Westminster Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Westminster, Maryland?
Arrest records are public documents in Westminster, Maryland, pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under General Provisions Article § 4-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's legal right to inspect and obtain copies of government records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities. The MPIA operates under the presumption that government records should be accessible to citizens to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in governmental operations.
The Westminster Police Department and Carroll County Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records become public documents upon creation, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are legally accessible, specific procedures must be followed to obtain them.
How to Look Up Westminster Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Westminster, Maryland. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Westminster Police Department located at 36 Locust Street, Westminster, MD 21157. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and can be reached at 410-848-4646.
The Carroll County Sheriff's Office maintains county-wide arrest records and accepts requests at 100 North Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Their office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with telephone inquiries directed to 410-386-2900.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to either agency with a completed Public Information Act request form. Pursuant to MPIA regulations, agencies must respond to requests within 30 calendar days.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services provides statewide criminal history information through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) at 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102, Baltimore, MD 21215. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with telephone service at 410-764-4501.
Public access terminals are available at the Carroll County District Court located at 101 North Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157. These terminals operate during regular court hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record searches and document reproduction in accordance with § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article. Standard fees include $0.25 per page for photocopies and $25 per hour for search and preparation time exceeding two hours.
Contents of a Westminster Arrest Record
Westminster arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Maryland law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest
Arrest details, including date, time, and precise location where the apprehension occurred
Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to the applicable Maryland criminal code sections allegedly violated
Case number and booking identification assigned by the arresting agency
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest
Booking photograph (commonly known as a "mugshot") taken during processing
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Detention information, including the facility where the individual was held and bail or bond amounts if applicable
Preliminary court information, including scheduled appearance dates and assigned court location
Prior criminal history references, if applicable and relevant to the current charges
The Carroll County Government maintains these records in both physical and digital formats, with retention schedules determined by Maryland Records Management protocols.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Westminster
The expungement process in Westminster allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as provided in Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 10-101 through § 10-110. Individuals may petition for expungement when:
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed
- All charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The case concluded with a nolle prosequi disposition
- The case was placed on the stet docket and the required waiting period has elapsed
- The individual received probation before judgment and has completed all terms
- The individual received a pardon from the Governor of Maryland
- The conviction is for an offense that has become eligible for expungement under recent legislative changes
The expungement procedure requires filing a Petition for Expungement (Form CC-DC-CR-072) with the court that handled the case. This form must be submitted to the District Court of Maryland for Carroll County at 101 North Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157. The filing fee is $30 per case, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial hardship.
Upon receipt of a petition, the court forwards the request to the State's Attorney's Office and relevant law enforcement agencies. These entities have 30 days to file an objection. If no objection is filed, the court may grant the expungement without a hearing. If an objection is filed, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner may present their case.
When expungement is granted, all public records pertaining to the arrest, including court records, police reports, and booking photographs, are removed from public access and either physically destroyed or sealed. Law enforcement agencies are required to comply with expungement orders within 60 days and must provide certification of compliance to the court.
Individuals should note that expunged records may still be accessible to certain government agencies under limited circumstances as specified in § 10-108 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
Search Arrest Records in Westminster
