Massachusetts court guide
Plymouth County Superior Court
Plymouth County Superior Court hears the most serious criminal cases from every city and town in Plymouth County. It has two locations, and mass.gov says criminal sessions are held in Brockton at 72 Belmont Street. Check your paperwork for the exact address.
Two courthouse locations
Both locations are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and both have free parking. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office prosecutes almost all Superior Court cases in the county.
| Location | Brockton | Plymouth |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 72 Belmont St., Brockton, MA 02301 | 52 Obery St., Plymouth, MA 02360 |
| Phone | Clerk's Office and Probation: 508-583-8250 | Clerk's Office: 508-747-8400 |
What this court hears
The Superior Court 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. A case moves here when a grand jury of 23 citizens, meeting in secret, returns an indictment. You are then notified and must appear on your arraignment date.
Getting there and security
For the Brockton courthouse, mass.gov points to the Brockton Area Transit Authority website or 508-588-1000. For Plymouth, it lists the Plymouth and Brockton Street Railway Co., with the closest stop at Plymouth Park and Ride.
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. 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, a judge can order you held if clear and convincing evidence shows no release conditions will keep others safe. In Superior Court that detention is generally limited to 180 days, not counting certain delays (M.G.L. c. 276 § 58A).
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.
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
Mass.gov says criminal sessions are held in Brockton. The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office lists both courthouses as hearing criminal cases, so follow the address on your notice.
The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, which prosecutes almost all cases brought in the county's Superior Court.
It is a hearing on whether you can be held before trial because release would put others at risk. You have the right to a lawyer and to present evidence. Our dangerousness hearing guide explains the process.
Yes, but it must be off or silent and put away before you enter a courtroom.
Next step
Facing an indictment in Plymouth 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.