Castine Court Records serve as the official paper trail for every civil, criminal, and small claims case filed in or tied to this Hancock County town. Many people searching for Castine Maine court records hit a wall as the town has no standalone courthouse — instead, all active cases sit under the Ellsworth District Court’s jurisdiction. The Maine Judicial Data Management System, known as MDJS, makes Castine court records online access free for most non-sealed dockets, so anyone can run a Castine court docket search or Castine Maine court case search from home in minutes. Queries by party name, docket number, or filing date return case summaries, hearing dates, charge descriptions, and final disposition status. Whether you need a quick background check, genealogy confirmation, landlord-tenant history, or legal documentation, the MDJS portal delivers answers without fees, account registration, or in-person visits for basic docket viewing. The system updates entries within 24 hours of clerk action, keeping search results current and reliable for anyone learning how to find Castine court records.
Castine Court Records go beyond a standard docket view when you need full document copies, certified judgments, or older case files. Three official channels handle Castine court document retrieval: the MDJS portal for electronic copies, the Hancock County Courthouse clerk’s window at 50 State Street in Ellsworth for in-person requests, and the Maine State Archives for historical court records Castine dating back to colonial and early statehood periods. Each channel serves a specific purpose. The MDJS portal covers cases filed from roughly 1990 forward at $0.50 per page. The Ellsworth clerk’s office holds full physical case files — with exhibits, motions, and trial transcripts — for active or recently closed matters, with certified copies priced at $25 plus per-page fees. The State Archives preserves pre-1900 filings, such as 1781 Penobscot Expedition aftermath records and 1814 War of 1812 prize court documents from the Battle of Castine. Maine’s Freedom of Access Act (1 MRSA §401) guarantees public access to non-sealed records across all three channels, so Castine court record access remains open to residents, researchers, journalists, and out-of-state requesters on equal footing when you need to search Castine court files.
Search Method Summary- MDJS Online Portal — free, 24/7 access to active dockets
- Ellsworth District Court — in-person file review and copies
- Hancock County Clerk — mail requests for closed cases
- Maine State Archives — colonial and pre-1900 historical records
Castine Court Records Online via MDJS
The MDJS portal is the official free tool for a Castine Maine court case search. It runs 24/7 on the Maine Judicial Branch website. Search by party name, business name, or case number to find active dockets across District, Superior, and Supreme Judicial Courts. Results show filing dates, charges, hearing schedules, and disposition status.
MDJS Search Fields
- Party Name: Last name + first name or business name
- Case Number: Format like ELL-CR-2024-00123 (location-code-year-sequence)
- Date Range: Filing date or hearing date
- Case Type Codes: CR (criminal), CV (civil), SC (small claims), FM (family)
Online Limits
MDJS shows docket entries and party details. The portal does not display full document images for sealed, juvenile, or expunged cases. Maine Rule of Public Access 4 governs these restrictions. Sealed records require a court motion to unseal before any party can review them.
Account or Anonymous Use
Anonymous public use works for most non-sealed cases. A registered MDJS account unlocks eFile and ePay for attorneys and pro se litigants. Anonymous users can still view docket summaries and basic case data without registration.
| Feature | MDJS Online | In-Person |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free search; $0.50/page copies | $0.50/page copies; $25 certification fee |
| Hours | 24/7 | Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Document Depth | Docket summary only | Full case file with exhibits |
| Sealed Records | Not visible | Motion required to unseal |
| Historical Records | 1990 forward | Older files by request |
In-Person and Mail Records Requests
The Ellsworth District Court serves as the primary in-person location for Castine court document retrieval. The clerk’s office holds full case files for active and recently closed matters. You can view files, request copies, and ask for certified judgments on-site at the clerk’s window.
The clerk’s office sits at 50 State Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605. Phone lines open at (207) 667-0400. Public service hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number or party name to speed up the lookup process.
Mail Request Process
- Write a request letter with the case number, party name, and document type
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
- Add payment by check or money order for copy fees
- Mail to the Hancock County Clerk of Courts at the Ellsworth address
Mail requests work well for closed cases, older files, and certified copies. Processing time varies based on clerk workload. Plan ahead if you need documents for a legal deadline or upcoming court date.
