Charles County Arrest Records

In Charles County, an arrest takes place when law enforcement officers, typically from the Charles County Sheriff's Office or a local city police department, apprehend an individual under suspicion of criminal activity. Under Maryland law, officers may arrest individuals with or without a warrant, provided there is probable cause to believe that the person has committed or is about to commit a crime. During an arrest, the officer documents key information, including the individual's name, the date and time of the arrest, the offense in question, and details of the arresting officer and location.

Following the arrest, individuals are usually brought before a judge in the Charles County District or Circuit Court for an initial appearance. During this hearing, the court determines pretrial release conditions and sets future court dates. Arrest records containing this information become part of the individual's case file or Charles County Court Records and are maintained by the relevant court.

Are Arrest Records Public in Charles County?

Yes, Charles County arrest records are considered public under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA). The act permits access to records created by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Md. Courts & Jud. Proc. Code § 2-201(4) allows individuals to request criminal and court records, including those related to arrests.

However, some records are restricted, including:

• Personal details of confidential informants, witnesses, or victims.
• Arrest records for juveniles.
• Sealed or expunged records.
• Records related to ongoing investigations.
• Access to these restricted records is granted only in specific circumstances, such as when a legal representative or individual provides proper identification.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

• Personal Information: Name, age, and physical details of the arrestee.
• Charges: The offenses for which the person was arrested.
• Booking Details: Booking number, date, and time.
• Arrest Information: Date, time, and location of the arrest.
• Court Data: Case numbers, bail details, and bond information.

Find Charles County Arrest Records

Various law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records for individuals apprehended in Charles County. While the Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) provides information on individuals recently taken into custody, the Maryland Judiciary's Maryland Case Search system offers an online portal for individuals to view certain criminal records, including arrest information tied to criminal court cases.

To query the Charles County Sheriff's Office for arrest records, inquirers may utilize the CCSO Public Record Request Portal or send a written application containing details of the record of interest to any of the following locations:

CCSO Headquarters
6915 Crain Highway
P.O. Box 189
La Plata, MD 20646

District 1 Station
6855 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
District 2 Station

Bryans Road Shopping Center
3099 Marshall Hall Road
Bryans Road, MD 20616

District 3 Station
3670 Leonardtown Road
Waldorf, MD 20601

Free Arrest Record Search in Charles County

Residents seeking free access to arrest records in Charles County have several options, including:

• Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This is a primary resource for individuals seeking information on criminal charges and arrest records tied to specific court cases in both district and circuit courts.
• MDPSCS Incarcerated Individual Locator: This system allows searches for individuals who are currently incarcerated in Maryland's correctional facilities. While it does not provide arrest information, it offers details about where an individual is serving their sentence and the nature of their offense.
• Charles County Sheriff's Office: Inquiries about current detainees and their bond status can be directed to the Sheriff's Office or the District Court Commissioner's Office.

Get Charles County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Maryland encompass more than just arrest records, providing a complete history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These include indictments, trials, sentencing, and any periods of incarceration. Interested individuals can request a comprehensive criminal background check through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS) via the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). Requests must be accompanied by authorized fingerprints, taken by an accredited vendor, along with applicable fees.

The CJIS offers various criminal record services, but access is generally restricted to the following groups:

• Individuals seeking their criminal history: Individuals and their legal representatives can request their criminal records.
• Authorized employers: Certain employers, such as those in childcare, healthcare, or law enforcement, may request background checks on prospective employees.
• Licensing agencies: Some state licensing agencies may require criminal background checks before issuing professional licenses.

Fingerprinting services for background checks can be processed at CJIS-approved locations. All requests, whether mailed or in-person, must be accompanied by the required fees. Costs for a full criminal background check vary based on the nature of the request, as outlined below:

• FBI and state background checks for childcare volunteers: $29.25 for mail-in, $49.25 for in-person requests.
• State background check (with gold seal): $19 for mail-in requests, $39 for in-person requests.
• Fingerprinting conducted at CJIS locations incurs an additional $20 fee for in-person requests.

Charles County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records serve different purposes within the justice system. Arrest records document an individual's apprehension based on suspicion of a criminal act but do not confirm guilt. On the other hand, criminal records provide a more comprehensive history that includes court decisions and sentences after an arrest, as well as any incarcerations.

