Yes, in some cases. After a dangerousness hearing, a judge can order you held before trial if the legal standard is met.
Next step
Facing an indictment in Norfolk County?
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.