Howard County MD Criminal Records

We thank you for visiting our page. We aim to give you the best help for your Howard County Criminal Records Search. Our goal is to provide clear facts. This page will guide you to the right places for official records.

If you need to start your Howard County Criminal Records Search right now, you can use this resource: https://marylandofficialrecords.com/howard-county-criminal-records/. This site helps people find records. It can be a quick way to begin. Look there if you do not want to wait. They offer search tools that might meet your needs fast. Use it to see what data you can find now.

Official Access Points for Howard County Criminal Records Search

Finding official criminal records involves using state and county resources. These are the primary ways to search. You can trust the data from these places. They hold the real case files.

Maryland Judiciary Case Search (Online Portal)

The State of Maryland runs an online tool. It is called the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. You can find it here: http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/. This site lets the public view court case information. It covers the District Court and Circuit Courts in all Maryland counties. This includes Howard County. You can search using a person's name or a case number. The search shows case summaries. You will see names of people in the case. It lists court dates and hearing times. It also lists the names of documents filed in the case. Note that the search defaults to exact name matches. For a partial name search, type the start of the last name then a % sign.

This online tool is very helpful for quick lookups. But it has limits. It does not give you full copies of the documents. It only lists them. Also, some case types are not shown. This includes juvenile records. Records that have been sealed or shielded by a court order are also hidden. This tool is great for basic case information. It is not an official state background check. For that, you need to go to a different state agency. Access to the Case Search site is free.

Howard County Circuit Court Clerk's Office

The main place for official court records is the Clerk's Office. The Howard County Circuit Court Clerk holds these files. This office is key for your Howard County Criminal Records Search. They handle serious criminal cases. These include felonies. They also process appeals from the District Court. If a case needs a jury trial, it goes here. The Clerk's office keeps paper and electronic files. You can visit them in person to view public records. You can also ask for copies of documents.

• Location: 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043

• Phone: 410-313-2111

• Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. They are closed on legal holidays.

• Clerk: Wayne A. Robey serves as the Clerk of the Court. He is the contact for judicial records requests under the Public Information Act. You can reach his office via the main phone or find contact details on the court website: https://www.courts.state.md.us/clerks/howard. 

You can view many records right away at the office. But sometimes files might be in use. Or they could be stored off site. Call ahead if you need a specific old file. There are fees for getting copies made. Plain copies cost fifty cents per page. Getting a certified copy costs more. Ask the clerk staff about current fees and ways to pay. They can tell you the exact cost for what you need.

Howard County District Court

The District Court handles many types of cases. This includes most misdemeanors. It also handles some types of felonies. Many traffic violations are heard here too. If a traffic ticket is a crime, it starts in District Court. Landlord and tenant issues are also filed here. The District Court for Howard County is in the same building as the Circuit Court.

• Location: 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043

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

• Phone: Use the main courthouse line 410-313-2111 for general questions.

Records for District Court cases can often be found using the online Maryland Judiciary Case Search. You can also ask about them at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. The Clerk manages records for both court levels housed in that building. If you need help with a District Court case status, the Howard County State's Attorney's Office Victim Assistance may help. Their number is 410-313-3153. Or email cmcross@howardcountymd.gov. They also direct people to use the Case Search website for case info.

Understanding the Records and Access Rules

Not all court information is open to the public. Laws protect some data. It helps to know what you can find. And what rules control access.

Types of Criminal Information Available

When you do a Howard County Criminal Records Search, you might find:

• Felony Records: Details on serious crimes filed in Circuit Court.

• Misdemeanor Records: Information on less serious crimes. These are often in District Court. Some may be in Circuit Court.

• Criminal Traffic Violations: Cases like DUI or driving suspended. These are usually in District Court records.

Maryland Public Information Act (PIA)

Maryland law gives people the right to see public records. This law is the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA). It applies to court records too. But there are rules. The PIA aims for open government. It also guards private details. Title 16, Chapter 900 of the Maryland Rules sets specific guidelines for court record access. You can make a PIA request for records. For Howard County court records, send your request to the Clerk, Wayne A. Robey. His contact info is listed above. Or check the Howard County Government Public Information Act page for forms or portal links.

