Elkton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Elkton, Maryland?
Arrest records are public documents in Elkton, Maryland, accessible to all citizens under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified in General Provisions Article §§ 4-101 through 4-601. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest documentation, should be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The MPIA serves as Maryland's equivalent to the federal Freedom of Information Act, ensuring governmental transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings.
The Cecil County Sheriff's Office and Elkton Police Department maintain these records as custodians of public information. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile information, or other sensitive data as specified under MPIA exemptions in § 4-301 through § 4-355.
How to Look Up Elkton Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Elkton have multiple avenues available for accessing this information. The following methods represent the primary means of obtaining arrest documentation:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Elkton Police Department located at 100 Railroad Avenue, Elkton, MD 21921. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requesters should bring government-issued identification and be prepared to complete a records request form.
Cecil County Sheriff's Office: Records may be requested at 129 East Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921. The records division operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone inquiries can be directed to (410) 996-5500.
Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This online database provides information about court cases, including those resulting from arrests. The system is accessible 24 hours per day at the Maryland Judiciary website.
Written Requests: Pursuant to MPIA § 4-202, citizens may submit formal written requests to the Records Custodian, Elkton Police Department, 100 Railroad Avenue, Elkton, MD 21921. Requests must specify the information sought with reasonable particularity.
Cecil County Circuit Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed at 129 East Main Street, Elkton, MD 21921. The clerk's office operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (410) 996-5350.
Requesters should note that fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with MPIA § 4-206, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying and search time exceeding two hours.
Contents of an Elkton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Elkton law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual's processing through the criminal justice system. Standard components of these records include:
Demographic Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete enumeration of all charges filed, including the Maryland Annotated Code or Elkton Municipal Code citations for each alleged violation.
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification data, and unique identifiers assigned within the criminal justice information system.
Photographic Documentation: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process, typically including front and profile views.
Detention Information: Details regarding bail or bond amounts, pretrial release conditions, or continued detention status.
Court Information: Scheduled court appearances, case numbers, and assigned judicial officers.
Disposition Data: Final resolution of the case, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial outcomes, or diversion program participation.
Pursuant to Maryland law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and other personally identifiable data protected under state privacy statutes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Elkton
The expungement process in Elkton allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as provided in Maryland Criminal Procedure Article, Title 10, Subtitle 1. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements that vary based on case disposition:
Acquittals, Dismissals, and Nolle Prosequi: Pursuant to § 10-105, persons who were arrested but not convicted may petition for expungement after a waiting period, typically three years unless a General Waiver and Release is filed.
Probation Before Judgment (PBJ): Under § 10-105(c)(2), individuals who received PBJ may petition for expungement after completing all conditions and a three-year waiting period, provided no subsequent convictions have occurred.
Nuisance Crimes: Certain minor offenses, including possession of marijuana under 10 grams, may be eligible for expungement under specific timelines established in § 10-105.
Non-Violent Convictions: Following the Justice Reinvestment Act, certain non-violent convictions may be eligible for expungement after a 10-year waiting period from completion of the sentence, including probation.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court for Cecil County or the District Court of Maryland for Elkton, depending on which court handled the original case. The petition must be served on the State's Attorney's Office, which has 30 days to file an objection. If no objection is filed, or if the court rules in the petitioner's favor after a hearing, an Order for Expungement will be issued.
Petitioners should note that expungement is not automatic, and the filing fee is $30 per case, though fee waivers may be available for financial hardship. Successful expungement results in the removal of records from public databases and the sealing or destruction of physical records in accordance with court orders.
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