>Frederick County Arrest Records Online

Frederick County, Maryland Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Frederick County, Maryland?

Arrest records are public in Frederick County, Maryland, pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under §§ 4-101 through 4-601 of the General Provisions Article. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records maintained by state and local agencies, including those pertaining to arrests. The MPIA operates under the presumption that citizens have a right to information about government operations, which includes law enforcement activities, unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Frederick County Sheriff's Office and the Frederick Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records become part of the public record upon completion of the booking process, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with § 4-301 of the MPIA.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain limitations exist regarding juvenile records, sealed cases, and matters under active investigation. Additionally, records related to domestic violence or sexual offenses may have restricted access pursuant to Maryland law to protect victim privacy.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Frederick County?

Frederick County arrest records are available online through several official platforms maintained by Maryland state and county agencies. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search serves as the primary electronic database where members of the public may access court case information, including records related to arrests that have resulted in formal charges. This resource is maintained pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-901, which governs public access to judicial records.

The online availability of arrest information is subject to certain limitations established by Maryland Rules 16-903 and 16-904, which restrict access to specific categories of cases and information. These restrictions may apply to records that have been sealed, expunged, or shielded under applicable Maryland law.

Users of online systems should be aware that the information available electronically may not represent complete arrest records. Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-905, certain information may be excluded from electronic access while remaining available for in-person inspection at the appropriate government office. Additionally, there may be a delay between an arrest and the appearance of related information in online databases.

How to Look Up Frederick County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Frederick County arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple official channels to obtain this information. The Frederick County government has established several methods for accessing these public records in compliance with the Maryland Public Information Act.

Individuals may access arrest records through the following methods:

Online Database Search: The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides electronic access to court cases, including those stemming from arrests in Frederick County.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the following agencies to request arrest records in person:

Frederick County Sheriff's Office
110 Airport Drive East
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301-600-1046
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Frederick Police Department
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301-600-2100
Frederick Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Circuit Court for Frederick County
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: 301-600-1976
Circuit Court for Frederick County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to § 4-202 of the General Provisions Article, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the appropriate agency. Requests must include sufficient information to identify the records sought.
Maryland Public Information Act Request: Citizens may file a formal MPIA request with the custodian of records at the relevant agency. The custodian must respond within 30 days as required by § 4-203.

When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide identification and may be required to pay reasonable fees for search, preparation, and copying of records as permitted under § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article.

Contents of a Frederick County Arrest Record

Frederick County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Maryland law and local regulations. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's encounter with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Pursuant to Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article § 10-215, arrest records must include specific elements to ensure proper documentation and identification.

A standard Frederick County arrest record typically contains:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information including race, sex, height, weight, and identifying features
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed, including citation of relevant Maryland Code sections
Case number and tracking identifiers
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected during booking
Preliminary hearing date, if applicable
Bail or bond information
Detention facility information, if the individual was held in custody

The Frederick County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Maryland's records retention schedule. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records pursuant to exemptions under the Maryland Public Information Act, particularly information that might compromise ongoing investigations or violate privacy protections established under Maryland law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Frederick County

The expungement process in Frederick County allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances prescribed by Maryland law. Pursuant to Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article § 10-101 through § 10-110, individuals may petition for expungement if their case meets statutory criteria.

Eligibility for expungement in Frederick County typically includes:

Arrests that did not result in charges (must wait 3 years or submit a General Waiver)
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Cases where probation before judgment was granted (after completion of probation)
Convictions for certain misdemeanors after specified waiting periods
Nuisance crimes after a 3-year waiting period
Non-violent convictions eligible under the Justice Reinvestment Act

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court for Frederick County or the District Court of Maryland depending on which court handled the original case. Petitioners must use official forms provided by the Maryland Judiciary and pay applicable filing fees, which may be waived for indigent applicants.

Upon receipt of a petition, the court forwards it to the State's Attorney's Office for review. 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 may grant the expungement. The court then issues an Order for Expungement to all agencies possessing records related to the arrest.

Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the Maryland Courts' expungement resources or consult with legal counsel. The Frederick County Circuit Court Clerk's Office can provide procedural guidance but cannot offer legal advice regarding eligibility.

Legal Implications of Arrest Records in Frederick County

Arrest records in Frederick County carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. These records, maintained pursuant to Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article § 10-201 et seq., remain accessible to the public, employers, and licensing boards unless properly expunged or shielded.

The presence of an arrest record may impact:

Employment opportunities, particularly in sensitive sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, and government
Professional licensing applications regulated by Maryland occupational boards
Housing applications, as landlords may conduct background checks
Higher education admissions and financial aid eligibility
Immigration status and naturalization proceedings
Firearm purchase eligibility under Maryland's regulated firearms provisions
Child custody and visitation determinations in family court proceedings

Maryland has enacted certain protections regarding the use of arrest records. Under Maryland Code, State Government Article § 10-1301 through § 10-1305, employers with 15 or more full-time employees are prohibited from inquiring about criminal history on initial employment applications ("Ban the Box" provisions). Additionally, the Maryland Second Chance Act allows for the shielding of certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions from public view after a waiting period.

Individuals concerned about the impact of arrest records should consult the Maryland Courts' access to court records information for guidance on their rights and remedies under state law.

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