Howard County Warrant Search

We thank you for visiting our page. We will do our best to help you with your Howard County Warrant Search. Our goal is to give you clear facts and steps.

If you need to start a Howard County Warrant Search right now, you can go here: https://marylandwarrantrecords.com/howard-county-warrant-search/. This resource provides a way to check for warrants within Howard County quickly. Taking action now might be the best step if you think there could be an active warrant. Getting clear information helps you plan what to do next. Use the link to begin your check right away.

Understanding Warrants in Howard County

Warrants are official court orders. They give law enforcement power. This power allows them to arrest a person. Or it lets them search a place. Judges issue warrants based on cause. Howard County follows Maryland state laws for warrants. Knowing the types helps your search.

Types of Warrants

Many kinds of warrants exist. Each type serves a set goal.

• Arrest Warrants: These are most common. A judge issues them for a crime. Police use them to arrest the person named.

• Bench Warrants: A judge issues these from the bench. This often happens if someone fails to show up in court. Or they fail to pay a fine. It orders their arrest.

• Civil Body Attachments: These are used in civil cases. They are not for crimes. They compel a person to appear in court. Often related to debt or support cases. The Sheriff's Office handles these from the District Court.

• Juvenile Warrants: These relate to cases involving minors. The Circuit Court issues these. Special rules apply to juvenile records.

Issuing Authorities

Warrants in Howard County come from courts.

• Circuit Court: Handles serious criminal cases (felonies). It also handles some misdemeanors. Juvenile warrants come from here. Grand jury indictments lead to warrants here.

• District Court: Handles less serious criminal cases (misdemeanors). It also handles traffic cases. Civil body attachments are issued here.

Relevant Maryland Laws

Maryland law defines how warrants work. The form and content are set by law. For instance, Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Code § 2-107 details arrest warrant forms. It lists required data like name and address. Bench warrants for failure to appear are covered too. See Maryland Criminal Procedure Code § 5-211. Public access to warrant info is in Maryland General Provisions Code § 4-316. This law notes when warrant files become public. Usually after service or 90 days. But some info stays private.

Howard County Sheriff's Office Role

The Howard County Sheriff's Office is key in the warrant process. They have a special unit for this task. This unit works hard to find and arrest people with warrants. They work with other police forces too. Their reach goes past county lines. They bring fugitives back from other states.

Warrant & Fugitive Section Responsibilities

This section handles many warrant types. They seek people wanted on Circuit Court warrants. This includes grand jury indictments. Bench warrants are part of their job. Juvenile warrants are too. They also serve civil body attachments from the District Court. They help police in Maryland and the US. They find fugitives living or hiding in Howard County. They track down people who owe child support. Arresting these fugitives is a main duty.

The Warrant/Fugitive Section keeps detailed records. Warrants get put into a local computer system. This helps 911 dispatchers and police officers. They can quickly see who has a warrant. Criminal and child support warrants go into METERS. This is the Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System. Warrants for serious crimes that allow extradition go into NCIC. That is the National Crime Information Center. This system is used across the nation. It helps track fugitives who cross state lines. The goal is to ensure public safety. They work hard to clear active warrants.

Contact Information

You can reach the Sheriff's Office for warrant questions.

• Warrant & Fugitive Section Phone: (410) 313-4174

• Sheriff's Office General Phone: (410) 313-2150

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

• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

• After-Hours Inquiries: (410) 313-4150 (Note: Warrant service may occur anytime)

• Email: HCSO@howardcountymd.gov

• Website: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/sheriffs-office 

Reporting Fugitive Information

Do you know where a fugitive might be? You can help the Sheriff's Office. Call the Warrant/Fugitive Section. The number is (410) 313-4174. They take tips from the public. All information you give will be kept secret. Your help can make the county safer.

Searching for Warrants: Official Channels

There are official ways to look for warrants. Using these ensures you get good data. Public records access is a right in Maryland. But some limits exist for privacy.

Maryland Judiciary Case Search (MJCS)

This is a key online tool. It lets you search court records in Maryland.

• Accessing the Online Tool: Visit the Maryland Judiciary website. Go to https://www.courts.state.md.us/casesearch. You can search by name or case number.

• What Information is Available/Not Available: Case Search shows case status. It lists court dates and filings. You can see charges and outcomes. However, it may not show unserved warrants. Some case types are restricted. Juvenile cases are often sealed. Some details may be private. Land records and estate cases are separate.

