Baltimore County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Baltimore County
Arrest records in Baltimore County are considered public information pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under § 4-101 et seq. of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Code. This statute establishes that members of the public have a right to access government records, including arrest records, unless a specific exemption applies. The Maryland Public Information Act operates under the presumption that government records are open to inspection, with certain limitations designed to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive information.
It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Maryland law, both types of records are generally accessible, though arrest records that did not lead to charges or convictions may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances as provided in § 10-105 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains the central repository of criminal history record information for the state, including arrest data from Baltimore County. Access to these records is governed by both state law and departmental policies designed to balance public access with individual privacy rights.
What's in Baltimore County Arrest Records
Baltimore County arrest records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identification numbers (state ID, FBI number if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Baltimore County Police Department or other jurisdiction)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Whether released on own recognizance
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge (if available)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history references
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Immigration detainer information (if applicable)
- Special custody requirements
- Victim information (typically redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the alleged offense. Pursuant to § 10-219 of the Criminal Procedure Article, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Baltimore County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Baltimore County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for requesting and accessing arrest records:
- Submit a request to the Baltimore County Police Department Records Division:
- Complete the Records Request Form
- Include the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Provide a copy of valid government-issued photo identification
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email
Baltimore County Police Department Records Division
700 E. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286
410-887-2214
Baltimore County Police Department
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Request records from the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system:
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search online portal
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review publicly available case information, including arrest details
- Note that this system provides court case information, which may include arrest data
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Contact the Maryland Central Repository:
- Submit a Criminal History Record Check request to the Criminal Justice Information System
- Complete the required fingerprint card for a complete criminal history
- Pay the applicable processing fee as established by state regulations
Maryland Criminal Justice Information System
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-764-4501
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
- File a Maryland Public Information Act request:
- Submit a written request citing the MPIA (§ 4-201)
- Clearly identify the records being sought
- Allow up to 30 days for a response as permitted by law
- Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for search and duplication
Requesters should be aware that certain information may be redacted from arrest records to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected information. Additionally, pursuant to § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, preparation, and reproduction of records.
How To Find Baltimore County Arrest Records Online
Baltimore County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records through several official online resources. The following digital platforms provide varying levels of arrest record information:
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This comprehensive database maintained by the Maryland Judiciary provides public access to court case records, including information about criminal cases originating from arrests in Baltimore County. Users can search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate court proceedings related to arrests. The system is accessible at casesearch.courts.state.md.us.
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Baltimore County Police Department Website: The department maintains an online portal where certain arrest information may be published, particularly for significant cases or wanted individuals. The site includes a section for recent arrests and public safety announcements that may contain arrest information of public interest.
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Maryland Department of Public Safety Inmate Locator: For individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated, the Maryland Inmate Locator service provides custody status and location information. This resource is particularly useful for determining if someone arrested in Baltimore County is currently in state custody.
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Maryland Sex Offender Registry: Maintained by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, this database includes information about registered sex offenders, including their arrest history related to qualifying offenses. The registry can be searched by name, location, or other criteria.
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Baltimore County Circuit Court Records: The Circuit Court for Baltimore County provides online access to certain court records that may contain arrest information for cases within their jurisdiction.
When utilizing these online resources, users should note that pursuant to § 10-219 of the Criminal Procedure Article, certain sensitive information may be redacted or limited in publicly accessible versions of arrest records. Additionally, the timeliness of online information may vary, with some databases updated daily while others may experience longer delays between an arrest and the publication of related records.
How To Search Baltimore County Arrest Records for Free?
Baltimore County residents and other interested parties can access arrest records without payment through several public resources. The following methods provide cost-free access to arrest record information:
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This free online database is the primary resource for accessing court case information, including criminal cases stemming from arrests in Baltimore County. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides public access to case records searchable by name, case number, or other identifiers. This resource is maintained by the Maryland Judiciary and updated regularly with new case information.
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Baltimore County Public Libraries: The Baltimore County Public Library system provides free public computer access where individuals can search online resources including the Maryland Judiciary Case Search and other public databases. Library staff may also assist patrons in locating public records resources.
