Maryland Criminal Records

A Maryland Criminal Record is a detailed report that keeps track of a person's run-ins with the law. It gathers information from the Maryland judiciary and the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), which holds records generated and compiled by local law enforcement agencies.

This Maryland criminal record typically features the subject's full name, birthdate, mugshots, and their alleged criminal offenses and consequent charges. It also shows what happened to those charges: i.e., if they were found guilty, if the case was dropped, and so on. The record also notes the punishment given by the court or jail, the current situation with probation or parole, and if the record was ever erased or sealed, if that applies.

Are Criminal Records Public in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland criminal records are generally public, but with specific restrictions and exemptions. The Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) enables individuals to request and access criminal records from law enforcement agencies and courts. Nevertheless, certain types of records are not publicly available, including:

• Records associated with ongoing investigations or prosecutions;
• Records containing personal or confidential information, such as social security numbers, medical records, or victim identities;
• Records that have been sealed, expunged, or deemed confidential by court order;
• Records protected by other state or federal laws, such as juvenile records, grand jury proceedings, or matters related to national security.

Maryland Crime Records by County

In Maryland, crime information is typically gathered and managed by law enforcement agencies within each county. The local police department or sheriff's office in each county compiles and submits crime stats to the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP) using the Maryland Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. This program is widely used to categorize and standardize crime data, making it easier to compare across different areas.

The UCR Program breaks down crime data into two main types: violent crime and property crime. Violent crime covers serious offenses like homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crime includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Additionally, the UCR Program monitors other offenses, such as hate crimes, domestic violence, and drug-related arrests.

The UCR Program annually releases comprehensive crime statistics reports detailing information at the county, municipal, and national levels. These reports include data on the number of offenses, clearance rates, arrest rates, and crime rates per 100,000 population. Anyone can access these reports online through the Crime Dashboard and the Maryland NIBRS Dashboard for a transparent overview of crime trends.

Maryland Criminal Record Check

Conducting a Maryland Criminal Record Check, commonly called a background check, involves confirming a person's identity and reviewing their criminal history within the state. This process is typically required for employment, licensing, or official purposes.

Below are the steps to perform a criminal background check in Maryland:

• Suppose someone needs a copy of their criminal record for personal reasons, like visa applications or obtaining a gold seal letter. In that case, they can visit an authorized location offering fingerprinting services. They can obtain a state and national criminal history record check by paying a fee. For those residing outside Maryland, a fingerprint card can be requested by mail or phone from the Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository (CJIS-CR).
• For employment or licensing-related criminal record checks, individuals must first obtain a CJIS Authorization number from the CJIS-CR. This involves submitting an application form along with the required fee. Once the authorization number is obtained, individuals can visit an authorized location for fingerprinting services, paying a fee to get a state and national criminal history record check.
• To access a court record for a specific case, individuals can use the online Case Search system to find the case number and the courthouse where it was heard. They can then visit the courthouse, request the record from the clerk, or use the online E-Services to view or download the record.

It's important to note that individuals must have a legitimate reason and legal authorization if they wish to check another person's criminal history. Employers, landlords, or government agencies may conduct background checks on applicants or tenants, but they must adhere to laws and regulations safeguarding privacy and individual rights. Requesting a criminal record check on someone else for personal or malicious reasons, such as stalking, harassment, or discrimination, is a prosecutable offense.

Find Criminal Records Online in Maryland

Individuals seeking to access criminal records in Maryland can use the Case Search system. This system lets users discover information about specific court cases, including criminal records. By entering pertinent details like names or case numbers, users can initiate a search on this user-friendly platform. The Case Search system proves to be a valuable tool for those interested in obtaining details about court cases, including criminal proceedings, making finding information accessible and straightforward.

Free Criminal Record Search in Maryland

For a free criminal record search in Maryland, individuals can utilize government-approved platforms such as the Case Search system provided by the Maryland Judiciary.

However, while some government platforms offer free access, third-party aggregate websites also provide this information. These websites often compile data from various public sources.

What Does it Mean if You Have a Criminal Record in Maryland?

Having a criminal record in Maryland can bring about a range of consequences that impact various aspects of life. These implications include:

• Challenges in Opportunities: Individuals with a criminal record may face difficulties securing employment, housing, education, or professional licenses. This is because many employers, landlords, schools, and licensing boards often conduct background checks, and having a criminal record could lead to denials or limitations in these areas.
• Civil Rights Restrictions: Depending on the type and severity of the offense, individuals may experience a loss of certain civil rights. These could include the right to vote, serve on a jury, or possess a firearm. The specifics of the criminal record determine the extent of these restrictions.
• Enhanced Penalties: Prior convictions can increase penalties for future offenses. Courts may use past convictions to enhance sentencing or charge more severe crimes, impacting the severity of legal consequences for subsequent actions.
• Travel and Immigration Implications: Individuals with a criminal record may face restrictions on travel, immigration, or citizenship. Some countries may deny entry or visas to individuals with criminal records, and certain offenses can affect eligibility for naturalization or result in deportation.

Does Your Criminal Record Clear After 7 Years in Maryland?

No, a person's criminal record in Maryland doesn't automatically clear after seven years. However, individuals may have the option to apply for expungement. It's important to note that expungement is not available for all types of offenses, and there are specific requirements and procedures to follow.

For instance, some misdemeanor convictions qualify for expungement after three years from the sentencing date or the completion of the sentence, whichever is later. In some instances, shorter waiting periods are possible, like acquittals or dismissed cases.

However, more serious offenses may not be eligible for expungement, meaning the criminal record won't automatically clear after a specific period.

Arrest Record Vs Criminal Record

In Maryland, arrest and criminal records are distinct but interconnected aspects of an individual's interaction with the legal system. An arrest record is documentation of law enforcement taking an individual into custody. It typically includes details such as the person's name, the date and location of the arrest, charges filed, and any bail or release information. Notably, an arrest record alone does not signify guilt; it is merely an official record.

On the other hand, a criminal record goes beyond the initial arrest and includes details about court proceedings, convictions, sentences, and any subsequent legal actions related to the arrest. A criminal record reflects the outcome of the legal proceedings, indicating whether the individual was found guilty, acquitted, or if charges were dismissed.

The impact of an arrest and criminal records can differ within the legal system. An arrest record alone may not have immediate consequences on an individual's legal standing, as it doesn't determine guilt. However, it can affect various aspects of life, such as employment opportunities and personal reputation, as potential employers and others may have access to this information.

A criminal record, on the other hand, carries more significant consequences. It can affect sentencing in future legal proceedings, impact employment prospects, housing applications, and even certain civil rights, depending on the nature and severity of the convictions. Certain convictions may result in losing rights, such as voting, serving on a jury, or possessing a firearm.

Maryland Police Records

In Maryland, police records, often referred to as law enforcement records, are generally accessible to the public, subject to certain legal restrictions and privacy considerations. These records provide documentation of interactions and activities involving law enforcement agencies within the state. Unlike general criminal records, which are part of an individual's legal history, police records encompass a broader range of information related to law enforcement activities.

Police records include incident, arrest, accident, and investigative reports. These documents can contain information about arrests, citations, responses to emergencies, traffic incidents, and other law enforcement activities. It's important to note that police records are not limited to individuals with criminal involvement; they also cover various incidents and events handled by law enforcement.