Maryland Arrest Records

Maryland arrest records are legal documents containing information about the arrestee, the grounds for their arrest, and all other details relating to their apprehension. This information may include:

• The personal details of the arrestee
• Physical features
• Charge information
• Case number
• Name of the holding facility
• Arresting officer and agency
• Bail and bond terms
• Nature of the crime committed
• Location of the arrest.

Arrest records are crucial to the Maryland Criminal Justice System and are part of Maryland criminal court records. They can reveal whether an arrest is executed arbitrarily, unlawfully, or with cause. The information documented in an arrest record serves as a premise for a criminal court case. Law enforcement agencies such as the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the Prince George's Sheriff's County Office or the Baltimore PD generally have the statutory power to arrest and detain individuals on suspicion of crimes. Detention may be temporary, depending on the circumstances of the case.

Are Arrest Records Public in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland's arrest records are public. According to the Maryland Public Information Act, all individuals or government agencies can access and request copies of public records in any form in the custody of a government agency. In Maryland, arrest records are public information per the Maryland Freedom of Information laws, and anyone can view or inspect such records, subject to certain restrictions. The Act authorizes official custodians to create rules and guidelines to protect records in their custody and limit public access where it may result in unwarranted invasion of privacy or interference with official business.

Arrest records may also be restricted, subject to a petition for expungement under federal or state law. In such circumstances, an individual's right to freedom of information may be impeded. Sealed records may only be viewed where the requester can prove a legitimate interest to the court's satisfaction.

Furthermore, per Md. Ann. Code art. GP, § 4-332 (d), an official custodian may reject a request for public documents where it may:

• Jeopardize the life and safety of a person
• Interfere with ongoing investigations and court proceedings
• Compromise key witnesses or confidential sources
• Prejudice against the right to a fair hearing of an individual
• Government agencies may also restrict access to: Juvenile offender records
• Medical information
• Social security numbers
• Bank information.

If a custodian denies an application, they are required to notify the applicant in a written statement within 10 working days. The written statement should contain the reason for refusal, relevant laws, and available remedies (Md. Ann. Code § 4-203).

Maryland Arrest Statistics

Data from the Maryland NIBRS (National Incident-based Reporting System) crime database shows that there were 114,520 arrests within the state in 2024; a 10.7% increase in the number of arrests from 2023. The table compares Maryland's arrest statistics for 2023 and 2024.

Between January 2025 and June 30, 2025, there were 48,486 arrests within Maryland. This figure comprises 8,195 arrests for crimes against persons, 8,071 for crimes against property, and 32,220 for crimes against society.

Find Public Arrest Records in Maryland

Maryland arrest records provide an account of an individual's interaction with law enforcement following their alleged involvement in a crime. The agencies responsible for the arrest, such as the County Sheriff's Office and Police Departments, are the first and official custodians of arrest records. Hence, inquirers may find public arrest records by contacting the relevant agency in their municipality or the jurisdiction where the subject of the record was arrested.

Per the Maryland Public Information Act, most agencies have rules and regulations governing the production and inspection of arrest records. Since arrest records in Maryland are public records, anyone can access and retrieve them. The following steps are typically required across the board:

• Identify the Agency with Jurisdiction over the Records: Requests for public arrest records should be addressed to the exact agency that executed the arrest. Inquirers should know where the person was arrested and identify the law enforcement office responsible for the arrest.
• Determine the Request Procedures and Fees: The rules and procedures for obtaining arrest information are usually outlined on the websites of custodian agencies. If the required information is unclear or unavailable, the inquirer may contact the office to make inquiries. Some agencies permit in-person, online, or mail search options. Confirm what search procedures or tools the agency employs, as well as the availability and status of the record (public or restricted). Additionally, confirm what fees are applicable, the agency's mail address, templates, and the accepted mode of payment, and if proof of identification may be needed for in-person requests.
• Submit the Request: Arrest records searches may be performed online, in person, or by mail. For mail requests, the requester should make sure they comply with the template or format prescribed by the agency. It should be addressed to the mailing address if it differs from the physical address. The letter should include postage fees and other compulsory fees. Persons who wish to retrieve the records from the agency's physical office may visit during the usual working hours or designated visiting hours. Complete the necessary forms and provide sufficient details to aid in record retrieval
• Fees and Payment: Per MD Gen Provisions Code § 4-206, government agencies are at liberty to charge a reasonable fee for the actual cost to search, produce, or reproduce records in a customized format upon an applicant's request. Inquirers may contact the agencies to confirm the estimated costs of their requests. Ensure that all applicable fees are included in the mail.

Obtaining Sealed Arrest Records in Maryland

The right to freedom of information in Maryland is not absolute. Maryland arrest records may be sealed where it is feared their accessibility may endanger the life and safety of individuals or interfere with investigations and another's right to a fair hearing.

