Central Division, Boston Municipal Court cases in Suffolk County, Boston, MA
The Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court is a municipal trial court within the Massachusetts Trial Court serving central Boston. It exercises limited jurisdiction similar to the District Court, handling criminal misdemeanors and municipal ordinance violations; the initial stages of felony matters (arraignments and probable-cause hearings); traffic and motor-vehicle infractions; civil actions up to $50,000; small claims; summary process (evictions); abuse prevention orders (G.L. c. 209A) and harassment prevention orders (c. 258E); mental health and substance-use commitments; probation violations; and search/bail matters. The court conducts bench and jury trials where authorized and oversees cases from arraignment through disposition within its jurisdiction.
Central Division, Boston Municipal Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | Municipal Court |
| County: | Suffolk |
| Street Address: | 24 New Chardon Street |
| City: | Boston |
| Zip Code: | 2114 |
| Phone: | 617-788-8600 |
| Fax: | 617-788-8465 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/central-division-boston-municipal-court |
| Parking: | There Is No Public Parking Available At This Courthouse. Parking At Your Own Expense Is Available In The Vicinity Of The Courthouse At Parking Lots And Garages And Metered Spaces On The Streets |
| Public Transportation: | You Can Reach The Vicinity Of The Courthouse Via Mbta Subway And Bus Routes, As Well As Via The Commuter Rail. It Is Strongly Recommended That You Check With The Mbta'S Website To Make Sure You Receive Their Updated Routes. They Offer A Trip Planner, Which Enables Users To Get Personalized Recommendations |
| Restrictions: | Cell Phones And/Or Personal Electronic Devices Are Permitted In This Courthouse, But All Devices Must Be Turned Off When You Are In The Courtroom Or They May Be Confiscated |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | bmccentral@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=330551553757173 |
| ADA: | Denise Donovan |
| ADA Phone: | 617-788-8668 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | denise.donovan@jud.state.ma.us |
| Special Access: | Yes Wheelchair Accessible |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves the Downtown Boston area, Chinatown, North End, South End through Massachusetts Avenue, West End, and Beacon Hill. |
Services and Case Types Handled in Central Division, Boston Municipal Court
Central Division of the Boston Municipal Court serves the public by:
- Criminal matters: accepts complaints; conducts arraignments, bail determinations, pretrial conferences, motions; jury and jury-waived trials for misdemeanors; probable-cause hearings for felonies; probation violation hearings; warrant matters and clerk-magistrate show-cause hearings.
- Civil matters: handles small claims, civil actions within statutory limits, civil motor vehicle infractions, supplementary process, and related filings and fee payments.
- Protective orders: issues and enforces Abuse Prevention Orders (209A), Harassment Prevention Orders (258E), and Extreme Risk Protection Orders.
- Mental health and substance use: processes petitions for evaluation and civil commitment (e.g., Section 35), and related hearings.
- Jury services: manages juror summonses, check-in, orientation, and impanelment for trial sessions.
- Court access services: case filings, records and copies, scheduling, interpreter and ADA accommodations, fine/assessment payments, and information from the Clerk and Probation departments.