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Ocean City Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ocean City, Maryland?

Arrest records are public documents in Ocean City, Maryland, pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under §§ 4-101 through 4-601 of the General Provisions Article. The MPIA establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. This legislative framework ensures transparency in law enforcement operations and promotes accountability within the criminal justice system. The Ocean City Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal justice information.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under § 4-301 of the MPIA. The custodian of records may withhold information if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, impede law enforcement proceedings, or endanger an individual's safety.

How to Look Up Ocean City Arrest Records in 2025

The Ocean City Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information should be prepared to submit specific identifying details to facilitate the search process. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records in Ocean City:

  • In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Ocean City Police Department headquarters to submit a formal request for arrest records. Requestors must complete the designated public information request form and may be required to present valid identification.

Ocean City Police Department
6501 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Phone: 410-723-6610
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

  • Worcester County District Court: Court records related to arrests may be obtained through the District Court of Maryland in Worcester County, Ocean City location.

District Court of Maryland, Worcester County - Ocean City
6505 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842-7313
Phone: 410-723-6935
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (except legal holidays)

  • Online Access: The Ocean City Police Department maintains a digital portal through which certain arrest record information may be accessed. Users must register and may be subject to usage fees.

  • Written Requests: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via postal mail to the Records Division of the Ocean City Police Department. All requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.

Contents of an Ocean City Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Ocean City Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by Maryland law and departmental policies. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, gender, race, and residential address at the time of arrest
  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
  • Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the Maryland Annotated Code citations
  • Case Identification: Unique booking number and case reference identifiers
  • Arresting Officer Information: Name and badge number of the primary arresting officer and any assisting officers
  • Booking Photograph: Standardized mugshot taken during the booking process
  • Fingerprint Data: Digital or ink fingerprint impressions collected during processing
  • Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release on recognizance, or bail/bond conditions
  • Court Information: Initial appearance details, preliminary hearing date, and assigned court location

Pursuant to § 10-219 of the Criminal Procedure Article, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and details that could compromise ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Ocean City

The State of Maryland provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the Criminal Procedure Article. Expungement refers to the court-ordered process by which arrest and related records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. Residents of Ocean City seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements and follow prescribed procedural steps.

Pursuant to § 10-105 of the Criminal Procedure Article, individuals may petition for expungement if their case resulted in:

  • Acquittal (finding of not guilty)
  • Dismissal of charges
  • Nolle prosequi (formal abandonment of prosecution)
  • Stet (indefinite postponement of prosecution)
  • Probation before judgment (except for certain violations)
  • Pardon from the Governor
  • Conviction for certain specified minor offenses

The expungement process requires the submission of a petition to the court where the case was adjudicated. For arrests in Ocean City, petitions are typically filed with the District Court of Maryland for Worcester County. The petition must be accompanied by the prescribed filing fee, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial hardship.

Following the filing of a petition, the State's Attorney's Office has 30 days to file an objection. If no objection is filed, or if the court overrules an objection after hearing, the court will order expungement of all police and court records pertaining to the charge. The Ocean City Police Department and other agencies must comply with the expungement order within 60 days and file a certificate of compliance with the court.

It should be noted that under § 10-107, it is unlawful for employers to require disclosure of expunged information as a condition of employment. Violations of this provision may result in criminal penalties.

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