However, if an individual has a legitimate interest in the record, they can apply for a subpoena. The court issues a subpoena and compels the record custodian to present a document for inspection, copying, or sampling. A subpoena is used when the applicant believes that the document is evidence that will support their case. It is first approved by the State Court Administrator and subsequently issued by the court clerk. It may be served by a Sheriff of any county or non-party to the suit (who should be above 18) and delivered to the person so named within 60 days of its issuance (Md. R. Civ. P. Cir. Ct. 2-510).

How to Look Up Arrest Records Online in Maryland

Although the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is the central repository for criminal records, there is no specific database for arrest records, because not everyone arrested is charged or convicted of their alleged offenses. However, several local law enforcement agencies in Maryland maintain online arrest logs. Such search platforms are free and easy to navigate.

In circumstances where the arrested person is still in custody awaiting trial or has been convicted of an offense, inquirers may contact their local sheriff or sheriffs of neighboring counties for inmate information. Meanwhile, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services manages and operates an Incarcerated Individual Locator.

What is Included in Maryland Arrest Records?

Maryland arrest records may contain the following information:

• Arrestee's personal information: This typically includes:
  • The first, last, and middle names of the individual
  • Date of birth, age
  • Home address, city, and state of residence.
• Physical description: height, weight, race, gender, hair color.
• Fingerprints and mugshots
• Police case number
• Arrest and booking data:
  • Arresting agency
  • Arrest location or site
  • Name of the booking officer(s)
  • Date
  • Time and place of arrest.
• Offense: Charges filed against the arrested person, as well as the description, nature, and category of the charges.
• Bail and bond information (bond type, amount, bail or bond terms).
• Scheduled court dates (if any).

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Maryland?

Expungement of Maryland Arrest Records

The expungement of a Maryland arrest record depends on the date of the arrest. For arrests made after October 1, 2007, authorities automatically expunge these records within 60 days of an individual's release, provided the person is not a subject of interest in another criminal case (MD. Criminal Procedure Code § 10-103.1).

Aside from this specific provision, arrest records remain on an individual's record until the statute of limitations prevents further action or the record holder petitions the court for deletion or sealing. However, petitioners may need to wait a minimum of three years before applying for expungement of their arrest. If not expunged or sealed, an arrest record will always remain in the public domain.

Expunge an Arrest Record in Maryland

Maryland Procedure Criminal Code § 10-102 (a) states that arrest records are subject to expungement. An individual may file a petition with the court in the jurisdiction where authorities arrested them to delete or erase their records.

Expungement of Arrest Records Made Before October 1, 2007

If law enforcement arrested a person on suspicion of a crime and subsequently released them without charges, they may file a petition to delete the arrest information within eight years of the event. Once the court examines and verifies the facts, it shall find and expunge the record within 60 days of the request. The court shall also order every other law enforcement unit, central repository, and detention facility to search for and delete any police record concerning such an arrest, detention, or confinement (MD Code Criminal Procedure § 10-103).

Expungement of Arrest Records made on or after October 1, 2007

Section 10-103.1 of the Maryland Code and Court Rules outlines the provisions for release after an arrest without charges on or after October 1, 2007. According to the statute, the person is entitled to expunge their record within 60 days of release. However, the record may not be fully deleted until 3 years from the date of the expungement. If a law enforcement unit or government central repository refuses to comply with an order to expunge the petitioned police records or deny public access, the petitioner may seek a remedy in court and recover the court costs from the defendant. This category of petitioners is not required to pay any fees for expungement.

Expungement Ordered by a District Court

In Maryland, a prosecutor or the state may give formal notice of no wish/intention to prosecute (nolle prosequi) on all charges in a criminal case. This may be done within the jurisdiction of a District Court where the defendant has not been notified of the charges against them. In this case, the District Court may order the expungement of any related court records, arrest records in police custody, or any other records filed in the state connected to the arrest or charges (MD Code, Criminal Procedure, § 10-104).

Expungement of Arrest Records after a Charge

Per MD Code, Criminal Procedure, § 10-105, if authorities arrest and charge a person for an offense carrying a term of imprisonment, they may be eligible to file a petition to delete all related arrest records held by the police, court, and state. This eligibility applies if:

• A court acquits the person
• The court dismisses the charge
• A judge places the petitioner on probation before judgment (PBJ)
• Prosecutors enter a nolle prosequi with a compulsory drug or alcohol treatment
• The court transfers the charge to a juvenile court
• The Governor of Maryland pardons the person unconditionally
• A court finds the person not criminally responsible under the available laws
• The parties compromise the case (Criminal Law Article § 3-207).

How Do I Find Recent Arrests in Maryland

Maryland residents can obtain recent arrest information by contacting or visiting local law enforcement agencies in their residential areas or the arrestee's last known location. For instance, the Montgomery Sheriff's Office maintains an online log of arrested persons within the county, which they update daily. Alternatively, interested individuals may use third-party search sites to find arrest records.

Are Maryland Arrest Records Free?

Access to Maryland arrest records varies. Individuals may find these records at no cost through select online resources. However, obtaining arrest records through in-house lookups or mail requests will incur charges. The official custodian may charge fees for the time spent searching, producing, and reproducing these records. Similarly, third-party websites are not free; users may need to subscribe to their services or pay search and download fees.