Baltimore County MD Arrest Records

We are glad you are here. Thank you for visiting this page about Baltimore County Arrest Records. Our aim is to give you clear and useful facts. We will do our best to help you find the records you seek. This guide covers where and how to look for these public records.

If you wish to begin a search right now, you can visit https://marylandofficialrecords.com/baltimore-county-arrest-records/. This option lets you start looking for Baltimore County Arrest Records quickly. It can be a fast way to check for available public information. Please note this external site performs searches based on publicly accessible data sources which you can also access via the official channels detailed below. Using official sources ensures direct access.

What Are Baltimore County Arrest Records?

Baltimore County arrest records are official files. They document when a person is taken into custody. Law enforcement agencies create these records. This happens during or just after an arrest. These files are part of the public record system. But some parts may be kept private by law. They note a specific event in time. They do not prove the person committed the crime. Only a court can find someone guilty. These records form a key part of the county's justice data.

Information Included in Arrest Records

An arrest record typically holds key details. It lists the person's full name. It includes their date of birth. A physical description may be present. The record shows the specific charges at the time of arrest. It notes the date and time of the arrest. The location where the arrest took place is listed. The name of the arresting police agency is included. This is often the Baltimore County Police Department. A unique case number or ID number is assigned. A photograph, or mugshot, might be part of the file. Fingerprint data is often collected and linked. If bail was set, the amount may be on the record. This information helps track the individual through the system. Not all information may be available to the public per privacy rules.

Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records

It is vital to know the difference here. An arrest record shows police took someone into custody. It means they were detained based on probable cause. It does not mean they were found guilty. A criminal record is much broader. It shows the full history of court actions. This includes charges filed by a prosecutor. It details court dates and plea deals. Most importantly, it lists any convictions. A conviction means a court found the person guilty. So, an arrest can lead to a criminal record if found guilty. But an arrest alone is not a criminal record of guilt. Many arrests do not result in convictions. Charges might be dropped or the person found not guilty. Thus, having an arrest record is not the same as having a criminal record showing guilt. Accessing each type may involve different steps. Court records show the final outcomes.

How to Access Baltimore County Arrest Records

There are several official ways to find these records. Each agency holds different types of information. Knowing where to look saves time. You might need to check more than one place. This depends on the type of record you need. Some searches can be done online. Others need a visit or a mailed form. Fees may apply for copies.

Official Sources for Records

Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD)

The BCPD makes the initial arrest reports. They handle incident reports too. These contain details of the event leading to the arrest. You can ask for copies of these reports. The main headquarters is the place to start. Their records unit handles these requests. You must provide enough detail for them to find the report. This includes names, dates, and locations if known.

• Address: 700 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286-5501

• Phone (General Information): 410-887-2214

• Hours: Monday through Friday, during normal business hours. Call ahead for specific records unit hours.

• Request Process: Download the Police Report Request Form from their site. Find it at https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/police/request-reports. Fill it out fully. Include the report number if you have it. Mail it or bring it in person. Fees may apply for copies.

Baltimore County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office has different duties. They manage court security and serve legal papers. They also handle arrest warrants. They might have records linked to warrants served. Or information about people held for court. Their role in general arrest reports is less direct than BCPD. But they are a key law enforcement body in the county. You can contact them about warrants or civil process records.

• Address: County Courts Building, Ground Floor, 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204

• Phone: 410-887-3151

• Email: sheriff@baltimorecountymd.gov

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (confirm hours).

• Request Process: Call or email them with your query. Be specific about the information you need. They can guide you on available records and request steps.

Maryland Judiciary Case Search

This is a very useful online tool. It lets you search court records state wide. This includes cases in Baltimore County Circuit and District Courts. Arrests that lead to court charges appear here. You can see the charges filed. You can track case status and court dates. You can see the final outcome or disposition. This is key for finding out if an arrest led to a conviction. The search is free.

• Website: Access the search portal directly at https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/.

• Information: Use names or case numbers to search. Results show docket entries, judgments, and sentencing info.

• Limitations: It only shows cases filed in court. Arrests not prosecuted will not appear here. It does not contain the full police incident report.

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS)

DPSCS runs the state prison system. If someone is sentenced to state prison time, DPSCS has their record. Their online tool helps find inmates in state facilities. This confirms if someone is in state custody. It provides their location and state ID number (SID). It does not provide local county jail information. For state inmate details, this is the source.