Historical Castine Court Records
Castine Maine court records predate statehood. The town changed hands among France, the Netherlands, Great Britain, and the United States before 1789. Colonial court files from this era sit at the Maine State Archives in Augusta, not the Hancock County Courthouse. Researchers can request pre-1820 colonial cases through the State Archives Colonial Court Files collection.
The collection includes records from the 1781 Penobscot Expedition aftermath and 1814 War of 1812 Battle of Castine prize court proceedings. These filings cover military disputes, property seizures, and maritime law cases from the early federal period.
Maine State Archives Contact
84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Phone (207) 287-5790. The online catalog lives at maine.gov/sos/arc. Researchers can schedule a visit or request copies by mail for a small per-page fee.
Colonial-Era Castine Case Categories
- 1781 Penobscot Expedition aftermath filings
- 1814 Battle of Castine (War of 1812) prize court records
- Early maritime and shipping disputes
- Town incorporation disputes (1830s)
- Land grant and boundary conflicts
Legal Rules for Court Records
Maine’s Freedom of Access Act (FOAA, 1 MRSA §401) creates the presumption that court records stay public. The law lets anyone view non-sealed records. Sealed categories exist under Maine Rule of Public Access, which was updated in July 2025.
The Rule protects certain records from public view. Journalists, researchers, and private parties must file a motion to unseal protected records. Courts weigh public interest against privacy on a case-by-case basis before granting any unsealing request.
Sealed Record Categories
- Juvenile proceedings (15 MRSA §3308)
- Mental health and guardianship filings
- Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders (limited)
- Expunged records under 17 MRSA §1858
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
Expungement Eligibility
Maine allows expungement under 17 MRSA §1858 for specific conviction categories, completed diversion programs, and certain juvenile adjudications. Petitioners file with the court that handled the original case. Expunged records disappear from public search results once the court grants the petition.
Fees for Certified Copies
Maine Judicial Branch charges set fees for record copies. The fee schedule covers standard photocopies, certified copies, and exemplified copies. Payment methods depend on how you place the order with the clerk’s office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy | $25.00 + $0.50/page |
| Exemplified copy | $50.00 + $0.50/page |
| Microfilm printout | $1.00/page |
| MDJS electronic download | $0.50/page |
Payment Methods
Cash, check, money order, and credit card work for in-person orders at the Ellsworth clerk’s office. MDJS ePay handles online transactions. Mail orders require a check or money order. The clerk’s office does not offer expedited retrieval for official records.
Third-party services like private record retrieval companies offer faster turnaround for a premium. These services charge $25–$150 per record. The State of Maine does not certify third-party copies for court use, so always request official records for legal filings.
Castine Case Type Categories
Castine’s jurisdiction processes six primary case types. Each type has different access rules, search procedures, and sealing provisions. Knowing the category helps you choose the right search path and prepare the right request format.
Criminal Cases (Class D, E & Traffic)
Criminal dockets form the most publicly visible category. Class D and E misdemeanors plus traffic violations from Castine appear in MDJS results. Common charges include DUI, operating under the influence, criminal threatening, theft, and traffic infractions.
Civil Cases
Civil cases cover contract disputes, property damage, and landlord-tenant matters up to $30,000. The District Court handles these cases. Civil dockets remain public unless sealed by court order.
Small Claims
Small claims cover disputes under $6,000. These are the most common court filings from Castine residents. Small claims dockets stay public in MDJS for the full statutory retention period.
Family and Probate Matters
Family cases include divorce, PFA orders, custody, and support. Probate covers wills, estates, and guardianship. Viewing these records is restricted. Only parties with a direct relationship or a court order can view sealed family files.
Mental Health Commitments
Mental health commitment filings stay sealed under Maine law. Only the patient, legal counsel, and designated providers can review these records. Public viewing requires a specific court motion and a showing of need.
Castine Court Record Search Tips
Smart search habits save time and money. Use these tips to speed up your Castine court docket search and avoid common errors that lead to dead ends.
