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Bel Air Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Bel Air, Maryland?

Arrest records are public in Bel Air, Maryland, pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under §§ 4-101 through 4-601 of the General Provisions Article. This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The MPIA operates under the fundamental principle that citizens have a right to information about governmental activities, including law enforcement operations within Harford County.

The custodian of records at the Harford County Sheriff's Office maintains these public records in accordance with state regulations. While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile records as specified under § 4-301 of the General Provisions Article.

How to Look Up Bel Air Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bel Air have multiple methods available through official channels. The Harford County criminal justice system provides several options for accessing these public documents:

In-person requests at the Harford County Sheriff's Office Records Unit, located at 45 South Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: 410-838-6600.
Electronic requests through the Harford County government portal, which provides digital access to certain public records. Requesters must complete the online Public Information Act request form.
Written requests submitted to the District Court Commissioner's Office at 1030 North Rock Spring Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014. Telephone: 410-638-4770. The office processes requests pursuant to Maryland District Court regulations.
Utilizing public access terminals at the Harford County Circuit Court, located at 20 West Courtland Street, Bel Air, MD 21014. Telephone: 410-638-3426. These terminals are available during regular court hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Requesters should note that fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article. Standard fees include $0.25 per page for photocopies and additional charges for certified copies or extensive searches.

Contents of a Bel Air Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Bel Air law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article § 10-215. These records typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, address at time of arrest, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged criminal offense(s)
Case number and identifying information of the arresting agency
Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
Processing information, including detention facility data
Bail or bond determination, including amount set and conditions imposed
Preliminary hearing date and initial court appearance information

The Maryland Courts system maintains these records in conjunction with local law enforcement. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to victims of certain crimes as specified under § 4-301 of the General Provisions Article.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Bel Air

The State of Maryland provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records under Criminal Procedure Article §§ 10-101 through 10-110. Individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:

The arrest resulted in no charges being filed within the statutory period
The case concluded with an acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
The case resulted in probation before judgment (except for certain violations)
The case was placed on the stet docket and the required waiting period has elapsed
The individual received a pardon from the Governor

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Harford County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. The court filing fee is $30 for general expungements, though this fee may be waived in cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi. The State's Attorney's Office has 30 days to file an objection to the petition.

Upon approval, the expungement order directs all custodians of records, including the Harford County Sheriff's Office, the Maryland State Police, and court repositories, to remove the specified records from public access and law enforcement databases. The process typically takes 90 days from the date the court grants the petition.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Bel Air, Maryland law establishes certain restrictions on access pursuant to General Provisions Article § 4-301. These limitations include:

Records pertaining to juvenile arrests (under 18 years of age) are confidential and maintained separately from adult records by the Department of Juvenile Services
Information that would reveal the identity of a confidential source or endanger an ongoing investigation
Records sealed by court order or expunged pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article §§ 10-101 through 10-110
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as determined by the custodian of records
Medical, psychological, or sociological information that may cause harm to the subject of the record

The District Court Commissioner's Office in Harford County is responsible for determining whether requested records fall under these exemptions. Denials of access may be appealed through administrative channels or by filing a petition for judicial review in the Circuit Court for Harford County.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records

Arrest records obtained from Bel Air authorities may be utilized for specific purposes as permitted under Maryland law. Authorized uses include:

Background checks for employment in sensitive positions, subject to the limitations imposed by Maryland's "Ban the Box" legislation
Tenant screening by property owners and management companies
Verification of information for licensing applications
Research and statistical analysis when personally identifiable information is removed
Journalistic reporting on matters of public interest

Users of arrest record information should be aware that the Maryland Human Relations Act prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction. Employers, housing providers, and licensing authorities must comply with these anti-discrimination provisions when utilizing arrest record information in their decision-making processes.