• Website (Inmate Locator): https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/services/inmate-locator.shtml

• Main Contact: 6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215

• Phone: 877-379-8636 or 410-585-3300

• Information: Search by name or SID number. Provides current housing facility for state inmates.

Baltimore County Department of Corrections

This agency runs the Baltimore County Detention Center. This is the local jail. It holds people awaiting trial. It also holds those serving short sentences. They do not offer an online inmate search tool. You must call them to check if someone is in the county jail. This is a key step if the person is not found in state prison via DPSCS.

• Phone (Inmate Status Check): 410-512-3200 (Press 0 to speak with an operator).

• Phone (Administration): 410-512-3400

• Website (General Info): https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/corrections

• Note: They will likely only confirm if someone is currently held there. For charge details or release dates, you may need court records or BCPD reports.

Requesting Records In Person

Visiting an agency is one way to get records. You can go to the BCPD Records Unit. The Sheriff's Office might also help in person. Go during their listed business hours. Bring a valid government issued photo ID. You may need to fill out a request form on site. Be ready to pay any fees for search or copies. Ask staff for help if you are unsure of the process. This direct contact can sometimes yield faster results. It also allows you to ask clarifying questions right away. Be sure to check the specific address and hours before you go. Parking may also be a factor to plan for.

Requesting Records by Mail

You can also ask for records by mail. This is useful if you cannot visit in person. The Baltimore County Police Department provides a form online. Download the Police Report Request Form from their website. Fill it out with care. Include all details you know about the incident. Put your name and contact info clearly. Check the BCPD site or call them about fees. You may need to send a check or money order. Mail the form and payment to the address listed for the Records Unit. Keep a copy of your request for your files. Allow time for mail delivery and processing. Response times can vary based on workload.

Official Online Search Options

Online tools offer quick checks. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is the main one. Use it at https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/. It shows court case details for free. This covers cases arising from Baltimore County arrests. Remember it only shows court filed cases. For state prison inmates, use the DPSCS Inmate Locator. Find it at https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/services/inmate-locator.shtml. It confirms state custody status. There is no official online search for the Baltimore County Detention Center (county jail). You must call 410-512-3200 and press 0 for that information. Relying only on online tools may miss some records. Combining online searches with direct agency requests is often best.

Understanding Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA)

The Maryland Public Information Act is a state law. It gives people the right to see government records. This includes many Baltimore County arrest records. Knowing this law helps you access information. Agencies must follow MPIA rules when you ask for records.

Your Rights Under MPIA

This law is found in the Maryland Code. See the General Provisions Article, Title 4. You can find text or summaries online, like at the DPSCS PIA page: https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/publicinfo/pia.shtml. The MPIA says you have a right to inspect public records. You can also get copies of them. Agencies must provide access at reasonable times. They can charge fees for the time spent searching. They can also charge for making copies. The goal is open government. But the law also protects privacy and government functions. You do not usually need to say why you want the records.

The MPIA applies to state and local government bodies. This includes the Baltimore County Police Department. It includes the Sheriff's Office and the courts. When you request a public record, like an arrest report, the agency must respond. They should tell you if the record exists. They must explain any denials based on the law. They should provide an estimate of costs if fees apply. You have the right to challenge denials. The process for appeals is outlined in the MPIA. Understanding these rights empowers you to seek the information held by public agencies regarding Baltimore County arrest records and related documents.

Exemptions to Public Access

While the MPIA promotes openness, it has limits. Some records or parts of records are exempt. This means the agency can legally withhold them. Common exemptions protect personal privacy. For example, Social Security numbers are redacted. Victim contact information is often kept private. Details about ongoing police investigations are usually exempt. This protects the integrity of the investigation. Juvenile records have strong privacy protections. Medical and psychological information is typically confidential. Attorney-client advice and attorney work product are exempt. Certain personnel records of government employees are private. The MPIA lists specific exemptions in the law (§ 4-301 and following sections). If an agency denies access, they must cite the specific legal exemption. They often provide the record with the exempt parts blacked out (redacted). Understanding these limits helps manage expectations when seeking sensitive information within Baltimore County arrest records.

Arrest Record Accuracy and Corrections

Sometimes records contain errors. A name might be spelled wrong. Dates could be incorrect. Charges might be listed improperly. It is important to try and fix these mistakes. An error in an arrest record can cause problems later. It could affect background checks for jobs or housing.

What if Information is Wrong?

