Taunton District Court

Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The court handles all misdemeanors, felonies punishable by up to five years, and some more serious felonies, as well as civil cases likely worth no more than $50,000. An Adult Drug Court also sits here. Criminal cases are prosecuted by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Mass.gov lists paid parking lots and a paid parking garage open to the public. For transit, it says the court is accessible by the Bloom Bus Line.

Security screening uses metal detectors and X-ray machines. Weapons are banned in court buildings, and photos and video are not allowed inside.

Arrive early. Go first to the probation office for an intake interview, then to the courtroom, and say “Present” when your name is called. The charges are read and a not guilty plea is usually entered. If you face possible jail and cannot afford a lawyer, the judge will appoint one. The judge may hold a bail or dangerousness hearing and usually sets a pretrial conference date.

A misdemeanor accusation without an arrest generally entitles you to a show cause hearing before a clerk-magistrate first. See our show cause hearing guide.

If your breath or blood test was 0.08 or more (0.02 under 21), police generally suspend your license at once. When they have not, the judge must suspend it at arraignment after the prosecutor makes the required showing. It runs until the case ends and cannot exceed 30 days (M.G.L. c. 90 § 24N). A test refusal brings a separate, longer suspension.

MassCourts (masscourts.org) shows case information and court dates for free. Most criminal cases can only be found by docket number, entered exactly. Bring all your paperwork and expect to spend at least three hours.

The court system recommends speaking with a lawyer before resolving a case at arraignment, since a plea can affect immigration status, public housing, and student loans. We review the charges, prepare you, 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.