Calendar Year 2021

Middlesex County Data

Between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, we managed 31,160 active cases. This included 15,873 new cases that were arraigned in Middlesex County courts, in addition to cases that were ongoing prior to January 1, 2021. 

Data

Middlesex County Bail Data

The decision not to request cash bail in many District Court cases was informed by District Attorney Ryan's work on criminal justice reform with the Middlesex Chiefs of Police, the Massachusetts Legislature, members of the defense bar, community leaders and the public. It also reflects our larger focus on understanding the full impact that the criminal justice system has on people’s lives.

In calendar year 2021, 15,193 cases were arraigned in the District Courts of Middlesex County, of which 4,249 were disposed at arraignment so bail was not an issue.

Of the remaining 10,944 cases, the Commonwealth did not request bail in 8,481 or 77.49% of the cases.

Of the remaining 2,463 cases, the Commonwealth requested that 588 individuals be held without bail. These cases involve instances where the defendant was charged with murder, charged with being a fugitive from justice or held pending a chapter 58A dangerousness determination. In the remaining 1,875 cases, which include a wide variety of misdemeanor and serious felony charges, the Commonwealth requested cash bail. 

In calendar year 2021, 265 cases were arraigned in the Juvenile Courts of Middlesex County. Of those cases, 25 were disposed at arraignment so bail was not an issue. Of the remaining 240 juvenile cases, the Commonwealth did not request bail in 228 or 95% of the cases. Cash bail was requested in 7 cases, including serious felonies such as home invasion or sexual assault. In the remaining cases juveniles were held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing.