Charles County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Charles County
Arrest records in Charles County, Maryland are generally considered public information pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under § 4-101 through § 4-601 of the General Provisions Article. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The Maryland Public Information Act operates under the principle that citizens have a right to information about the operations of their government, including law enforcement activities. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
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Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
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Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.
Under Maryland law, specifically § 10-219 of the Criminal Procedure Article, certain arrest records may be shielded from public view under specific circumstances, particularly if the arrest did not lead to charges or conviction. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains policies governing the dissemination of criminal history record information in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Law enforcement agencies in Charles County, including the Charles County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records and make certain information available to the public while balancing privacy concerns and ongoing investigation requirements.
What's in Charles County Arrest Records
Charles County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Address (may be partial for privacy)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- State ID number or other identifier
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Charles County Sheriff's Office, Maryland State Police)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest (e.g., observed criminal activity, warrant service)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers for each charge
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge descriptions
- Case numbers assigned
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking number
- Fingerprinting confirmation
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court dates
- Court case numbers
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
- Narrative of arrest circumstances
- Evidence collected
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's policies and the circumstances of the arrest, in accordance with Maryland's criminal procedure regulations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Charles County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Charles County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Submit a request to the Charles County Sheriff's Office
- Complete a Public Information Act request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of arrest, case number if known)
- Submit identification to verify eligibility to receive records
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Charles County Sheriff's Office
6915 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-2222
Charles County Sheriff's Office
- Request records from the District Court of Maryland for Charles County
- Visit the courthouse during business hours
- Use public access terminals to search for case information
- Request copies of public court documents related to arrests
District Court of Maryland for Charles County
11 Washington Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3451
Maryland Judiciary
- Contact the Charles County Detention Center
- Submit a written request for booking information
- Provide specific information about the individual
- Follow procedures for obtaining public inmate information
Charles County Detention Center
6905 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3100
Charles County Detention Center
- Submit a request to the Maryland State Police
- For arrests made by state troopers in Charles County
- Complete the appropriate Public Information Act request form
- Provide required identification and payment
Maryland State Police - La Plata Barrack
9500 Mitchell Road
La Plata, MD 20646
301-392-1200
Maryland State Police
Pursuant to § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, preparation, and reproduction of records. Requestors should be prepared to pay these fees, which typically range from $0.25 to $0.50 per page for copies, plus potential hourly search fees for extensive requests.
How To Find Charles County Arrest Records Online
Charles County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information through official online resources. The following digital platforms provide varying levels of arrest record access:
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- This statewide database provides information on court cases, including those resulting from arrests
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Records include charging information, court dates, and case dispositions
- Available at Maryland Judiciary Case Search
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Charles County Sheriff's Office Website
- The official website may provide information on recent arrests
- Includes daily arrest reports and booking information
- May feature a searchable database of current inmates
- Access through the Charles County Sheriff's Office website
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Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
- Provides an Inmate Locator service for individuals currently in state custody
- Offers limited information on arrest history for incarcerated individuals
- Requires basic identifying information to conduct a search
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Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
- Maintains comprehensive criminal history records
- Requires fingerprint-based background check request
- Available for authorized purposes through the CJIS Central Repository
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VINELink
- Provides custody status information for individuals arrested and detained
- Offers notification services for changes in custody status
- Available at VINELink
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that:
- Information may not be comprehensive or immediately updated
- Some records may be restricted from public view pursuant to § 10-219 of the Criminal Procedure Article
- Official record verification may require direct contact with the relevant agency
- Online access may not include complete arrest details available through in-person requests
How To Search Charles County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Charles County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods include:
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- This free online database provides public access to court records
- Search by name to find cases related to arrests in Charles County
- Includes information on charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes
- Available 24/7 at Maryland Judiciary Case Search
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In-Person Terminal Access at Courthouses
- Visit the District Court or Circuit Court for Charles County
- Use public access terminals to search court records at no charge
- Court clerks may provide limited assistance with searches
Circuit Court for Charles County
200 Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3250
Circuit Court for Charles County
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Charles County Sheriff's Office Website
- Check for publicly posted arrest logs or recent booking information
- Some agencies provide limited arrest information online at no cost
- May include daily arrest summaries or most wanted lists
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Public Library Resources
- Charles County public libraries offer free internet access
- Library staff may assist with navigating public records websites
- Some libraries maintain newspaper archives with arrest reports
Charles County Public Library - La Plata Branch
2 Garrett Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646
301-934-9001
Charles County Public Library
- Maryland Department of Public Safety Inmate Locator
- Free service to locate currently incarcerated individuals
- Provides basic information about custody status and location
- Available through the Department's official website
While these methods provide free access to basic arrest information, users should note:
- Free searches may not provide comprehensive arrest details
- Some information may be redacted or limited in publicly accessible databases
- For complete arrest records, formal requests may be necessary, which could involve fees
- Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in public searches
How To Delete Arrest Records in Charles County
Under Maryland law, individuals may have options to remove or restrict access to arrest records through expungement or shielding processes. These legal remedies differ significantly:
Expungement involves the physical destruction or removal of records from public inspection. When a record is expunged, it is as if the event never occurred from a legal perspective.
Shielding restricts public access to court records while maintaining them for limited access by law enforcement and certain authorized entities.
Pursuant to § 10-105 and § 10-301 of the Criminal Procedure Article, individuals may petition for expungement or shielding under the following circumstances:
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Eligibility for Expungement
- Charges resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi
- Convictions for certain minor offenses after waiting periods
- Pardoned offenses
- Arrests that did not result in charges (after waiting period)
- Convictions for acts no longer criminalized (e.g., marijuana possession under 10 grams)
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Eligibility for Shielding
- Convictions for specific non-violent misdemeanors listed in § 10-301
- Completion of all sentencing requirements
- No subsequent convictions for at least three years
The process for removing arrest records in Charles County includes:
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File a Petition
- Complete the appropriate petition form (CC-DC-CR-072A for expungement, CC-DC-CR-148 for shielding)
- Submit to the court where the case was handled
- Pay filing fees (currently $30 for expungement, may be waived for certain dispositions)
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State's Attorney Review
- The State's Attorney's Office reviews the petition
- May file an objection within 30 days
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Court Hearing (if necessary)
- If objections are filed, a hearing will be scheduled
- Present evidence supporting eligibility for expungement/shielding
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Court Order
- If granted, the court issues an order for expungement/shielding
- Order is sent to all agencies with records of the arrest
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Agency Compliance
- Agencies must comply with the court order within 60 days
- Written confirmation of expungement is provided to the petitioner
For assistance with expungement or shielding, individuals may contact:
Office of the Public Defender - Charles County
200 Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3080
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
What Happens After Arrest in Charles County?
Following an arrest in Charles County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by Maryland law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
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Initial Booking and Processing
- Arrestee is transported to a booking facility
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprinting and photographing occur
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
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Commissioner Hearing
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- Commissioner reviews charges and probable cause
- Determines initial bail or pretrial release conditions
- Advises defendant of charges and right to counsel
- May issue temporary protective orders if applicable
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Detention or Release
- If bail is posted or release on recognizance is granted, the individual is released
- Otherwise, the individual remains in custody at the Charles County Detention Center
- Pretrial services may monitor released individuals
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Formal Charging
- State's Attorney's Office reviews the case
- Determines whether to file formal charges
- May decline to prosecute, reducing or dismissing charges
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Preliminary Hearing (felonies only)
- Held within 10 days if defendant remains in custody, 30 days if released
- Judge determines if probable cause exists to proceed
- Case may be forwarded to Circuit Court or dismissed
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Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Trial date is set
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Pretrial Motions and Discovery
- Defense may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Prosecution must disclose evidence to defense
- Plea negotiations may occur
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Trial
- Misdemeanors typically tried in District Court
- Felonies tried in Circuit Court
- Jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
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Sentencing (if convicted)
- May occur immediately or at later hearing
- Judge considers sentencing guidelines, victim impact, criminal history
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution
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Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possibility of modification of sentence
- Probation supervision if applicable
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures as guaranteed by the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Charles County?
Arrest records in Charles County are maintained according to the Maryland State Archives Records Retention Schedule and relevant provisions of Maryland law. The retention of these records varies based on several factors:
Under Maryland Code, State Government Article § 9-1015, law enforcement agencies must maintain certain criminal history record information for specified periods. The standard retention periods for arrest records include:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanently maintained by the arresting agency and the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
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Fingerprint Records: Permanently maintained in the state's automated fingerprint identification system
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Photographs/Mugshots: Retained for the duration of the individual's lifetime in most cases
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Investigation Reports Related to Arrests: Typically maintained for a minimum of 75 years
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Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to different retention schedules and confidentiality requirements under § 3-8A-27 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article
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Arrest Records for Minor Offenses: May be eligible for earlier destruction if expunged pursuant to § 10-105 of the Criminal Procedure Article
The Charles County Sheriff's Office adheres to these state-mandated retention schedules while also maintaining compliance with:
- Federal regulations regarding criminal justice information systems
- Maryland Public Information Act requirements
- Court orders for expungement or sealing
- Agency-specific policies that may extend retention beyond minimum requirements
It is important to note that even when physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, court records related to arrests typically follow separate retention schedules maintained by the Maryland Judiciary.
The comprehensive retention of arrest records serves several public policy purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related crimes
- Provides documentation for background checks authorized by law
- Maintains historical records for statistical and research purposes
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
How to Find Mugshots in Charles County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of arrest records in Charles County. Access to these images is governed by Maryland public records laws and agency policies.
What Mugshots Are Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. They typically include:
- Front-facing (frontal) photograph
- Profile (side-view) photograph
- Identifying information board or number
- Date of booking
Where Mugshots Are Maintained In Charles County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- Charles County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
- Charles County Detention Center
Finding Mugshots To locate mugshots in Charles County, individuals may:
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Submit a Public Information Act request to the Charles County Sheriff's Office
- Requests must be in writing
- Include specific identifying information about the subject
- State the purpose of the request
- Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
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Contact the Charles County Detention Center for booking photos of current inmates
- Limited information may be available for public safety purposes
- Policies restrict dissemination of certain mugshots
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Check law enforcement websites for recently booked individuals
- Some agencies post limited booking information online
- These postings are typically temporary
Can Mugshots Be Found Online While some mugshots may appear online, official sources in Maryland have restrictions:
- The Charles County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing mugshot database
- Third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from various sources
- Maryland law enforcement agencies have increasingly restricted online mugshot publication
Obtaining Mugshots Officially For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Submit requests directly to the Charles County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Provide case numbers or specific identifying information
- Be prepared to show identification and state the purpose of the request
- Pay established fees for record retrieval and reproduction
Restrictions on Mugshot Access Access to mugshots is subject to several limitations:
- Privacy protections under Maryland law may restrict release
- Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be withheld
- Juvenile mugshots are generally confidential under § 3-8A-27
- Expunged or shielded records will not include accessible mugshots
- Law enforcement agencies have discretion to withhold mugshots if release would:
- Interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy