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Find Maryland Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Maryland?

Yes. Criminal records in Maryland are public records as per the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). Generally, the public has broad access to these records unless restricted by law. To obtain criminal records, requesters can visit local law enforcement offices, the state central repository, or use independent databases. Requesters must provide:

The subject’s full name
The subject’s last known location, including cities, counties, and states

Criminal records typically contain detailed information about the individual’s criminal history. Third-party websites also provide access to these records, though they are not government-sponsored. Availability may vary by geographic location.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Maryland?

A criminal record in Maryland is an official document detailing a person’s criminal history. Known as a rap sheet, this record is compiled by various criminal justice agencies, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and correctional facilities. It contains comprehensive information about the individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system.

What Information Is Included in Maryland Criminal Record?

Full name and birth date
Known residential address
Photograph or mugshot
Physical descriptors (height, weight, hair color, eye color, tattoos)
Details of past arrests and outstanding warrants
Fingerprints
Any pending charges or ongoing criminal trials
List and description of dispositions
Conviction status and incarceration history

How To Check Criminal Records in Maryland

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS) issues criminal record certificates. Requesters must follow MDPSCS procedures for background checks, including obtaining the subject’s written consent, social security number, full name, and birth date. Fingerprinting is required and must be done at an authorized service.

Requesters can submit the fingerprint card, completed request form, and payment to the MDPSCS. The cost for processing these requests varies, and forms can be found on the MDPSCS website. Criminal court records can also be obtained from the clerk of courts where the trial occurred.

Are Arrest Records Public in Maryland?

Yes. Arrest records in Maryland are public records. These records are maintained by the state police department at the state level and by county sheriffs or police chiefs at the local level. Requesters can perform an arrest search at both state and county levels.

Obtaining arrest records may involve a fee, which varies by agency. Free arrest records can be obtained, but typically require the payment of certification or copy fees.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Maryland?

A Maryland arrest warrant is an official document authorizing law enforcement to apprehend a person. Issued by a judge or magistrate, the warrant includes:

The subject's suspected criminal offense
The issuer's name and issue date
Expiration date (if applicable)
Location and time of the possible arrest
Bail/bond requirements (if applicable)

Law enforcement can also arrest someone without a warrant if the crime is committed in their presence.

How To Lookup Mugshots in Maryland

Mugshots are photographs taken during the booking process after an arrest. They are public records under the Maryland Public Information Act and can be accessed through local or state police agencies. Some agencies maintain online databases where mugshots can be searched.

How To Search Inmate Records in Maryland

Inmate records are publicly available and maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS). These records can be accessed through the MDPSCS database, providing information such as the inmate’s name, incarceration date, expected release date, and convicted offense.

How To Find Maryland Criminal History Record for Free

Criminal history records in Maryland detail an individual’s illegal activities and are publicly accessible. These records are stored in the Criminal Justice Information Repository and can be requested from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). To obtain these records for free, requesters may:

Submit a request form and fee (a minimum of $18.00, excluding fingerprinting costs)
Request a fee waiver from the DPSCS, especially if they can demonstrate financial hardship

Local courts and police departments also provide access to criminal justice information for free.

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Maryland?

Juvenile records in Maryland contain information on criminal activities committed by minors and are not publicly available. These records are maintained by the juvenile justice system and can only be accessed through specific legal processes. They remain unless expunged upon petition.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Maryland

Sex offender records in Maryland include information on individuals convicted of sex crimes. These records are publicly available and maintained in the Maryland Sex Offender Registry. Individuals can search the registry to find information on sex offenders.

Are Police Records Public Information in Maryland?

Yes, police records in Maryland are public records. These records include arrest logs, investigation reports, complaints, photographs, audio and video recordings, and crime statistics. Police records are stored by law enforcement agencies and can be accessed through the Maryland Public Information Act. However, certain records are restricted due to confidentiality, privacy, and security concerns.

Maryland Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Maryland are non-indictable offenses that are generally less severe than felonies. Maryland does not classify misdemeanors into separate classes; penalties are based on the statute governing the offense. Common misdemeanors include:

Stalking
Harassment
Second-degree assault
Reckless driving
Petty theft (property or service valued less than $1,000)
Driving under the influence

Maryland Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony offenses in Maryland are serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Maryland does not classify felonies into different classes. Common felonies include:

Robbery
Fraud
Drug possession with intent to distribute
Kidnapping
Distributing a controlled substance
Murder
Sexual assault
Armed robbery or larceny-theft over $1,000
Arson, burglary, and other property crimes
First-degree assault
Rape

Overview of Maryland DUI Laws

A DUI in Maryland is a serious traffic violation measured by the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). A BAC above 0.08 results in charges for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. The motor vehicle administration operates a points system where drivers accumulate points for each traffic infraction.

Penalties for DUI include license suspension or revocation, mandatory enrollment in a driver improvement program, and possible jail time under aggravated circumstances.

Are Maryland Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Maryland document when an individual receives probation as an alternative to prison. These records are maintained by the probation office and are publicly available. Probation allows individuals to serve their sentences out of custody under specific conditions imposed by the judge and probation officer.

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