Baltimore County Public Library (Towson Branch)
320 York Road
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-6166
Baltimore County Public Library
- In-Person Viewing at the Courthouse: Pursuant to § 4-201 of the General Provisions Article, members of the public may inspect public records during normal business hours at the courthouse. While copying fees may apply, viewing records in person is typically free of charge.
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Baltimore County Circuit Court
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Baltimore County Police Department Website: The department's official website includes free access to certain public safety information, including recent significant arrests and public notices about criminal activity.
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Maryland State Archives: The Maryland State Archives maintains historical Baltimore County records, including court and criminal justice records that may contain arrest information. Many of these resources are available for free public inspection.
When utilizing these free resources, requesters should be aware that while basic inspection of records may be free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies, certified records, or extensive searches as permitted under § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article. Additionally, certain information may be redacted from publicly available records to protect privacy interests or sensitive information.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Baltimore County
Baltimore County residents with arrest records may be eligible to have these records expunged or shielded under specific circumstances defined by Maryland law. The processes for limiting public access to arrest records are governed by distinct legal mechanisms:
Expungement (Complete Removal)
Expungement is the process of completely removing records from public access and official databases. Pursuant to § 10-105 of the Criminal Procedure Article, individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in charges (must wait 3 years unless a waiver is obtained)
- The charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The case resulted in probation before judgment (after completion of probation)
- The case was placed on the stet docket (must wait 3 years)
- The case resulted in a nolle prosequi
- The conviction was for certain specified minor offenses
- The Governor granted a full pardon
To initiate the expungement process:
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form (CC-DC-CR-072)
- File the petition with the court where the case was disposed
- Pay the filing fee (currently $30, may be waived for financial hardship)
- Serve a copy on the State's Attorney's Office
- Attend any scheduled hearing if the petition is contested
Shielding (Restricted Access)
Shielding limits public access to records while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. Under § 10-301 of the Criminal Procedure Article, certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for shielding after a waiting period (typically 3 years after completion of the sentence).
To request shielding:
- Complete the Request for Shielding form (CC-DC-CR-148)
- File the request with the appropriate court
- Serve a copy on the State's Attorney's Office
- Attend any scheduled hearing if the request is contested
Nuance Regarding Arrest Records
It is important to note that expunging or shielding court records does not automatically remove arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies. A separate request must be submitted to each agency that maintains records related to the arrest. The Maryland Criminal Justice Information System coordinates expungement across multiple agencies once a court order is issued.
Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-6600
Baltimore County State's Attorney
Individuals seeking expungement or shielding may benefit from legal assistance, as the process involves specific statutory requirements and timelines. The Maryland Legal Aid and the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service offer assistance to eligible individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records.
What Happens After Arrest in Baltimore County?
Following an arrest in Baltimore County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Maryland state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
Initial Custody and Booking
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to a Baltimore County police station or detention facility where they undergo the booking process. This includes:
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Collection of personal information
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
The booking information is entered into the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System as required by § 10-213 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
Initial Appearance Before a Commissioner
Within 24 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a District Court Commissioner who:
- Informs the defendant of the charges
- Advises of the right to counsel
- Makes an initial bail determination
- Sets conditions of pretrial release if applicable
- Schedules the next court appearance
This proceeding is conducted pursuant to Maryland Rule 4-213, which establishes the requirements for initial appearances.
