Gloucester District Court cases in Essex County, Gloucester, MA
Gloucester District Court is a Massachusetts District Court within the District Court Department of the Trial Court, serving Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea. It handles criminal matters (misdemeanors, some felonies, arraignments, bail, and probable-cause hearings), civil cases (small claims, civil actions generally up to $50,000, summary process/evictions, and supplementary process), and issues protective orders (abuse-prevention orders under G.L. c. 209A and harassment-prevention orders under c. 258E). The court also processes civil motor vehicle infractions and criminal traffic offenses, and hears certain mental-health and substance-use commitment petitions (G.L. c. 123, §35). As part of the District Court system, it provides initial jurisdiction for most criminal cases, shares limited civil jurisdiction with other Trial Court departments, and conducts magistrate hearings, search warrants, and other preliminary proceedings within its geographic district.
Gloucester District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Essex |
| Street Address: | 197 Main St |
| City: | Gloucester |
| Zip Code: | 1930 |
| Phone: | 978-283-2620 |
| Fax: | 978-283-8784 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/gloucester-district-court |
| Parking: | There is a public parking lot 2 blocks from the courthouse as well as a metered lot across the street from the courthouse and metered street parking |
| Public Transportation: | The Gloucester District Court is accessible by the Newburyport/Rockport line of the MBTA. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Gloucester Station, which is approximately 1/2 of a mile from the courthouse. The courthouse is also accessible through the Cape Ann Transit Authority |
| Restrictions: | Using cameras and electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmgloucesterdc@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gloucester-District-Court/114976161925797 |
| ADA: | Melissa Joy Teixeira |
| ADA Phone: | 978-283-2620 x3007 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | melissa.teixeira@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Essex, Gloucester, and Rockport. |
Services and Case Types Handled in Gloucester District Court
Gloucester District Court serves the public by processing and adjudicating:
- Criminal matters: complaint filings, show-cause (clerk-magistrate) hearings, arraignments, bail, pretrial conferences, motions, jury and nonjury trials for misdemeanors and some felonies, probation supervision, and violation hearings.
- Civil matters: civil claims (e.g., contract, tort, property damage), small claims, summary process (evictions), and civil motor vehicle infractions; accepts filings, schedules hearings, and issues judgments.
- Protective orders: abuse prevention and harassment prevention orders, including extensions and modifications.
- Jury services: juror summonsing, check-in, and management for jury-of-six criminal and civil trials.
- Court operations: calendars and notices, interpreter and ADA accommodations, fines/fees payments, record requests, and warrants as authorized.
- Specialized proceedings: probable cause hearings and certain mental health/substance-use commitment petitions.
The court provides forms, guidance on procedures, and timely hearing schedules to ensure accessible resolution of cases.