Frederick County MD Arrest Records

We are glad you came to this page. Our team will try its best to help you find information on Frederick County Arrest Records. We aim to give you clear paths to the data you seek. This guide points to official sources.

If you want to start a search right now for Frederick County Arrest Records, you can visit https://marylandofficialrecords.com/frederick-county-arrest-records/. This resource may help you begin your quest for specific arrest details quickly. It offers a way to look for records in the area. Check their site for search tips and data access.

Accessing Frederick County Arrest Records

Finding arrest records involves knowing which agency holds the data. In Frederick County, Maryland, several places play a role. These include the Sheriff's Office and the court system.

Frederick County Sheriff's Office (FCSO)

The Sheriff's Office makes arrests. They create the first reports. These reports form the basis of Frederick County Arrest Records. The FCSO handles requests for many types of public records. This includes incident reports linked to arrests. They must follow state law when releasing information.

Online Request Portal (GovQuest)

The FCSO uses an online system called GovQuest. This is the main way to ask for records now. You must use their web portal. Go to https://app.govquest.com. Then select Frederick County MD Sheriff's Office. You can look for records already in the system. Or you can ask for a copy if it's not there yet. You need to make an account. This is free. You give contact info and make a password. This lets you track your request. You can pay fees online. You can also get the records sent to you online. This system handles requests for incident reports. It also deals with calls for service records.

In-Person Requests

If you can't use the online portal, you can go in person. Visit the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. The address is 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick MD 21701. You can also call the Records Section. The phone number is 301-600-1740. Ask them about how to request records without using the web portal. They are open during normal work hours. It is best to call first. This can save you time. They can tell you what you need to bring.

Fees for Records

There are costs to get copies of records. The fees depend on the type of record. For police incident reports, an email version costs $5.00 for 20 pages or less. Each extra page is $0.25. A printed copy costs the same. Videos have different fees. A video less than 10 minutes long costs $20.00. A video less than 20 minutes long costs $30.00. Longer videos have a base fee plus $1 per minute. You can pay these fees through the GovQuest system online.

Contact Information

• Records Section: 301-600-1740

• Main Line (24-Hour): 301-600-1046

• Non-Emergency Dispatch: 301-600-2071

• Tips Line: 301-600-4131

• Address: 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick MD 21701

Frederick County Adult Detention Center (FCADC)

The Detention Center holds people after they are arrested. It is run by the Sheriff's Office Corrections Bureau. People may stay here while their case goes through court. Or they might serve short terms here. The main task is safe housing for inmates.

Finding Current Inmates

Frederick County does not seem to have its own online inmate search tool. This means you cannot look up who is in the county jail right now on a local website. For recent arrests, calling the Detention Center might yield info. But the main way to search is through the state.

Using State Resources

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) has a statewide inmate locator. This tool includes many people held across Maryland. It may list some inmates housed in Frederick County. See the DPSCS section below for the link and more details.

Contact Information

• Address: 7300 Marcie's Choice Lane, Frederick, MD 21704

• Phone: 301-600-2550

• Fax: 301-600-3066

• Visit the Sheriff's Office website for a full list of Detention Center phone numbers if needed.

Maryland Judiciary Case Search

After an arrest, a case often enters the court system. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool lets you find court records online. This is a key resource for tracking Frederick County Arrest Records as they become court cases. It is free to use. You can search from home.

The Case Search tool is found at https://www.courts.state.md.us/casesearch. You can search by a person's name. You can also search by case number if you know it. Searching by name across the state might give many results. Try to add details like date of birth if the search allows. This can help narrow the list.

The search results show court case details. You can see the charges filed. You can find future court dates. The case status is often shown. It might say "active" or "closed". You can see judges names and lawyer names too. This database covers District and Circuit courts in Maryland. It includes Frederick County courts. Keep in mind that very recent arrests might take time to show up here. Data entry is not instant.

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS)

DPSCS runs the state prisons. They also oversee parole and probation. They offer a useful online tool. It is the Incarcerated Individual Locator. This search helps find people in state custody. This might include those arrested in Frederick County who are later moved to a state prison.

The locator link is https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/services/inmate-locator.shtml. You can search using a first name and last name. The tool shows the current housing location for many state inmates. It does not list everyone. Short-term inmates or those released might not appear. It is best for finding people serving sentences in state facilities. Use this tool if you think the person is no longer in the local Frederick County jail.

Frederick County Circuit Court Clerk

The Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps official court records. These files contain full details about criminal cases. This includes information related to the initial arrest. The Clerk's office is a vital source for Frederick County Arrest Records once a case goes to court. You can access public records here.

