>Howard County Arrest Records Online

Howard County, Maryland Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Howard County, Maryland?

Arrest records are public in Howard 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 without unnecessary costs or delays, subject to certain statutory exceptions. Law enforcement agencies in Howard County maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation, ensuring transparency and accountability within the judicial system.

The Maryland Public Information Act operates under the presumption that citizens have a right to information about government operations. Arrest records fall within this category of accessible information, though certain portions may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with § 4-301 of the General Provisions Article.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these records are generally accessible, specific information may be withheld if disclosure would:

Interfere with a law enforcement proceeding
Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Disclose the identity of a confidential source
Disclose investigative techniques
Endanger the life or physical safety of an individual

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Howard County?

Howard County arrest records can be accessed online through several authorized platforms. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search serves as the primary online resource for accessing court case information, including records related to arrests. This database is maintained by the Maryland Judiciary and provides real-time access to case records from all District and Circuit Courts in Maryland, including Howard County.

The Howard County Public Records portal also facilitates access to various public records, including certain arrest-related information. Users should note that while these online resources provide substantial information, they may not contain complete arrest records in all instances due to statutory limitations and privacy protections.

Online access to arrest records is governed by Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-912, which establish parameters for electronic access to judicial records. These rules balance the public's right to information with privacy concerns and practical limitations of digital record-keeping systems.

How to Look Up Howard County Arrest Records in 2025

Howard County residents and interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:

In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may visit the Howard County Police Department located at 3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (Phone: 410-313-3200) or the Howard County Sheriff's Office at 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (Phone: 410-313-2150). Office hours for both agencies are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Circuit Court Records: The Circuit Court for Howard County maintains criminal case records at 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043 (Phone: 410-313-2111). The Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Online Database Searches: The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides 24-hour access to case records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests.
Maryland Department of State Police: For statewide arrest records, the Maryland Department of State Police Criminal Records Division at 1711 Belmont Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21244 (Phone: 410-764-4501) processes requests pursuant to COMAR 12.15.01.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information. Fees may apply in accordance with § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search and duplication services.

Contents of a Howard County Arrest Record

Howard County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard components of an arrest record include:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks such as tattoos or scars)
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Specific charges filed, with reference to applicable Maryland criminal statutes
Case number and court docket information
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Detention information, including bail or bond amounts if applicable
Preliminary hearing dates and initial court appearances

These records are maintained in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Article of the Maryland Code and relevant provisions of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). Law enforcement agencies in Howard County follow standardized protocols for record creation and maintenance as established by the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Howard County

Under Maryland law, specifically Criminal Procedure Article §§ 10-101 through 10-110, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Howard County. Expungement is the legal process by which records of an arrest, court case, or conviction are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.

Eligibility for expungement in Howard County is determined by several factors:

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

Individuals seeking expungement must file a Petition for Expungement (Form CC-DC-CR-072) with the Circuit Court for Howard County if the case originated there, or with the District Court for cases handled at that level. The petition must be filed in the court where the case was disposed of, regardless of where the arrest occurred.

The waiting periods for expungement eligibility vary based on case disposition:

Acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi: 3 years from disposition date (may be waived with general waiver)
Probation before judgment: 3 years after probation completion
Stet: 3 years after the stet is entered
Convictions for certain misdemeanors: 10-15 years after completion of sentence, depending on the offense

The Howard County State's Attorney's Office has 30 days to file an objection to the petition. If no objection is filed, or if the court overrules an objection after a hearing, the court will order the expungement of all police and court records pertaining to the charge.