Yes, arrest records are public in Baltimore, Maryland. This accessibility is in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act, which stipulates that government records, including arrest records, should be available to the public. This transparency serves the public interest, allowing citizens to stay informed about law enforcement actions and to maintain a system of checks and balances.
To get Baltimore arrest records, individuals have several options available as of 2024. While online access provides a convenient method to obtain these records, there are other avenues as well:
A Baltimore arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Baltimore, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged under certain conditions. Expungement is the legal process of removing an arrest or charge from a person's criminal record. To qualify for expungement, the individual must meet specific criteria such as a certain period without additional offenses, charges that were dropped or dismissed, or a successful completion of a probation program. The request for expungement must be filed with the court, and the process involves a formal petition and potentially a court hearing. Once approved, the arrest record is removed from public view and the individual can legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.