Maryland Arrest Records

Maryland Public Records /Maryland Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Maryland?

Yes, arrest records in Maryland are generally considered public under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), General Provisions § 4-101 et seq.. This law grants the public the right to inspect many government records, including those created and maintained by law enforcement agencies. In practice, basic arrest information—such as the name of the person arrested, the charges, the date and place of arrest, and the arresting agency—is typically available to the public. County detention centers and local police departments often provide online inmate lookups or arrest logs for recent arrests.

However, not all details of an arrest record are open to the public. Records that involve juveniles, sealed or expunged cases, or those connected to ongoing investigations are exempt from disclosure. Additionally, while the public may access arrest information, comprehensive criminal history records are restricted and maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). Access to CJIS background checks is limited and generally requires authorization, fingerprints, and fees. This balance ensures that Maryland provides transparency while safeguarding sensitive information and individual privacy.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Maryland?

Access to arrest records in Maryland is primarily governed by the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified in the General Provisions Article §§ 4-101 through 4-601 of the Maryland Code. This law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records, while also defining exceptions and limitations to protect privacy and other important interests.

The MPIA operates under the presumption that people have a right to access government records, including arrest records. However, the law also recognizes numerous exceptions where records may be withheld or redacted. For arrest records specifically, several key legal provisions apply:

Criminal Procedure Article § 10-201 to 10-239: These sections govern the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information.
Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 12.15.01: These regulations implement the Criminal Procedure Article provisions regarding criminal history record information.
Criminal Procedure Article § 10-301 to 10-306: These sections address the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances.

Additionally, access to and use of arrest records is affected by:

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): This federal law limits how consumer reporting agencies can report arrest records for employment purposes.
Maryland Criminal Justice Information System Law: This establishes the framework for the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information.
Maryland Second Chance Act: This law allows for the shielding of certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period.

These laws collectively create a comprehensive legal framework that balances the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the state's interest in effective law enforcement.

What Information Is Included in a Maryland Arrest Record?

A typical Maryland arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records serve as official documentation of an arrest and typically include the following details:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address at time of arrest
- Identifying numbers (driver's license, state ID)
- Fingerprints and, in some cases, photographs (mugshots)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking information
- Circumstances leading to the arrest
- Incident report number
Case Processing Information:
- Court case number (if applicable)
- Bail or bond information
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition of charges (if resolved)
- Sentencing information (if convicted)
Criminal History Context:
- Prior arrests and convictions (may be referenced)
- Probation or parole status at time of arrest (if applicable)

Arrest records document the fact that an arrest occurred but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Many arrests do not lead to convictions, and the presumption of innocence applies until a person is proven guilty in a court of law.

The level of detail in arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency, the nature of the offense, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) typically contain more comprehensive information than what might be available through public-facing systems like the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Maryland in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Maryland involves several potential methods, depending on your relationship to the case and the specific information you need. As of 2025, the following procedures are available:

1. Request Records from the Arresting Agency

Contact the police department or sheriff's office that made the arrest directly. Most agencies require:

A completed request form
Valid photo identification
Payment of applicable fees
Specific information about the arrest (date, name, case number if available)

2. Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Records Check

For official criminal history information:

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - CJIS Central Repository
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-4501
Maryland CJIS Division

CJIS offers several options for obtaining records:

In-person requests: Visit the CJIS Central Repository during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
Mail requests: Submit fingerprint cards and required forms by mail
Authorized fingerprinting locations: Various locations throughout Maryland can take fingerprints and submit requests

3. Maryland Judiciary Records

For court records related to arrests:

Maryland Judiciary
Administrative Office of the Courts
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-1488
Maryland Judiciary

Court records can be accessed through:

In-person visits to the courthouse where the case was processed
Written requests to the clerk of the appropriate court
Online searches through Maryland Judiciary Case Search (for basic case information)

4. State Archives

For historical records:

Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-6400
Maryland State Archives

Required for all requests:

Specific information about the record sought
Proper identification
Payment of applicable fees
Completed request forms (varies by agency)

Processing times vary by method and agency, ranging from immediate access for online searches to several weeks for comprehensive background checks requiring fingerprint verification.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Maryland

Maryland offers several online resources for accessing arrest-related information, though complete arrest records typically require formal requests. Here are the primary online methods for finding arrest information in Maryland:

1. Maryland Judiciary Case Search

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides public access to court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. This searchable database includes:

Case information for District Court, Circuit Court, and appellate court cases
Defendant name, case number, and filing date
Charge information and case status
Court dates and hearing outcomes
Case disposition

The system is updated regularly but does not include complete arrest records or cases that have been expunged or shielded.

2. Local Law Enforcement Websites

Many Maryland police departments and sheriff's offices maintain online databases or daily arrest logs:

Baltimore Police Department provides arrest logs and incident reports
Montgomery County Police Department offers crime data and some arrest information

These resources typically provide limited information and recent arrests only.

3. Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

The DPSCS Inmate Locator allows searches for individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision in Maryland's correctional system. This can confirm if an arrest resulted in incarceration.

4. Maryland Sex Offender Registry

The Maryland Sex Offender Registry provides information about registered sex offenders, including arrest and conviction details for qualifying offenses.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Maryland?

Access to arrest records in Maryland varies based on the requester's identity and purpose. The Maryland Public Information Act establishes different levels of access for different categories of requesters:

General Public Access

Members of the general public can access:

Basic arrest information (name, charges, date of arrest)
Court records related to arrests through Maryland Judiciary Case Search
Conviction information
Case dispositions

However, access may be limited for:

Records related to ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (with rare exceptions)
Expunged or shielded records
Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy

Subject of the Record

Individuals have enhanced access to their own records:

Complete criminal history information through fingerprint-based background checks
All non-expunged arrest records pertaining to themselves
Right to challenge inaccurate information

Criminal Justice Agencies

Law enforcement and criminal justice agencies have the broadest access:

Complete criminal history information including expunged records (in limited circumstances)
Juvenile records
Sealed records (with proper authorization)
Records of ongoing investigations

Employers and Licensing Agencies

Certain employers and licensing bodies have statutory authority to access more comprehensive records:

Those working with vulnerable populations (children, elderly, disabled)
Certain government positions requiring security clearances
Specific licensed professions as authorized by Maryland law

These entities must typically:

Obtain consent from the subject
Submit fingerprints for verification
Follow specific statutory procedures
Use the information only for authorized purposes

Researchers and Statistical Purposes

De-identified arrest data may be available for:

Academic research
Statistical analysis
Policy development
Public health studies

Access requires formal agreements regarding data protection and limitations on use.

News Media

Journalists have the same basic rights as the general public, but may receive expedited processing of requests when seeking information of public interest.

All requesters must follow proper procedures and may be required to:

Submit written requests
Provide identification
Pay applicable fees
Specify the records sought with reasonable particularity

The custodian of records has the authority to deny access when a statutory exemption applies, though such denials can be appealed through administrative and judicial processes.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland agencies typically charge fees for providing arrest records and criminal history information. These fees vary based on the type of record requested, the requesting agency, and the purpose of the request. As of 2025, the following fee structure applies:

Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Fees

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - CJIS Central Repository
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-4501
Maryland CJIS Division

Full Criminal History Record Check (fingerprint-based): $38.00
- Includes FBI processing fee of $18.00 and state processing fee of $20.00
Name-based Criminal Record Check: $18.00
- Limited to certain authorized purposes
Rap Back Service Enrollment: Additional $15.00
- For continuous monitoring of criminal activity

Local Law Enforcement Agency Fees

Fees vary by jurisdiction but typically include:

Incident/Arrest Reports: $5-20 per report
Certified Copies: Additional $2-5 per document
Research Fees: Some agencies charge $20-30 per hour for records requiring extensive search time

Court Record Fees

Maryland Judiciary
Administrative Office of the Courts
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-1488
Maryland Judiciary

Certified Court Records: $5.00 per document
Regular Copies: $0.50 per page
Case Search: Free online access through Maryland Judiciary Case Search

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers may be available under certain circumstances:

Indigence: Individuals who cannot afford fees may request a waiver by demonstrating financial hardship
Public Interest: Fees may be waived when the information request primarily benefits the general public
Government Agencies: Criminal justice agencies may be exempt from fees when requesting records for official purposes

Payment Methods

Most agencies accept:

Credit/debit cards
Money orders
Cashier's checks
Cash (in-person requests only)
Personal checks (some agencies)

All fees are subject to change, and additional fees may apply for expedited processing or special handling. It's advisable to contact the specific agency before submitting a request to confirm current fee schedules and acceptable payment methods.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Maryland

Maryland maintains arrest records for extensive periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the outcome of the case, and the agency maintaining the information. Understanding these retention periods is important for individuals concerned about their criminal history.

Standard Retention Periods

Arrest Records with No Charges Filed: Generally retained for 3 years from the date of arrest
Arrest Records with Charges Dismissed: Typically maintained for 3-5 years unless expunged
Misdemeanor Convictions: Usually kept for at least 10 years after completion of sentence
Felony Convictions: Maintained indefinitely in most cases
Serious Violent Offenses and Sex Crimes: Permanently retained

Agency-Specific Retention Policies

Different agencies maintain records according to their own schedules:

Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
- Maintains comprehensive criminal history records indefinitely unless expunged
- Updates records when new information becomes available
- Retains fingerprint records permanently
Local Law Enforcement Agencies
- Typically follow retention schedules of 3-7 years for arrest reports
- May maintain summary information longer than detailed reports
- Often archive rather than destroy older records
Maryland Judiciary
- Circuit Court records: Maintained permanently in electronic format
- District Court records: Kept for at least 12 years after case disposition
- Expunged records: Removed from public access but may be archived
Maryland State Archives
- Serves as the final repository for historically significant records
- May permanently preserve selected criminal justice records
- Maintains records according to approved retention schedules

Factors Affecting Retention

Several factors can influence how long arrest records are maintained:

Statutory Requirements: Specific laws may mandate minimum retention periods
Case Outcome: Convictions are typically kept longer than dismissals or acquittals
Offense Severity: More serious offenses have longer retention periods
Expungement Orders: Court-ordered expungements override standard retention schedules
Technological Changes: Digitization has extended practical retention periods

Even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, summary information may be maintained in databases for longer periods. Additionally, once information has been published or shared with third parties, those entities may retain copies beyond the original source's retention period.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Maryland Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released in Maryland, certain sensitive information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable individuals. The Maryland Public Information Act provides specific exemptions that allow or require custodians to withhold certain information from public disclosure.

Commonly Redacted Information

Personal Identifying Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical information
- Home addresses and phone numbers of victims or witnesses
- Dates of birth (may be partially redacted)
Sensitive Investigation Details:
- Confidential informant information
- Undercover officer identities
- Surveillance techniques and procedures
- Information that could jeopardize ongoing investigations
- Grand jury materials
Juvenile Information:
- Records pertaining to juvenile arrests (under 18)
- Information that would identify a juvenile suspect
- School records or juvenile court proceedings
Victim Information:
- Names and identifying details of sexual assault victims
- Information about child abuse victims
- Domestic violence victim information
- Details that could endanger a victim's safety
Medical and Psychological Information:
- Mental health evaluations
- Medical treatment received during or after arrest
- Substance abuse treatment information
- Information protected by HIPAA

Categorical Restrictions

Certain categories of records receive special protection:

Sealed Records: Court-ordered sealing removes records from public access
Expunged Records: Legally removed from agency files and treated as if they never existed
Shielded Records: Under the Second Chance Act, certain records are shielded from public view
Juvenile Records: Generally confidential with limited exceptions
Domestic Violence Records: May have enhanced privacy protections

Legal Basis for Redactions

Redactions are typically based on specific provisions in Maryland law:

General Provisions Article § 4-301 to 4-355: Defines specific exemptions from disclosure
Criminal Procedure Article § 10-219: Restricts dissemination of criminal history record information
Family Law Article § 5-707: Protects child abuse records
Health General Article § 4-302: Protects medical records

When requesting arrest records, you may receive documents with visible redactions (typically black boxes or white spaces) where sensitive information has been removed. The custodian of records is required to cite the specific legal authority for each redaction if requested.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Maryland

Maryland law provides several mechanisms for sealing, expunging, or shielding arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes can help individuals minimize the negative impact of past arrests on employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Expungement Process

Expungement physically removes records from public access. You may be eligible if:

You were arrested but not charged (waiting period: 3 years)
Your case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal (waiting period: 3 years, can be waived with general waiver)
Your case resulted in probation before judgment (waiting period: 3 years after probation completion)
You received a nolle prosequi (waiting period: 3 years)
Your case was placed on the stet docket (waiting period: 3 years)
You were convicted of a nuisance crime (waiting period varies)
You were convicted of certain misdemeanors eligible under Maryland law (waiting period: 10-15 years depending on offense)

To apply for expungement:

Complete the Petition for Expungement (Form CC-DC-CR-072A or CC-DC-CR-072B)
File the petition with the court where your case was handled
Pay the filing fee (currently $30 per case, may be waived for financial hardship)
Serve a copy on the State's Attorney's office
Attend any scheduled hearing if the State's Attorney objects

Maryland Judiciary
Administrative Office of the Courts
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-1488
Maryland Judiciary Expungement Information

Shielding Under the Second Chance Act

Shielding keeps records in existence but removes them from public view. You may be eligible if:

You were convicted of one of the 12 specified shieldable misdemeanors
You have satisfied a 3-year waiting period since completion of your sentence
You have no pending criminal proceedings
You have no subsequent convictions other than minor traffic violations

To apply for shielding:

Complete the Petition for Shielding (Form CC-DC-CR-148)
File with the court where your case was handled
Serve a copy on the State's Attorney's office
Attend any scheduled hearing if objections are filed

Partial Expungement

As of 2021, Maryland allows for partial expungement of charges in certain cases where some charges are eligible for expungement while others are not.

Automatic Expungement

Maryland has implemented automatic expungement for certain dispositions, including:

Not guilty verdicts
Dismissals
Nolle prosequi dispositions (except for certain charges)

These are automatically expunged after a 3-year waiting period without requiring a petition.

Legal Assistance

The expungement and shielding processes can be complex. Free or low-cost legal assistance is available through:

Maryland Legal Aid
500 East Lexington Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 951-7777
Maryland Legal Aid

Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
201 North Charles Street, Suite 1400
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 547-6537
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

After successful expungement or shielding, you should verify that all agencies have complied with the court order by requesting your criminal history from CJIS to ensure the records have been properly removed or shielded.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Maryland?

Maryland law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts. These limitations are designed to balance public safety concerns with the rights of individuals who have been arrested but not necessarily convicted of crimes.

Employment Limitations

Under Maryland law, employers face several restrictions:

Criminal Procedure Article § 10-109: Employers may not require applicants to disclose expunged records
State Government Article § 10-1302 (Ban the Box): State employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial application forms
Local Ban the Box Laws: Several jurisdictions, including Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County, have enacted broader restrictions on when private employers can inquire about criminal history

Additionally, the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits employers from:

Using arrest records without convictions as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions
Considering expunged or shielded records in employment decisions
Making employment decisions based on criminal records without considering:
- The nature of the offense
- The relationship between the offense and the job
- The time elapsed since the offense
- The age of the person at the time of the offense

Housing Limitations

Housing providers in Maryland face similar restrictions:

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines on the consideration of arrest records
Landlords cannot consider expunged or shielded records
Some local jurisdictions have "fair chance housing" ordinances limiting when and how criminal history can be considered

Licensing and Professional Certification

State licensing boards:

Must have a "direct relationship" between the criminal conduct and the specific occupation
Cannot deny licenses based solely on arrest records without convictions
Must consider evidence of rehabilitation
Cannot consider expunged records

Credit and Background Reporting

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and Maryland law restrict how consumer reporting agencies report arrest information:

Arrest records that did not result in conviction generally cannot be reported after seven years
Reporting agencies must maintain procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy
Agencies must notify individuals when providing reports that include criminal history
Expunged and shielded records cannot be reported

Educational Institutions

Maryland educational institutions face limitations on considering criminal history in admissions:

The Maryland Fair Access to Education Act of 2017 prohibits colleges from using criminal history questions on initial applications
Institutions must develop policies for the appropriate use of criminal history in admissions decisions

Penalties for Misuse

Improper use or disclosure of criminal history information can result in:

Civil liability
Administrative penalties
Criminal charges in cases of willful violation
Loss of access to criminal history databases

These limitations reflect Maryland's policy of promoting rehabilitation and reintegration while still allowing appropriate consideration of criminal history for public safety purposes.

Lookup Arrest Records in Maryland

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) - Central Repository
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-4501
Maryland CJIS Division

State Department of Public Safety

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
300 E. Joppa Road, Suite 1000
Towson, MD 21286
Phone: (410) 339-5000
Maryland DPSCS

State Police

Maryland State Police - Criminal Records Division
1711 Belmont Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone: (410) 281-2700
Maryland State Police

State Department of Corrections

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction
300 E. Joppa Road, Suite 1000
Towson, MD 21286
Phone: (410) 339-5000
Maryland Division of Correction

State Court System

Maryland Judiciary
Administrative Office of the Courts
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-1488
Maryland Judiciary

Maryland District Court Headquarters
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-1225
Maryland District Court

Attorney General's Office

Maryland Office of the Attorney General
200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 576-6300
Maryland Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Baltimore County Sheriff's Office
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-3151
Baltimore County Sheriff
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
50 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (240) 777-7000
Montgomery County Sheriff
Prince George's County Sheriff's Office
5303 Chrysler Way
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: (301) 780-8600
Prince George's County Sheriff
Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office
8A Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 222-1571
Anne Arundel County Sheriff
Howard County Sheriff's Office
8360 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2150
Howard County Sheriff
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
110 Airport Drive East
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: (301) 600-1046
Frederick County Sheriff
Harford County Sheriff's Office
45 South Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: (410) 838-6600
Harford County Sheriff
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
100 North Court Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone: (410) 386-2900
Carroll County Sheriff
Washington County Sheriff's Office
500 Western Maryland Parkway
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2100
Washington County Sheriff
Charles County Sheriff's Office
6915 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
Phone: (301) 932-2222
Charles County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Baltimore Police Department
601 E. Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 396-2525
Baltimore Police Department
Montgomery County Police Department
100 Edison Park Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: (301) 279-8000
Montgomery County Police
Prince George's County Police Department
7600 Barlowe Road
Palmer Park, MD 20785
Phone: (301) 352-1200
Prince George's County Police
Anne Arundel County Police Department
8495 Veterans Highway
Millersville, MD 21108
Phone: (410) 222-8050
Anne Arundel County Police
Howard County Police Department
3410 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2200
Howard County Police

State Archives

Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-6400
Maryland State Archives