>Queen Anne's County Arrest Records Online

Queen Anne's County, Maryland Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Queen Anne's County, Maryland?

Arrest records in Queen Anne's County, Maryland are public documents accessible to citizens pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under General Provisions Article §§ 4-101 through 4-601. The MPIA establishes the legal framework governing public access to government records, including arrest documentation. Under this statute, arrest records are presumptively open for inspection unless specifically exempted by statutory provisions or judicial order.

The Maryland Public Information Act operates on the principle that citizens have a fundamental right to information concerning the affairs of government and official acts of public officials and employees. This transparency mechanism serves multiple public interests, including:

Facilitating public oversight of law enforcement activities
Enabling community awareness of public safety concerns
Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
Providing information relevant to employment background checks

The Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory record-keeping obligations under Maryland law. These records document law enforcement actions and form part of the criminal justice information system. While the records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile information pursuant to § 3-8A-27 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Queen Anne's County?

Queen Anne's County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by Maryland judicial and law enforcement agencies. The primary online resource for accessing these records is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system, which provides public access to court case information, including records of arrests that have resulted in formal charges.

The online availability of arrest records is subject to the provisions of Maryland Rule 16-901, which governs access to court records. This rule implements a policy of openness regarding judicial proceedings while balancing privacy concerns and practical limitations. Users should note that:

Records available online may not include all arrest information
Some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
Certain cases may be shielded from public view pursuant to statutory requirements
Technical limitations may affect the completeness or timeliness of online records

The Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office also maintains limited online information regarding recent arrests and inmate status. For comprehensive arrest record searches, members of the public may need to supplement online research with in-person requests at the appropriate county offices.

How to Look Up Queen Anne's County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Queen Anne's County as of 2025. Members of the public seeking such information may utilize the following resources:

Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office
505 Railroad Avenue
Centreville, MD 21617
410-758-0770
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Queen Anne's County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
200 North Commerce Street
Centreville, MD 21617
410-758-1773
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
District Court of Maryland for Queen Anne's County
120 Broadway, Suite #1
Centreville, MD 21617
410-819-4000
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Maryland State Police Central Records Division
1711 Belmont Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21244
410-281-2700
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth. Pursuant to COMAR 12.15.01.09, fees may apply for record searches and copies, with payment typically required at the time of request. Government-issued photo identification may be required when requesting records in person.

Contents of a Queen Anne's County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Queen Anne's County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article § 10-215. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Aliases or known alternative names
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint classification information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Detention status following arrest
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Court docket number for associated criminal proceedings

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of criminal proceedings. Records related to arrests that resulted in formal charges will typically contain more detailed information than those where charges were not pursued.

Pursuant to Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article § 10-219, certain information in arrest records may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile subjects.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Queen Anne's County

The expungement process in Queen Anne's County provides a legal mechanism for removing arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article § 10-101 through § 10-110 establishes the statutory framework governing expungement eligibility and procedures.

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following situations:

The arrest did not result in charges (must wait 3 years or submit a general waiver)
All charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The case resulted in probation before judgment (except for certain violations)
The case was placed on the stet docket and has remained there for the required waiting period
The case resulted in a nolle prosequi
The conviction was for an offense that has subsequently become eligible for expungement

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the case or, in cases where no charges were filed, with the District Court having jurisdiction. Petitioners must use standardized forms provided by the Maryland Judiciary and pay applicable filing fees, which may be waived upon demonstration of indigence.

Upon receipt of a petition, the court forwards copies to the State's Attorney and law enforcement agencies holding records of the arrest. These agencies have 30 days to file objections. If no objections are filed, or if the court overrules any objections after a hearing, an order of expungement will be issued.

Successful expungement results in the removal of records from public inspection. However, certain criminal justice and law enforcement agencies may retain non-public access to expunged records under limited circumstances as permitted by § 10-108 of the Criminal Procedure Article.