Federal court guide
U.S. District Court in Boston (Moakley Courthouse)
The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts sits in Boston at the John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way. It hears federal criminal cases brought by the U.S. Attorney and civil cases under federal law. If you were charged with a federal crime or received a federal summons, here is what to expect.
Court at a glance
- Address: 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 2300, Boston, MA 02210
- Clerk's Office (2nd floor, Suite 2300): 617-748-9152
- Pretrial Services: 617-748-9213
- Public counter hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on federal holidays
- Prosecutor: United States Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts
What this court hears
Federal courts hear cases involving the laws and treaties of the United States, cases about whether a law is constitutional, bankruptcy, and habeas corpus. The U.S. Attorney represents the United States in all federal criminal prosecutions.
Boston is the clerk's office for the Eastern Division, which covers Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk counties. Criminal cases go to the division where the most significant alleged conduct occurred.
Getting in, parking, and security
The U.S. Marshals require a valid photo ID to enter. Unless you are credentialed to carry them, no electronics are allowed inside, so leave your phone behind. The public uses the Northern Avenue entrance.
The court lists nearby parking garages, including the Fan Pier Garage, One Seaport Garage, and 100 Northern Avenue Garage, and says fees vary. It also encourages visitors to consider public transportation.
Your initial appearance and detention hearing
After a federal arrest, you generally must be brought before a magistrate judge without unnecessary delay. The judge explains the charge, your right to a lawyer or an appointed lawyer, your right to stay silent, and whether you can be released.
Under 18 U.S.C. § 3142, the judge can release you on your own promise, release you with conditions, or order you held. In certain cases, such as crimes of violence, drug offenses carrying 10 years or more, or a serious risk of flight, the government can ask for a detention hearing.
That hearing is generally held at the first appearance. Except for good cause, the defense can ask to delay it up to five days and the government up to three, not counting weekends or holidays. You stay in custody during a delay. At the hearing you can have a lawyer, testify, present witnesses, and cross-examine.
Finding your case
Federal court records are on PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. It charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document, and waives fees if you run up $30 or less in a quarter.
How our firm helps
Dylan C. DiLibero, Esq. appears in the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey and in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Second, and Third Circuits. We can prepare you for the first appearance, argue for release, and defend the case from there. The first conversation is free. Call 401-621-9700.
Frequently asked questions
Generally no. The court says no electronics are permitted inside unless you are credentialed to carry them in.
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. Its Boston office is in the same building, at 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 9200.
Not necessarily. Generally, the judge must release you unless no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure your appearance and the safety of others. People released before trial may have to report to a pretrial services officer.
Bring a valid photo ID and any papers about your case, such as a summons or release order. Leave electronics at home.
Next step
Facing a federal charge in Boston?
Talk with us before your first appearance if you can. The first conversation is free.