Baltimore County, Maryland Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Baltimore County, Maryland?
Arrest records are considered public information in Baltimore County, Maryland, pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), Annotated Code of Maryland, General Provisions Article, § 4-101 et seq. This statute establishes the public's legal right to access records maintained by state and local government agencies, including those held by law enforcement entities. The MPIA operates under the presumption that government records should be accessible to citizens to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations.
The Baltimore County Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records document interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals suspected of criminal activity, creating a permanent record of the arrest event. While these records are generally available for public inspection, certain exemptions exist under § 4-301 through § 4-355 of the MPIA that protect sensitive information, ongoing investigations, and individual privacy rights.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with statutory exemptions. These protections typically apply to juvenile records, information that would compromise an active investigation, or details that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined by Maryland law.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Baltimore County?
Baltimore County arrest records are partially available through online platforms, though comprehensive access requires utilizing multiple resources. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search serves as the primary online database for accessing court case information, including records related to arrests that have proceeded to court processing. This database is maintained by the Maryland Judiciary and provides real-time updates on case status, hearing dates, and disposition information.
The Baltimore County Police Department maintains limited online resources for accessing certain arrest information through their official website. However, these online records typically do not include complete arrest documentation, booking photos, or detailed arrest reports. The department's online resources primarily focus on current incidents and public safety announcements rather than comprehensive arrest record access.
Third-party websites may aggregate and publish arrest information from Baltimore County, but users should exercise caution when utilizing these resources. Such sites may contain outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate information, as they are not official government repositories and may not adhere to the same standards for data accuracy and privacy protection as government agencies.
Baltimore County Police Department
700 E. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286
410-887-2214
Official Website
How to Look Up Baltimore County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking Baltimore County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Baltimore County Police Department serves as the primary custodian of arrest records and provides multiple methods for record retrieval:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Records Management Section located at police headquarters. Requestors must present valid government-issued identification and complete the department's Request for Report form. The Records Management Section operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Management Section with appropriate identification documentation and the required processing fee. Current fees are $15 per report for non-certified copies and $25 for certified copies, payable by check or money order to "Baltimore County, Maryland."
Electronic requests can be submitted through the department's online portal, which requires creation of a user account and electronic payment capabilities. Processing times for electronic requests typically range from 7-10 business days.
For court-related arrest documentation, the Circuit Court for Baltimore County maintains records of all cases processed through the judicial system. The Clerk's Office provides public access terminals for searching case information and requesting copies of court documents related to arrests.
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Official Website
Pursuant to Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-912, certain arrest records may be subject to restricted access. Requestors should be prepared to demonstrate legal entitlement to records that fall under these restrictions.
Contents of a Baltimore County Arrest Record
Baltimore County arrest records contain standardized documentation of the arrest event and subsequent processing of the arrested individual. These records are created and maintained in accordance with Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article, § 10-214, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks), race, gender, and last known address
Arrest details documenting the date, time, and precise location of the arrest, including GPS coordinates when available
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, with reference to the specific Maryland criminal code sections allegedly violated
Arresting officer information, including name, badge number, and assigned unit within the Baltimore County Police Department
Booking documentation, including fingerprint records, booking photographs (mugshots), and property inventory lists
Detention information, including the facility where the individual was held and the duration of detention
Bail or bond determination, including the amount set and conditions of release if applicable
Preliminary hearing dates and outcomes, if the case proceeded to court
Case disposition information, when available, indicating whether charges were pursued, dismissed, or resulted in conviction
The Maryland State Archives maintains historical arrest records for Baltimore County that may be accessed for research purposes or background investigations that require historical documentation.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Baltimore County
The expungement process in Baltimore County provides a legal mechanism for removing eligible arrest records from public access. Maryland Criminal Procedure Article, § 10-101 through § 10-110 establishes the statutory framework governing expungement eligibility and procedures. Individuals may qualify for expungement under several circumstances:
Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi may be eligible for immediate expungement, unless the state files an objection within 30 days of the disposition
Probation before judgment dispositions may qualify for expungement after successful completion of probation and a waiting period of three years, provided no subsequent criminal convictions have occurred
Certain misdemeanor convictions enumerated in § 10-110 may qualify for expungement after waiting periods ranging from 3-15 years, depending on the offense category
Nuisance crimes specified in § 10-105 may qualify under accelerated expungement timelines
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expungement (Form CC-DC-CR-072) with the court that handled the case. The current filing fee is $30 per case, which may be waived upon demonstration of financial hardship. The petition must be served on the State's Attorney's Office, which has 30 days to file an objection.
Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 511
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-6600
Official Website
Upon court approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an Order for Expungement to all agencies possessing records related to the arrest. These agencies must comply within 60 days and file a Certificate of Compliance with the court. Once expunged, records are removed from public access and the individual may legally respond to questions about the arrest as if it never occurred, with limited exceptions for certain licensing and employment scenarios.
Search Arrest Records in Baltimore County
