Calendar Year 2023

Middlesex County Case Data

Between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, we managed 32,939 active cases. This included 19,236 new cases that were arraigned in Middlesex County courts, in addition to cases that were ongoing prior to January 1, 2023. 

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 2023, 18,517 cases were arraigned in the District Courts of Middlesex County, of which 5,492 were disposed at arraignment so bail was not an issue. 

Of the remaining 13,025 cases, the Commonwealth did not request bail in 10,349, or 79.45% of the cases. Of the remaining 2,676 cases, the Commonwealth requested that 634 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 2,042 cases, which include a wide variety of misdemeanor and serious felony charges, the Commonwealth requested cash bail. 

In calendary year 2023, 418 cases were arraigned in the Juvenile Courts of Middlesex County. Of those cases, 77 were disposed at arraignment so bail was not an issue. 

Of the remaining 341 juvenile cases, the Commonwealth fif not request bail in 309 or 90.62% of the cases. Cash bail was requested in 18 cases, including serious felonies such as home invasion or sexual assault. In the remaining 14 cases juveniles were held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing.