Maryland Arrest Records

Is Maryland an Open Arrest Records State?

Maryland is classified as an open arrest records state pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), codified in General Provisions Article §§ 4-101 through 4-601. This designation means that arrest records are considered public records and are generally accessible to members of the public. The state maintains this policy to uphold principles of transparency and governmental accountability, enabling citizens to obtain information about arrests as a means to maintain public safety and ensure justice.

The Maryland Public Information Act establishes that all persons are entitled to have access to information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees. Under this statutory framework, law enforcement agencies are required to disclose arrest records unless a specific exemption applies. These exemptions are narrowly construed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain privacy interests as outlined in § 4-301 through § 4-355.

The availability of arrest records supports the public's right to information about criminal activities and law enforcement actions within their communities. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including:

Enabling community awareness of public safety concerns
Facilitating oversight of law enforcement activities
Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
Allowing background checks for employment and housing purposes

How to Look Up Maryland Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Maryland arrest records, individuals have several options available as of 2025. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system provides the most convenient online method for accessing public court records, including information about arrests that have resulted in charges. However, multiple official channels exist for obtaining comprehensive arrest information:

In-person requests at local law enforcement agencies: Individuals may visit police departments or sheriff's offices during regular business hours to request arrest records. Proper identification is required.
Maryland State Police Central Records Division
1711 Belmont Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone: (410) 281-2700
Central Records Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Maryland Judiciary Access to Court Records
Administrative Office of the Courts
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-1488
Access to Court Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written requests by mail: Pursuant to General Provisions Article § 4-202, individuals may submit written requests to the custodian of records at the appropriate agency, specifying the records sought with reasonable particularity.
Public access terminals at courthouses: These terminals are available during regular court hours and provide access to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search database.

Each method requires specific information from the requester, such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for search and duplication services as permitted under § 4-206.

Contents of a Maryland Arrest Record

A Maryland arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article § 10-201 et seq. and generally include:

Biographical information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, address, physical description, and demographic details
Arrest details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
Offense information: Nature and statutory citation of alleged criminal violations
Arresting agency: Name of the law enforcement agency and identification of arresting officers
Booking information: Processing details, including date and time of booking
Identification data: Fingerprints, mugshot photographs, and unique identification numbers
Custody status: Information regarding detention, release on recognizance, or bail determination
Case disposition: If available, information about the resolution of charges

These components are essential for the identification and processing of individuals within the criminal justice system and are maintained in accordance with the Criminal Justice Information System regulations under Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 12.15.01.

Understanding the Maryland Public Information Act

The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), codified in General Provisions Article §§ 4-101 through 4-601, governs the accessibility of public records, including arrest records. This comprehensive legislation establishes the fundamental right of Maryland residents to inspect records maintained by state and local government agencies, with certain statutory exceptions.

Key provisions of the PIA relevant to arrest records include:

General right of access: § 4-201 establishes that all persons are entitled to have access to information about governmental affairs.
Request procedures: § 4-202 outlines the process for submitting requests to custodians of records.
Response timelines: § 4-203 requires agencies to respond to requests within 30 days, with possible extensions under specific circumstances.
Fee structure: § 4-206 permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search and reproduction of records.
Exemptions: §§ 4-301 through 4-355 detail specific categories of information that may be withheld, including certain investigative records (§ 4-351) and information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy (§ 4-331).

The Maryland Public Information Act Compliance Board, established under § 4-1A-02, provides oversight and resolves disputes regarding fees exceeding $350. The Office of the Public Access Ombudsman, created under § 4-1B-02, mediates disputes between requestors and custodians.

Maryland Public Information Act Compliance Board
Office of the Attorney General
200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 576-6560
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Expungement of Arrest Records in Maryland

In Maryland, the expungement of arrest records is governed by Criminal Procedure Article § 10-101 through § 10-110. This process allows for the removal of records from public access under specific statutory conditions, thereby supporting rehabilitation and reducing collateral consequences of criminal justice involvement.

Eligibility criteria and procedures for expungement include:

Disposition-based eligibility: Expungement may be available for arrests resulting in acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi, stet, probation before judgment, or certain convictions specifically enumerated in § 10-110.
Waiting periods: Statutory waiting periods vary based on disposition:
- Acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi: 3 years from disposition date
- Probation before judgment: 3 years after probation completion
- Eligible convictions: 10-15 years depending on offense category
Petition process: Pursuant to § 10-105, individuals must file a petition for expungement with the court where the case was disposed. The petition must include all required information specified in Maryland Rules 4-504.
Agency review: The State's Attorney and arresting agency have 30 days to object to the petition as outlined in § 10-105(e).
Court determination: If no objection is filed, the court may grant expungement without a hearing. If objections are raised, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether expungement is appropriate.

Maryland Judiciary
Access to Justice Department
187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 260-1258
Court Records and Expungement
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Successful expungement results in the removal of records from public databases and physical repositories. However, certain agencies may retain expunged records for limited purposes under § 10-108, such as law enforcement hiring decisions.

How to Find Local Arrests in Maryland?

Local arrests in Maryland can be located through several official channels and resources. Members of the public seeking information about recent arrests within specific jurisdictions may utilize the following methods:

County Sheriff's Offices and Municipal Police Departments: These agencies maintain records of arrests within their jurisdictions and often provide public access terminals or information desks for record requests.

Baltimore County Police Department
700 E. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286
Phone: (410) 887-2214
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Montgomery County Police Department
Records Division
100 Edison Park Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Phone: (240) 773-5330
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This online database, accessible at mdcourts.gov, provides information about court cases, including criminal charges resulting from arrests. The system is updated regularly and searchable by name.
Local Detention Centers: County detention facilities maintain booking logs that are generally available for public inspection pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act.

Baltimore City Detention Center
401 E. Eager Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 209-4000
Hours: Administrative offices open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Public Court Terminals: Located in courthouse facilities throughout the state, these terminals provide access to case information, including arrests that have resulted in charges.
Local Government Open Data Portals: Several Maryland jurisdictions maintain open data initiatives that publish arrest statistics and information, such as Open Baltimore.

Individuals requesting arrest information should be prepared to provide specific identifying information to facilitate the search process. Pursuant to General Provisions Article § 4-206, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search and duplication services.

Search Arrest Records in Maryland

Counties

Allegany Anne Arundel Baltimore Baltimore City Caroline Carroll Cecil Dorchester Frederick Harford Howard Montgomery Queen Anne's Somerset Talbot Wicomico Worcester