Criminal records, therefore, carry more weight in background checks for housing, employment, and licensing, as they provide details of any convictions. However, arrest records can still offer valuable insights into an individual's legal history, especially when obtained in conjunction with court records.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

The length of time an arrest stays on an individual's record varies with the case. However, Maryland law allows the automatic removal of eligible information after a specified period has elapsed.

Expunge Charles County Arrest Records

Maryland law allows for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement removes the records from public view, making them inaccessible to the general public and most government agencies. Eligible cases for expungement in Charles County include those in which:

• The defendant was found not guilty.
• The charges were dismissed, or a nolle prosequi (decision not to prosecute) was entered, and three years have passed.
• The defendant received probation before judgment.
• The case resulted in a stet (indefinite postponement) more than three years ago.
• The defendant was granted a full and unconditional pardon by the governor.

Additionally, under Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-105, cases resulting in a not guilty verdict, dismissal, or acquittal after October 1, 2021, are automatically eligible for expungement after three years. If an individual wishes to expunge records from cases resolved before that date, they must file a petition using Form DC/CR 72, available online or at the local district or circuit court.

Individuals who were arrested but not formally charged may directly contact the arresting agency to request the expungement of their records. Fees and procedures for expungement may vary, and it is recommended to inquire with the relevant police department or Sheriff's Office for guidance.

Under Maryland's shielding laws, individuals convicted of certain non-violent crimes can apply to have their records shielded from public access. Shielding does not remove the records but restricts who can view them. The process and required forms are available on the Maryland Judiciary website.

By understanding and utilizing the legal pathways available for accessing or expunging arrest records, individuals in Charles County can better navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.

Charles County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judicial authority, typically a judge or magistrate, that commands law enforcement officers to apprehend a specific individual. In Charles County, Maryland, arrest warrants are generally issued by the District or Circuit Courts once probable cause is established that a person has committed a crime. This process is governed by Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 2-202 stipulates the requirements for the issuance of warrants across the state, including Charles County.

In addition to arrest warrants for criminal offenses, judges may issue bench warrants for individuals who fail to comply with court orders, such as neglecting to appear for a court date, violating bail conditions, or failing to complete post-conviction programs. A bench warrant differs from an arrest warrant in that it typically stems from non-compliance with the court system rather than a criminal investigation.

Charles County arrest warrants typically include the following information:

• The signature of the issuing judge or magistrate.
• The name or a physical description of the individual to be apprehended.
• The accused person's last known address or other identifying details.
• The alleged offense(s) committed by the individual.
• The type of warrant (e.g., bench warrant, arrest warrant for criminal offenses).

Charles County Arrest Warrant Search

In Maryland, the public is generally restricted from viewing the contents of an arrest warrant until it has been executed or recalled, as per Md. Code Ann., Gen. Provisions § 4-301(b). However, courts may allow limited public access to specific warrant information under certain circumstances. Individuals interested in learning whether an arrest warrant has been issued in their name or for someone else can contact the Charles County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Warrant Unit, which handles inquiries about outstanding warrants.

To inquire directly about active warrants, individuals can contact the CCSO at their Warrant/Fugitive Division. Inquiries can be made by calling the non-emergency number for the Sheriff's Office or visiting in person:

Charles County Sheriff's Office Warrant Unit
6855 Crain Highway,
La Plata, MD 20646
Non-Emergency Number: (301) 932-2222

Additionally, interested parties can also conduct a warrant search by reviewing court records. The Maryland Judiciary's Case Search System allows individuals to search for court records, which may reveal information about arrest warrants if the court case has already commenced.

Do Charles County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Charles County, like the rest of Maryland, arrest warrants do not expire and remain active until the individual named in the warrant is apprehended or the court recalls the warrant. Judges have the authority to recall an arrest warrant in certain cases, such as when new evidence emerges proving the individual's innocence or if the court decides a summons should have been issued instead of a warrant, according to Md. Rule 4-212.

Bench warrants and other warrants issued for violations of court orders also remain in effect until the person complies with the court's demands or is brought before a judge. A warrant may also be recalled if it is determined that it was issued in error or if the individual voluntarily surrenders.