Somerset County Arrest Records

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office is the custodian of arrest records. These records are publicly available in person during business hours. To obtain a copy of an arrest record, requesters should be prepared to provide identifying details about the arrested person, such as full name, arrest date, or date of birth. The Sheriff's Office may also require valid identification and completion of a formal records request form.

In some cases, individuals searching Somerset County court records may find related arrest information. This is because arresting agencies compile arrest records and share them with other law enforcement bodies. As a result, any court handling a criminal case typically has access to the defendant's arrest details.

Are Arrest Records Public in Somerset County?

The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) governs the inspection and copying of public records held by state and local law enforcement agencies. It mandates these agencies to release their records to members of the public upon request. The PIA seeks to balance citizens' right to access law enforcement agencies' records with other policies that respect the confidentiality of certain information. For example, the Somerset County Sheriff's Office will withhold the following arrest records from the public:

• Investigatory file, technique, or procedure
• Medical information of the arrested person

• Any arrest records whose disclosure will:

  • Prejudice an investigation
  • Identity of a confidential source
  • Endanger a person's life or physical safety
  • Interfere with a law enforcement proceeding
  • Constitutes an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
  • Deprive people of the right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Somerset County public arrest records contain basic information about the arrested person and the custody details. Examples of such information include:

• The arrested person's name and mugshot
• Inmate ID, height, weight, gender, race, and age
• Custody status, charges, custody status date, and time
• Booked date, holding facility, and reporting agency

Somerset County Arrest Statistics

The Maryland UCR Crime Arrest Data shows that about 778 arrests occurred in Somerset County in 2023, a 9% decrease from the arrest statistics of 2022. About 657 of those arrested were adults, and 121 were juveniles. The 2023 Maryland NIBRS Arrest Data also reveals 238 arrests in Somerset County. The data shows that about 41 arrests were due to crimes against persons, 19 for crimes against property, and 178 for crimes against society.

Find Somerset County Arrest Records

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) issues Somerset County arrest records online and in person to its customers. The DPSCS' Incarcerated Individual Locator enables members of the public to view arrest information of inmates in state prisons. Users of this portal must provide a name to access the database. The DPSDS operates about 19 institutions scattered across the states, where record seekers can visit to obtain copies of Somerset County arrest records. It is essential to contact the facilities before visiting to inquire about their opening hours and request fees.

Requesters can also find Somerset County arrest records from several federal law enforcement agencies in the county. Some agencies make their records available to members of the public online, by mail, or in person. For example, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) permits online access to its records through the Online Detainee Locator System. The search criteria are an A-Number or biographical details. Similarly, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has an Inmate Locator where members of the public can find arrest records without charges using a name or number. These agencies also have offices nationwide where customers can obtain copies of Somerset County arrest records.

However, other agencies restrict their arrest records to a select few. A typical example is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which only disseminates its records to the subjects of record. Eligible individuals can submit requests online, by mail, or through authorized channelers for $18. This fee can be made by certified check, credit card through the Credit Card Payment Form, or money order.

Free Arrest Record Search in Somerset County

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office may offer free arrest information via phone at (410) 651-9225, fax at (410) 651-1142, or email at scso@somersetmd.us. To assist with the search, staff will require sufficient details, such as the individual's name, date of birth, or the date of arrest.

Third-party websites provide basic arrest details from various jurisdictions for those interested in online access, typically excluding charge information. While initial searches may be free, obtaining full reports usually involves a small fee.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

The timeframe of an arrest stays on records depends on the disposition of the case and the type of offense. Non-conviction arrest records are automatically expunged after three years. This also includes cases where all charges result in acquittal, dismissal, not guilty, or nolle prosequi. Those who were found guilty would have to file a petition for expungement.

Expunge Somerset County Arrest Records

Expungement removes arrest information from court and law enforcement records. Only individuals who meet the Maryland Criminal Procedure §§ 10-105, 10-107, and 10-110 can expunge their arrest records in Somerset County. Arrest cases that resulted in acquittal, dismissal, not guilty, or nolle prosequi are automatically expunged after three (3) years if the arrestee takes no action. However, an arrestee who does not want to wait that long can file a petition. Applicants can file a petition (Form CC-DC-CR-072A, Form CC-DC-CR-072B, Form CC-DC-CR-072C, or Form CC-DC-CR-072D) for expungement at the Somerset County Circuit Court Criminal Department. The Clerk charges a filing fee of $30 for expunging records where the petitioner was found guilty. The expungement process lasts for 90 days. The Clerk will send the petition to the Somerset County State's Attorney's Office, which has 30 days to object to the expungement. If no objection is filed, the court will issue an order to all agencies involved in the case. The agencies have 60 days to comply with the court's order to expunge the arrest records. The court will mail a Certificate of Compliance to the petitioner to notify them that their expungement has been completed. Review the Expungement (Adult) page and Expunge Court Records leaflet for more information on the expungement process in Somerset County.

Somerset County Arrest Warrants

A Somerset County Court will issue an arrest warrant at the request of the State's Attorney's Office if there is probable cause to believe the defendant has committed an offense (MD Rule 4-212). An officer executes the warrant by arresting the defendant. The officer is expected to serve the warrant at the point of the arrest. However, they must inform the defendant of the fact of the warrant and the charge against them if the warrant is not in their possession during the arrest. The warrant must be served on the defendant immediately after the arrest. Within 24 hours after the arrest, the defendant must be taken before a Somerset County District Court judge.

Do Somerset County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Somerset County arrest warrants remain active until the person listed on the warrant is apprehended, they turn themselves in, or the court recalls the warrant.