• Limitations: Not all warrant information is public right away. Maryland law (General Provisions § 4-316) restricts access. Files may be sealed until the warrant is served. Or until 90 days pass. Always check the date of the data. Case Search is a good starting point. It is not always the full picture for warrants.

Contacting Court Clerks

Court clerks keep official records. You can ask them about warrants. They manage files for their court.

• Howard County Circuit Court Clerk: This office handles felony cases. They also handle juvenile cases. You can ask about warrants from this court.
  
  

  • Contact Info:

    • Phone: (410) 313-2111 (General Information)

    • Criminal/Juvenile Dept Phone: (410) 313-3822

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

    • Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Closed on court holidays.

    • Website: https://www.courts.state.md.us/clerks/howard 

  • Services/Record Access: They provide public access to case files. Some records may be restricted by law. You can view records in person. Or you can ask for copies. Fees may apply for copies. They do not offer legal advice.

• Howard County District Court Clerk: This office handles misdemeanors. Traffic cases are here too. Civil body attachments originate here.
  
  

  • Contact Info:

    • Phone: (410) 480-7700 (General Information)

    • Toll-Free (in Maryland): 1-800-944-8107

    • Address: 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043-4377

    • Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday. Closed on legal holidays.

    • Website: https://www.mdcourts.gov/district/directories/howard 

  • Services/Record Access: Like the Circuit Court Clerk. They offer access to public case records. You can search records there. Ask staff for help finding case data. They can explain court procedures. They cannot give legal advice.

Public Information Act (PIA) Requests

If other methods fail, try a PIA request. Maryland's PIA allows access to public records. This includes some police and sheriff records.

• When to Use: Use this if you need official documents. Especially if Case Search is unclear. Or if clerks cannot provide full info.

• How to Submit: Requests must be in writing. Use email or mail. Be very specific about the records you need. Include your contact details.

• Specific Contacts:

  • For Sheriff's Office Records: Contact the Sheriff's Office PIA contact. Check their website for the current email or process. For Maryland Public Information Requests to HCSO email: mmckelvey@howardcountymd.gov.

  • For Police Department Records (HCPD): Submit requests directly to HCPD. Email: therecordssection@howardcountymd.gov. Mail: Howard County Police Department, Attn: Records Section, 3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Phone: (410) 313-2250.

  • For General County Records: Submit to the Department of County Administration. Email: piarecords@howardcountymd.gov. Mail: Department of County Administration, Attn: Patrick Pope, Assistant CAO, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Phone: (410) 313-4305.

What if a Warrant Exists?

Finding out there is a warrant can be scary. It is vital to handle it the right way. Ignoring a warrant leads to more problems. Arrest can happen at any time.

Consequences of an Outstanding Warrant

An active warrant means police can arrest you. This can happen during a traffic stop. Or if police come to your home or work. Your driver's license might be affected. Some warrants allow extradition from other states. Failing to appear can lead to new charges. This is covered in MD Criminal Procedure § 5-211. Fines and jail time are possible. It is best to deal with it fast.

Turning Yourself In

The best step is often to turn yourself in. This shows the court you are taking it seriously. Contact the Howard County Sheriff's Office Warrant Section first. Their number is (410) 313-4174. Or call the general line at (410) 313-2150. Ask about the process for surrender. They can tell you when and where to go. Going during business hours is often best. Bring photo ID with you. Arrange for bail if possible. You might need a bondsman. Consider having a lawyer help you.

Legal Counsel Recommendations

Dealing with a warrant is a legal matter. Getting legal advice is smart. A lawyer can explain your rights. They can represent you in court. They can help arrange surrender. They may argue for lower bail.

• Public Defender: If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask for the Public Defender. Their office helps people who qualify based on income. The Howard County Public Defender's Office phone is (410) 480-7777.

• Private Attorney: You can hire your own lawyer. Look for one with criminal defense experience. The Howard County Bar Association may offer referrals.

Key Howard County Contacts Summary

Here are important contacts for warrant checks.

• Howard County Sheriff's Office (Warrant & Fugitive Section):

  • Phone: (410) 313-4174

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

  • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

• Howard County Circuit Court Clerk:

  • Phone: (410) 313-2111

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

  • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

• Howard County District Court Clerk:

  • Phone: (410) 480-7700

  • Address: 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043

  • Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

• Maryland Judiciary Case Search: https://www.courts.state.md.us/casesearch