You can visit the Clerk's office in person. It is at the Frederick County Courthouse. The address is 100 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701. The office is open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. It is closed on legal holidays. You can call them for help. The number for criminal case information is 301-600-1932. The general information line is 301-600-1976. The Records Room number is 301-600-1957. Staff can help you find case files. You may need to pay fees for copies. Many court records can also be found online via the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.

Contents of Frederick County Arrest Records

Arrest records contain specific details about an arrest event. The goal is to document who was arrested, why, when, and where. While formats vary, most Frederick County Arrest Records should include key facts.

Information Typically Included

• Personal Details: The full name of the person arrested. Their date of birth or age at the time of arrest. Sometimes, a home address is listed. A basic physical description might be noted.

• Arrest Details: The exact date and time the arrest took place. The location where the arrest occurred.

• Agency Info: The name of the police agency that made the arrest (e.g., FCSO, state police, city police). The name of the arresting officer might be on the report.

• Charges: The specific laws the person is accused of breaking. These are the initial charges filed. They can change later in court.

• Case Identifiers: A police case number or report number. A court case number if charges have been formally filed.

• Status: Bail or bond amount set, if any. Information about where the person is being held (e.g., FCADC).

• Booking Photo: A mugshot is often taken during booking. Access to these photos varies by state and agency policy.

Arrest Records vs. Criminal Conviction Records

It is key to know the difference between an arrest and a conviction. An arrest does not mean someone is guilty. A conviction means a court found them guilty. This difference matters a lot.

An arrest record shows police took someone into custody. They had probable cause to think the person broke a law. The case may or may not move forward. Charges might be dropped. The person might be found not guilty. The arrest record still exists unless it is expunged.

A criminal conviction record shows a court's final ruling. This means the person pleaded guilty or was found guilty at trial. Convictions often have more serious impacts. Employers doing background checks focus more on convictions than arrests. A conviction proves a crime was committed. An arrest only shows suspicion at one point in time. Understanding this helps when looking at Frederick County Arrest Records.

Public Access Laws in Maryland

Public access to government records in Maryland is based on state law. The main law is the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). This law gives people the right to see most public records. This includes many police and arrest records.

Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA)

The MPIA states that government records are open to the public. The goal is open government. People should know what their government is doing. Frederick County Arrest Records fall under this act. Agencies like the Sheriff's Office must follow MPIA rules. They must provide records unless a specific exemption applies. You can learn more about the MPIA on the Maryland Attorney General's website: https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/OpenGov/pia.aspx. The site has a manual explaining the law. It lists contacts for PIA requests at state and local agencies.

Exemptions and Redactions

The MPIA allows agencies to withhold some information. This protects privacy and safety. Common reasons to deny access or black out parts of a record include:

• Protecting an ongoing police probe.

• Keeping victim or witness names private.

• Shielding sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers.

• Records related to juveniles are often kept private.

• Information that could risk someone's safety if released.

If part of a record is exempt, the agency should release the rest. They must explain why parts were withheld.

Correcting or Expunging Frederick County Arrest Records

An arrest record can cause problems later in life. Maryland law allows some records to be expunged. Expungement removes the record from public view. It seals the record. It is like the arrest never happened in the eyes of the public.

Eligibility in Maryland

Not all records can be expunged. Maryland has specific rules. Eligibility depends on the case outcome. You might qualify if:

• Your charges were dropped or dismissed.

• You were found not guilty (acquitted).

• Your case received a "stet" (inactive) ruling.

• You received a "probation before judgment" (PBJ) and completed probation.

• You were convicted of certain minor crimes, after a waiting period.

The rules change over time. Always check the current Maryland statutes. The Maryland Judiciary website often has guides on expungement.

How to File for Expungement

The process involves filing papers with the court. You usually file a Petition for Expungement. You list the specific case you want removed. You must meet the waiting periods if needed. You may need to get fingerprinted. The State's Attorney gets a copy of your request. They can object. A judge makes the final decision. It is wise to get legal help for this process. It can be complex. An attorney can ensure you qualify and file correctly. They can represent you if there is a hearing.

Related Public Records

When looking for Frederick County Arrest Records, other public records might also be useful.

Court Dockets

Court dockets list cases scheduled for hearings. Frederick County posts Circuit Court dockets online. These usually appear the day before the hearing. Dockets show case names, times, and courtrooms. They help track active cases linked to arrests. Find them on the Frederick County government website under the Circuit Court section.

Warrants

Arrest warrants are issued by courts. They order police to arrest someone. Active warrants are sometimes searchable. But often, full lists are not public. This protects officers and prevents suspects from fleeing. The Sheriff's Office handles warrants. Contact them for questions, but they may not release all warrant data publicly.

Sex Offender Registry

Maryland maintains a public sex offender registry. This is run by DPSCS. It lists people convicted of certain sex crimes. This is separate from arrest records but related to criminal history. You can search the registry on the DPSCS website.