Restricted and Confidential Records

Some court records are not public. Laws protect certain information. This includes:

• Juvenile court records (cases involving minors).

• Adoption case files.

• Records about ending parental rights.

• Some financial details in support cases.

• Names of victims in certain crimes.

• Details from emergency mental health checks.

• Tax ID numbers or Social Security numbers.

These limits protect people's privacy. They follow state and federal laws. The Maryland Rules (Title 16, Chapter 900) list these limits.

Expungement and Shielding

Sometimes people can hide past criminal records. This is called expungement or shielding. If a record is expunged, it is destroyed. If it is shielded, it is removed from public view. You cannot see shielded records on Case Search. You cannot view them at the clerk's office without a court order. Maryland Rule 16-903 covers access rules. The Maryland People's Law Library explains shielding. People file a form (CC-DC-053) to ask the court to shield or seal a record. If granted, the record is no longer public.

Procedures for Your Howard County Criminal Records Search

You have a few ways to search for records. You can search online. You can go to the court. Or you can ask by mail. Each way works a bit differently.

Using the Online Case Search Tool

The fastest way to check for cases is online. Go to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Read and accept the terms. Choose to search by name or case number. Enter the last name. A first name helps narrow results. Remember, it looks for exact matches first. Use the % sign after part of a last name for partial searches (e.g., "Smith%"). Click search. A list of cases will appear. Click a case number to see details. This includes who is involved, court dates, and what papers were filed.

Requesting Records In-Person at the Courthouse

You can visit the Howard County Circuit Court Clerk's Office. The address is 9250 Judicial Way in Ellicott City. Go during business hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, weekdays). Bring a valid photo ID. You can ask to see public case files. Staff can help you find records. Viewing records at the counter is usually free. If you want copies, you must pay. Ask the staff for the current copy fee per page. Also ask about fees for certified copies if you need them.

This method lets you see the actual documents in the file. The online search only shows a summary list. Plan your visit. Some files might be in storage. Or they might be in use by a judge. Call first if you need a specific file right away. This ensures it will be ready for you. The staff are there to help guide you through the process.

Requesting Records by Mail

If you cannot visit, you can ask by mail. Contact the Howard County Circuit Court Clerk's office first. Call them at 410-313-2111. Ask for the exact steps to request copies by mail. You will need to provide clear details. Include the case number if you know it. If not, give the full name of the person involved. State clearly what documents you need copies of. You will likely need to send payment with your request. Ask the clerk about the cost and payment types they accept. Mail requests take more time than in-person visits. Be sure your request is clear and complete. This helps avoid delays.

Associated Fees and Costs

There are costs for some record services.

• Viewing Records: Looking at records in person at the Clerk's office is typically free.

• Online Search: Using the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website is free.

• Copies: Getting paper copies of documents costs money. A common rate is $0.50 per page. Check with the Howard County Clerk for the current fee.

• Certified Copies: If you need official copies with a court seal, there is an extra fee per document. Ask the clerk for this cost.

• Payment: Ask the Clerk's office what forms of payment they take. They may accept cash, check, or money order for in-person requests. Mail requests usually need a check or money order.

Key Contacts and Official Resources

Here are important contacts for your search. Use these official sources for reliable information.

Howard County Circuit Court Clerk

• Office: Clerk of the Circuit Court

• Address: 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043

• Phone: 410-313-2111

• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

• Website: Circuit Court for Howard County - Clerk's Office

Maryland Judiciary Case Search Portal

• Direct Link: http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch/

• Use: Online access to case summaries from Maryland courts.

Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services (DPSCS)

• Role: Provides official state criminal background checks. This is different from viewing court case files.

• Phone: 1-888-795-0011

• Website: https://dpscs.maryland.gov/ 

Howard County State's Attorney's Office

• Role: Prosecutes criminal cases. Can sometimes help victims with case status.

• Victim Assistance Phone: 410-313-3153

• Website/Case Info Page: Howard County State's Attorney - Court Case Information (This page often links back to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search).