Maryland Criminal Records

Are criminal records available to the public in Maryland?

Because of the Maryland Public Information Act, criminal records can be accessed by anyone. This Act ensures that the government must provide documents about public business to citizens and ensure the transparency of government business at all levels.

How do I find criminal records in Maryland?

In Maryland, the Judiciary court manages a criminal record database that can be searched online. There is a name search and case number search where you can find the exact criminal record of the case you are looking for. A list of results based on the entered criteria will show up and provide their full-court record.

Can I get rid of my criminal record in Maryland?

It is possible to remove one’s convictions and arrests from their law enforcement and court records in Maryland through a process called expungement, in which the government agencies erase any evidence of your record.

Are mugshots public record in Maryland?

In Maryland, mugshots will be taken when you are arrested and taken into a police department and then filed under an arrest record. Additionally, mugshots will appear on your inmate record if you are sentenced to jail or prison time.

How do I get my record expunged in Maryland?

To start the expungement process in Maryland, you must first see if you are eligible. Arrests that did not result in a conviction can be petitioned for expungement after three years. Misdemeanor convictions can be filed for expungement only after waiting ten years from the end of your sentence. Finally, felony convictions require fifteen years from the end of your sentence. If you are eligible, then you can fill out the expungement form and file it to the court that heard your case.

How do I search for arrest records in Maryland?

Arrest records in Maryland are kept by the courts and law enforcement agencies, who also keep your entire criminal record. Arrest records contain the information relating to the arrest of an individual but no information about if they were convicted or sentenced. The name of the arresting officer, the date, time, and location of the arrest, and a brief description of the incident are all examples of things kept in an arrest record.

How do I find court records in Montgomery County?

You can search for court records and cases in Montgomery County by visiting the Montgomery County Maryland court website. On the homepage, there will be a link to search for case records, which simply redirects you to the statewide Judiciary Court database.

What is Megan’s Law in Maryland?

Megan’s Law in Maryland is a statute that requires people convicted of sex offenses to put their information on a publicly accessible registry for a certain amount of time, depending on the severity of the offense. Tier 1 sex offenders (lowest level) must register for 15 years, Tier 2 sex offenders register for 25, and Tier 3 sex offenders must register for life.

How do I find sex offenders in Maryland?

Maryland offers the ability to access their sex offender registry online, maintained by the Maryland Department of Corrections. After agreeing to the terms and conditions, you can search for sex offenders by name or in a certain location.

What is a felony in Maryland?

Felonies in Maryland are different in other states in that they could technically be sentenced to serving time in a local jail rather than a state prison. Being convicted of a certain felony will result in a range of sentences that a judge can choose from for your particular case. For example, burglary in Maryland is a felony that could have a sentence of one year or twenty years. Other examples of felonies are rape, murder, and first-degree assault.

What is a misdemeanor in Maryland?

Misdemeanors are a lesser crime in Maryland as compared to felonies. However, there is some overlap in that misdemeanors could technically be sentenced up to ten or even twenty years in jail or prison. For sentences between a year and a year and a half, judges can decide to sentence you to prison or jail. Examples of misdemeanors in Maryland include vandalism, public indecency, second-degree assault, and prostitution.

How do I find inmates in Maryland?

Maryland has an inmate locator online that lets you search for inmates by name. However, the results will only show their DOC number and their location, not their whole inmate record like other states. To find one’s inmate record or police report, you must directly contact the Maryland Department of Corrections.

How far back can employers check a criminal background in Maryland?

Maryland is one of the states that has implemented a state law protecting convictions on job applicants’ records that are older than seven years old. They also have a ban-the-box law that prevents the question of if you have ever been convicted of a crime showing up on a job application.

How do you check for arrest warrants in Maryland?

Arrest warrants can be checked for by the Maryland Judiciary Court. They are the ones who issue the arrest warrants to police officers, so it is the best place to check if you or someone you know has an outstanding warrant.

How do I find someone’s parole status in Maryland?

The Maryland Parole Commission is the agency that manages parole hearings and statuses, so if you are interested in finding out a current inmate’s parole status, you can contact them via the information that is located on their website.

Is DUI a felony in Maryland?

DUI’s in Maryland is not a felony and are actually not a criminal offense at all. There is no criminal code for Driving Under the Influence; however, DUI’s can still result in jail time in Maryland and is considered a misdemeanor charge.

Are juvenile criminal records sealed in Maryland?

Juvenile criminal records will typically be sealed in Maryland; however, certain offenses may be available to the public. Additionally, the school the juvenile attends, and law enforcement agencies will have access to juvenile court records. Expungement of the record is available once the juvenile turns 21.