First, find out which agency holds the wrong record. Is it the BCPD arrest report? Is it the court record on Case Search? Or is it a state record with DPSCS? Once you know the source, contact that agency. Ask about their process for correcting records. You will likely need proof of the error. This could be a birth certificate for a wrong birth date. Or court documents showing different charges. Be polite but firm. Keep copies of all letters or emails you send. Follow the agency's steps carefully. It might take time to resolve. If you face difficulties, you might need legal advice. An attorney can help navigate the process. Correcting errors ensures the public record about you is fair and true.

Expungement of Baltimore County Arrest Records

Expungement is a legal way to clear your record. It removes arrest or court records from public view. This can offer a fresh start. Maryland law sets rules for when records can be expunged. The process involves filing papers with the court.

What is Expungement?

Expungement makes records unavailable to the public. This includes employers or landlords doing background checks. For many legal purposes, the event is treated like it never happened. Law enforcement agencies might still see sealed records. But for most public access, the record disappears. It applies to specific cases or charges. You must file a petition for each case you want expunged. It does not happen automatically for most cases. Getting an expungement means the court orders agencies to remove or seal the specific Baltimore County arrest records and associated court files from general public access, helping to mitigate long-term consequences.

Eligibility for Expungement in Maryland

Maryland law defines who can get records expunged. Eligibility depends on the case outcome and the type of charge. The rules are in Maryland Criminal Procedure Article, §§ 10-101 through 10-110. The Maryland Judiciary website has helpful guides. See https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/expungement. Generally eligible cases include:

• Acquittals (found not guilty).

• Dismissals (charges dropped by court).

• Nolle Prosequi (prosecutor dropped charges).

• Stet (inactive docket, eligible after 3 years).

• Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), eligible after completing probation successfully (or 3 years, whichever is later), provided no new convictions occurred within 3 years of the PBJ.

• Some guilty verdicts are eligible after waiting periods. This includes many misdemeanors (wait 3-10 years after sentence complete) and a few specific felonies like burglary or felony theft (wait 10-15 years). Domestically related convictions require a 15-year wait.

• You are generally not eligible if you have a current pending criminal case. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Under the Influence (DUI) convictions are usually not expungeable. Minor traffic offenses are handled by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), not the courts for expungement. If a case has multiple charges, often all charges must be eligible as a unit for the case to be expunged (minor traffic is excluded from the unit rule). Obtaining a pardon from the Governor can make some otherwise ineligible convictions eligible for expungement.

How to File for Expungement

You need to file a Petition for Expungement. Get the correct form from the Maryland Courts website (https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/expungement). Forms like CC-DC-CR-072A, B, C, or D cover different situations. Fill out the form completely. File it with the Clerk of the Court where your case ended. This will be the District Court or Circuit Court for Baltimore County. You must send a copy to the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office. They have a right to object. There is usually a $30 filing fee per case for guilty disposition expungements. There is no fee for cases ending in acquittal, dismissal, PBJ, nolle prosequi, or stet. You can ask the court to waive the fee if you cannot afford it. The court reviews the petition. If the State's Attorney objects, a hearing may be scheduled. If approved, the judge signs an Expungement Order. This order directs agencies to remove the record from public view.

Key Contact Information for Baltimore County Records

Here is a summary of key contacts for accessing records:

• Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD)
  
  

  • Address: 700 East Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286-5501

  • Phone (General): 410-887-2214

  • Hours: Mon-Fri (Business Hours - call to confirm Records Unit hours)

  • Website (Reports): https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/police/request-reports

• Baltimore County Sheriff's Office
  
  

  • Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, County Courts Building, Ground Floor, Towson, MD 21204

  • Phone: 410-887-3151

  • Email: sheriff@baltimorecountymd.gov

  • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (confirm hours)

  • Website: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/sheriff

• Baltimore County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
  
  

  • Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204

  • Phone (General Clerk): 410-887-2601

  • Phone (Criminal Dept): 410-887-2625

  • Phone (Expungement): 410-887-3090

  • Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Mon-Fri

  • Website: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/circuit

• Baltimore County Department of Corrections (County Jail)
  
  

  • Phone (Inmate Status Check): 410-512-3200 (Press 0)

  • Phone (Admin): 410-512-3400

  • Website (General Info): https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/corrections

  • Note: No online inmate search; call for status.

• Maryland Judiciary Case Search (Online Court Records)
  
  

  • Website: https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/

• Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS - State Prison)
  
  

  • Address: 6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215

  • Phone: 877-379-8636 / 410-585-3300

  • Website (Inmate Locator): https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/services/inmate-locator.shtml