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Maryland Arrest Records Online >Dorchester County Arrest Records Online

Dorchester County, Maryland Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Dorchester County, Maryland?

Arrest records in Dorchester County, Maryland are public documents accessible to the general public pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under §§ 4-101 through 4-601 of the General Provisions Article. The MPIA establishes the legal framework ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations by granting citizens the right to access records maintained by state and local government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The statute presumes that government records are open to inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile records as specified under § 4-301 of the MPIA. Additionally, records pertaining to active criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld in accordance with § 4-351, which permits custodians to deny inspection if disclosure would prejudice an investigation or endanger an individual.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dorchester County?

Dorchester County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by Maryland state and county agencies. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search serves as the primary online database for accessing court case information, including records related to arrests processed through the Dorchester County court system. This resource is maintained by the Maryland Judiciary and provides real-time access to case records filed in District and Circuit Courts throughout Maryland.

The online availability of arrest records is governed by Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-912, which establish policies regarding electronic access to court records. These rules balance the public's right to information with privacy considerations and security concerns. Users should note that pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-905, certain case types and information categories may have restricted access online even when the physical records are available for in-person inspection.

Online record searches may require specific identifying information such as the individual's full name, date of birth, or case number to ensure accurate results. The Circuit Court for Dorchester County maintains additional electronic resources for public record searches related to cases processed through their jurisdiction.

How to Look Up Dorchester County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Dorchester County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

  • Visit the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest records. The office is located at:

Dorchester County Sheriff's Office
829 Fieldcrest Road
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-4141
Official Website

  • Access the Circuit Court for Dorchester County to review arrest records associated with court cases. The Criminal Department maintains records that are open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at:

Circuit Court for Dorchester County
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-0481
Official Website

  • Utilize the Maryland Judiciary Case Search online database to search for arrest-related court records. This system provides 24-hour access to case information from all Maryland counties, including Dorchester.

  • Submit a Public Information Act request to the arresting agency. Pursuant to § 4-203 of the General Provisions Article, agencies must respond to requests within 30 calendar days. Requests should be as specific as possible, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information.

  • Contact the District Court of Maryland for Dorchester County for records related to misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings at:

District Court of Maryland for Dorchester County
310 Gay Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-1395
Official Website

Contents of a Dorchester County Arrest Record

Dorchester County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard components of these records include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Agency responsible for the arrest (e.g., Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, Cambridge Police Department)
  • Statutory citations and descriptions of all criminal charges filed
  • Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots)
  • Fingerprint records collected during the booking process
  • Case number assigned by the arresting agency
  • Custody status information, including bail or bond amounts if applicable
  • Court docket number for associated court proceedings
  • Preliminary hearing date and location

The Dorchester County Circuit Court Records Division maintains official court records related to arrests that result in criminal proceedings. These records are subject to the provisions of Maryland Rule 16-903, which governs the categories of court records and their accessibility to the public.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Dorchester County

The expungement process in Dorchester County allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as provided by Maryland Criminal Procedure Article §§ 10-101 through 10-110. Eligibility for expungement typically depends on several factors:

  • The disposition of the case (e.g., acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi, probation before judgment)
  • The classification and severity of the offense
  • The elapsed time since case disposition or completion of sentence
  • The petitioner's subsequent criminal history

To initiate an expungement in Dorchester County, eligible individuals must:

  1. Complete and file a Petition for Expungement of Records (Form CC-DC-CR-072A for cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi; or Form CC-DC-CR-072B for cases resulting in probation before judgment or guilty verdicts)
  2. Submit the petition to the clerk of the court where the case was disposed
  3. Pay the required filing fee (currently $30 per case, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals)
  4. Serve a copy of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office

The Court Form Search portal provides access to all required expungement forms and instructions. After filing, the State's Attorney has 30 days to file an objection. If no objection is filed, or if the court overrules an objection after a hearing, the court will issue an Order for Expungement directing all relevant agencies to remove the records from public access.

Pursuant to § 10-109 of the Criminal Procedure Article, agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days and file a Certificate of Compliance with the court. Once expunged, the arrest record is removed from public databases and the individual may legally respond to questions about the arrest as if it never occurred, with certain exceptions for specific employment categories.

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