Bail Review Hearing
If the defendant remains in custody after the initial appearance, a bail review hearing is conducted before a District Court judge, typically within 24-48 hours of arrest. At this hearing:
- The judge reviews the Commissioner's bail determination
- The defendant may be represented by counsel
- The State's Attorney may argue for specific bail conditions
- The judge may modify bail or release conditions
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
For felony cases that did not originate from a grand jury indictment, defendants have the right to a preliminary hearing within 10 days if in custody or 30 days if released. At this hearing:
- A judge determines if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the alleged felony
- If probable cause is found, the case proceeds to Circuit Court
- If not, the felony charges are dismissed
Formal Charging
The Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office determines formal charges through:
- Filing a criminal information in District Court for misdemeanors
- Presenting evidence to a grand jury for potential indictment in felony cases
- Deciding whether to prosecute or dismiss charges based on evidence
Arraignment
At arraignment, typically held in Circuit Court for felonies and District Court for misdemeanors:
- Formal charges are read to the defendant
- The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere)
- Trial dates and other proceedings are scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings
Before trial, several proceedings may occur:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges)
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences to track case progress
Trial
Defendants have the right to a trial by jury in Circuit Court for felonies and jailable misdemeanors, or a bench trial (judge only) in either court. The trial process includes:
- Jury selection (if applicable)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation or judge's decision
- Verdict
Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing may occur immediately or at a later date and includes:
- Review of pre-sentence investigation (in felony cases)
- Victim impact statements
- Consideration of sentencing guidelines
- Imposition of incarceration, probation, fines, or other penalties
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional and statutory rights, including the right to counsel, which may be provided by the Office of the Public Defender for those who qualify financially.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Baltimore County?
Arrest records in Baltimore County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Maryland state law and administrative regulations. The Maryland State Archives serves as the ultimate repository for permanent government records, including certain criminal justice records from Baltimore County.
Pursuant to § 10-222 of the Criminal Procedure Article, the Central Repository of the Criminal Justice Information System must maintain criminal history record information, including arrest data, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Secretary of Public Safety and Correctional Services. These regulations establish the following retention periods:
Law Enforcement Agency Records
- Arrest reports and related documentation: Minimum of 75 years from date of creation
- Fingerprint cards and booking photographs: Permanent retention unless expunged by court order
- Investigation reports related to arrests: Minimum of 75 years from case closure
- Juvenile arrest records: Sealed at age 18 unless the case was transferred to adult court
Court Records
- Circuit Court criminal case files: Permanent retention by the Maryland Judiciary
- District Court criminal case files: 20 years after case disposition
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case disposition
- Domestic violence cases: 50 years after case disposition
Corrections Records
- Inmate files for sentenced individuals: 75 years after final release from supervision
- Detention center records for pre-trial detainees: 10 years after release
The Baltimore County Records Management Division coordinates with state authorities to ensure proper maintenance of county records in accordance with these retention schedules. Records may be maintained in paper, microfilm, or electronic formats depending on the age and type of record.
It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in secondary sources such as news archives, commercial background check databases, and other non-governmental repositories. Additionally, expunged records are removed from public access before their scheduled destruction date when a court orders expungement pursuant to § 10-105 or § 10-110 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
The Maryland State Archives Records Retention Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on the maintenance and eventual disposition of government records, including those related to arrests in Baltimore County.
How to Find Mugshots in Baltimore County
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are maintained as part of Baltimore County's law enforcement records. Access to these photographs is governed by Maryland public information laws and departmental policies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) photograph
- Profile (side-view) photograph
- Identification information (name, date, case number)
- Height measurement markers
These photographs serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and are considered government records subject to the Maryland Public Information Act.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Baltimore County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
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Baltimore County Police Department Records Division
700 E. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286
410-887-2214
Baltimore County Police Department -
Baltimore County Detention Center
720 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-512-3200
Baltimore County Department of Corrections -
Maryland Criminal Justice Information System
6776 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
410-764-4501
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
Finding Mugshots
To obtain a mugshot from Baltimore County authorities, individuals may:
- Submit a Maryland Public Information Act request specifically requesting the booking photograph
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Include the approximate date of arrest and case number if known
- Submit the request to the Records Division of the Baltimore County Police Department
- Pay any applicable fees for search and reproduction of the photograph
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Unlike some jurisdictions, Baltimore County does not maintain a public online database of booking photographs. Mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets that publish arrest information
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public sources
- Law enforcement press releases for significant cases
The Baltimore County Police Department News section occasionally includes booking photographs in press releases about major arrests, but this is not comprehensive.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official copy of a booking photograph is through a formal Maryland Public Information Act request. Pursuant to § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, preparation, and reproduction of records, including mugshots.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest photographs are generally not public records
- Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Expunged arrest records and associated photographs are removed from public access
- Certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims) may have restricted access
Additionally, Maryland has enacted legislation (§ 4-1701 of the General Provisions Article) that prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots if the person was not convicted or the record was expunged.