👨‍⚖️ Criminal Jurisdiction in Mass. District and Superior Courts

Criminal proceedings in Massachusetts take place in either Superior Court or District Court. 

(For criminal matters involving minors, persons under the age of 18, cases are heard in Juvenile Court.)[1]

The statutory law gives Massachusetts Superior Courts “original jurisdiction of all crimes” that occur within their respective county.[2]  (Emphasis added.)

The jurisdiction of District Court, however, is more limited.  First, the alleged crime must take place within the particular court’s district.  Second, the charges against the defendant must involve one or more of the crimes listed in M.G.L. c. 218, §26. 

These crimes include:

• Violations of town and city regulations (e.g., bylaws, ordinances, etc.);
• All misdemeanors, except libel;
• All felonies punishable by imprisonment up to five years;
• Operation a boat/vessel on state waters while under influence of drugs or alcohol;[3]
• Drunk driving;[4]
• Vehicular homicide;[5]
• Serious bodily injury by motor vehicle while under influence of intoxicating substance;[6]
• Manufacturing and/or distributing “Class A” drugs;[7]
• Manufacturing and/or distributing “Class B” drugs;[8]
• Controlled substances violations in, on or near school property or public parks or playgrounds;[9]
• Unlawful gun purchases and sales;[10]
• Crimes against the person:
  • Assault and battery on an elderly or disabled person;[11]
  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon;[12]
  • Strangulation;[13]
  • Stealing by confining or putting in fear;[14]
  • Kidnapping;[15]
  • Indecent assault and battery on a child under 14;
  • Witness or juror intimidation;[16]
• Crimes against property:
  • Breaking and entering or unlawful entry in varies forms (e.g., during the night, day, etc.);[17]
  • Auto theft;[18]
  • Larceny;[19]
  • Possession/use of burglarious tools;[20]
  • Malicious destruction of property;[21]
• Child abandonment or failure to comply with child support orders;[22]

It’s important to know that the legislature frequently revises the list of violations over which District Court has jurisdiction.  Therefore, if you intend challenge District Court’s jurisdiction over your case, you should first read the latest revision of M.G.L. c. 218, § 26.

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[1] See 2013 Mass. Acts c. 84, An Act Expanding Juvenile Jurisdiction.

[2] M.G.L. c. 212, § 6.

[3] M.G.L. c. 90B, § 8(a)(1).

[4] M.G.L. c. 90, § 24(1)(a)(1).

[5] M.G.L. c. 90, § 24G(a).

[6] M.G.L. c. 90, § 24L(1).

[7] M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32(a).  For a list of “Class A” substances, see M.G.L. c. 94C, § 31.

[8] M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32A(a).  For a list of “Class B” substances, see M.G.L. c. 94C, § 31.

[9] M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32J.

[10] M.G.L. c. 140, § 131E.

[11] M.G.L. c. 265, § 13K.

[12] M.G.L. c. 265, § 15A.

[13] M.G.L. c. 265, § 15D.

[14]

[15] M.G.L. c. 265, § 26.

[16] M.G.L. c. 268, § 13B.

[17] M.G.L. c. 266, § 16, 17, and 18.

[18] M.G.L. c. 266, § 28.

[19] M.G.L. c. 266, § 30.

[20] M.G.L. c. 266, § 49.

[21] M.G.L. c. 266, § 127.

[22] M.G.L. c. 273, § 1, 15, and 15A.