Recommended Search Workflow
- Start with the MDJS name search for free 24/7 results
- If no results, try variations of the docket number
- For pre-1990 cases, call the Hancock County Clerk at (207) 667-0400
- For pre-1900 cases, contact the Maine State Archives
- For certified copies, request in-person or via MDJS ePay
Name Search Tips
Use the full legal name when searching MDJS. Add a date of birth or middle initial to narrow results for common names. Business name searches work for corporate filings. Case number searches return the fastest results when you have the docket number.
Tips for Finding Older Records
MDJS covers roughly 1990 forward. Older cases need direct contact with the Hancock County Clerk or the Maine State Archives. The Archives Colonial Court Files collection holds pre-1820 filings. Civil and criminal dockets from the late 1800s sit in county archives or the State Archives.
Contact Information
Use the following official contacts for Castine court record requests. Each office handles different record types and time periods.
Ellsworth District Court
Address: 50 State Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Phone: (207) 667-0400
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Maine State Archives
Address: 84 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207) 287-5790
Website: maine.gov/sos/arc
Maine Judicial Branch
Website: courts.maine.gov
FOAA requests: Maine Judicial Branch Clerk’s Office
Frequently Asked Questions
Castine court records help you check legal filings, case status, and document history in this Hancock County town. Since Castine shares a courthouse with Ellsworth, all filings flow through the Ellsworth District Court system. First, you can search online through a free portal anytime. Next, visit the clerk’s office in person for certified copies. Then, contact the State Archives for older files. After that, narrow your search by case type. For example, docket searches confirm names, charges, and hearing dates quickly. Finally, knowing the right channel saves you both time and money on every search.
How do I search Castine court records online?
Use the Maine Judicial Data Management System (MDJS) portal. This free site shows civil, criminal, and traffic cases from Ellsworth District Court, which serves Castine. First, visit the MDJS website. Next, choose Search Case Records. Then enter a name, case number, or date range. Finally, click search to see results. Now, you can view basic docket details at no cost. For full documents, contact the Ellsworth clerk. The portal updates daily, so you see recent filings quickly. No account or login is required to start your search.
Where can I find historical court records in Castine Maine?
Visit the Maine State Archives in Augusta for older cases. The archives hold pre-1900 court files from Hancock County, which includes Castine. You can search their online catalog before your trip. Then, request files in person or by mail. Fees apply for copies. For cases from 1900 to today, check the Ellsworth District Court. The clerk’s office has paper records and microfilm. Bring a photo ID and the case name. Staff will pull files within 30 minutes during business hours.
What types of Castine court cases can I look up?
You can search civil, criminal, small claims, and traffic cases through Castine court records. Divorce, child custody, and protective order files appear in the system. Landlord-tenant disputes and foreclosure cases are searchable too. Juvenile cases stay sealed by law. Mental health commitment hearings remain confidential. Sealed records require a court order to access. Most misdemeanor and felony convictions show up in docket searches. Appeals go to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, which has its own portal for higher review.
How do I get certified copies of Castine court documents?
Request certified copies directly from the Ellsworth District Court clerk. First, fill out a Records Request form at the office or on the Maine Courts website. Next, pay the $1 per page copy fee plus a $5 certification fee. Then, show valid photo ID. Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment by check. Expect results in 5 to 10 business days. For older files at the State Archives, follow their separate request procedure and fee schedule.
Can I access Castine court docket search results for free?
Yes, the MDJS portal offers free Castine court docket search access. You can see party names, charges, hearing dates, and case status at no cost. No registration is required. But viewing full document images costs $1 per page. Printed docket sheets run $0.50 each. The free search works for cases from 2000 forward. Older dockets need an in-person visit. Daily updates keep the system current with new filings. Bulk data downloads require a paid subscription through the Maine Judicial branch.
Who handles Castine court record requests and what are the hours?
The Ellsworth District Court clerk manages all Castine court record requests. The office sits at 50 State Street, Ellsworth, Maine. Walk-in hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed on state holidays. You can call 207-667-7141 with quick questions. Email requests go through the Maine Judicial branch contact form. For archived files, the Maine State Archives opens Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Plan ahead for holiday closures and winter weather delays.