Charles County Criminal Records
What Is Charles County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Charles County, Maryland encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Maryland Public Information Act § 4-101, which establishes the framework for record creation, maintenance, and public access.
Criminal records in Charles County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
It is important to note the distinction between adult and juvenile records. While adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, juvenile records are sealed under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27 to protect the privacy and future prospects of minors.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Charles County:
Charles County Sheriff's Office
6915 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-2222
Charles County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records for the county.
Circuit Court for Charles County
200 Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3200
Circuit Court for Charles County
The Circuit Court maintains records of criminal cases, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information for more serious offenses.
District Court of Maryland - Charles County
11 Washington Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646
301-934-9200
District Court of Maryland
The District Court handles less serious criminal matters and maintains corresponding case records.
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
300 E. Joppa Road, Suite 1000
Towson, MD 21286
410-339-5000
Maryland Department of Public Safety
This state agency maintains comprehensive criminal history information, including probation and parole records.
Are Criminal Records Public In Charles County
Criminal records in Charles County are generally considered public information under the Maryland Public Information Act § 4-103, which states that "all persons are entitled to have access to information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees." This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are open to public inspection.
The Maryland Public Information Act specifically provides that:
"Except as otherwise provided by law, a custodian shall permit a person or governmental unit to inspect any public record at any reasonable time."
However, significant exceptions exist to this general rule of public access:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations are restricted from public access under § 4-351 of the Maryland Public Information Act
- Sealed Cases: Records that have been sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
- Expunged Records: Criminal records that have been expunged pursuant to Maryland Criminal Procedure § 10-105 are removed from public access
- Juvenile Records: As previously noted, records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential under Maryland law
- Certain Personal Information: Information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and certain personal details may be redacted from otherwise public records
The Circuit Court for Charles County and District Court maintain public criminal case records that include information about charges filed, court proceedings, and case dispositions. These records are accessible through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system, though certain sensitive information is redacted to protect privacy interests while maintaining the public's right to access court records.
Law enforcement agencies in Charles County, including the Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records that may be available to the public with certain restrictions. However, access to comprehensive criminal history information ("rap sheets") is more limited and typically requires fingerprint-based background checks through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Charles County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Charles County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Circuit Court:
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a record request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page)
- For certified copies, an additional fee of $5.00 per document applies
In-Person Requests at the District Court:
- Visit the District Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a case search request form with the subject's name and case information if available
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($5.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page)
Sheriff's Office Records Requests:
- Submit a completed Public Information Act request form to the Records Division
- Provide specific information about the record being requested
- Allow up to 30 days for processing as permitted under the Maryland Public Information Act
- Pay applicable fees for search time and copies
Online Access:
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system provides 24/7 access to case records, including criminal cases. To use this system:
- Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review results, noting that certain information may be redacted
Mail Requests:
- Send a written request to the appropriate agency (Circuit Court, District Court, or Sheriff's Office)
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth if known, and specific information being requested
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check or money order for applicable fees
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which requires fingerprinting and payment of associated fees.
How To Find Criminal Records in Charles County Online?
Charles County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resource for criminal case information is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system. This comprehensive database provides public access to case records from both the Circuit and District Courts throughout Maryland, including Charles County. Users can search by:
- Name (first and last name required)
- Case number
- Citation number
- Property address (for civil cases)
The system displays information including:
- Case status (active, closed, etc.)
- Charges filed
- Hearing dates
- Case disposition
- Sentencing information when applicable
For information about currently incarcerated individuals, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Inmate Locator provides a searchable database. This resource allows users to verify if someone is currently in custody, their location, and basic case information.
The Charles County Sheriff's Office website offers limited online resources, including:
- Current warrant information
- Daily arrest reports
- Sex offender registry information
For traffic citations, the Maryland Judiciary ePayment System allows users to search for and pay traffic citations online.
Users should note several important limitations when using these online systems:
- Certain sensitive information is redacted from public view
- Juvenile records are not accessible through public portals
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in search results
- Records prior to certain dates may not be available electronically
- Some detailed document images require in-person requests
For the most comprehensive criminal history information, a fingerprint-based background check through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System remains necessary, as online systems do not provide complete "rap sheets" or criminal histories.
Can You Search Charles County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act § 4-206, members of the public are entitled to inspect certain criminal records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches. The statute specifically provides that "a custodian shall allow a person to inspect any public record at any reasonable time."
Free inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:
Circuit Court for Charles County
200 Charles Street
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3200
Circuit Court for Charles County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
District Court of Maryland - Charles County
11 Washington Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646
301-934-9200
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Several online resources provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search - This free online portal provides access to case records from both Circuit and District Courts, including criminal cases in Charles County. No registration or fees are required to search this database.
-
Maryland Sex Offender Registry - This free resource allows users to search for registered sex offenders in Charles County and throughout Maryland.
-
Charles County Sheriff's Office Warrant Search - The Sheriff's Office provides limited information about active warrants at no cost.
While inspection of records is generally free, fees may apply in the following circumstances:
- Copies of records (typically $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page)
- Certified copies (additional $5.00 per document)
- Staff search time exceeding two hours (actual cost of search)
- Special document preparation or specialized access
It is important to note that comprehensive criminal history information ("rap sheets") is not available for free, even for personal records. The Maryland Criminal Justice Information System charges fees for fingerprint-based background checks, which provide the most complete criminal history information.
What's Included in a Charles County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Charles County contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by Maryland state law and local record-keeping practices.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph when available
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail/bond information
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or District)
- Filing date
- Charges filed with statutory citations
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Hearing dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date if applicable
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration (length and facility)
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information if applicable
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or peace orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole status
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case. Court records typically contain the most detailed information about case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records focus more on arrest details and charges. Records maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services compile information from multiple sources to create comprehensive criminal history information.
How Long Does Charles County Keep Criminal Records?
Criminal records in Charles County are retained according to schedules established by the Maryland State Archives Records Management Division under authority granted by State Government Article § 10-634. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, the severity of the offense, and the outcome of the case.
For court records maintained by the Circuit Court for Charles County:
- Felony Case Files: Permanent retention for capital cases; 80 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic Case Files: 3 years after case closure for most violations; 10 years for DUI/DWI cases
- Domestic Violence Cases: 10 years after case closure
- Juvenile Case Files: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed or destroyed unless waived to adult court
- Docket Books and Indices: Permanent retention as historical records
For records maintained by law enforcement agencies:
- Arrest Records: 75 years from date of creation
- Investigation Reports: 75 years for felonies; 10 years for misdemeanors
- Booking Photographs: 75 years from date of creation
- Fingerprint Cards: 75 years from date of creation
For records maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services:
- Criminal History Records: Maintained indefinitely unless expunged by court order
- Incarceration Records: 75 years after final release from supervision
- Probation/Parole Records: 10 years after completion of supervision
It is important to note that expungement provides an exception to these retention schedules. Under Maryland Criminal Procedure § 10-105, certain criminal records may be expunged (physically destroyed or removed from public access) upon petition to the court if specific conditions are met. Eligibility for expungement depends on factors including:
- The nature of the offense
- The disposition of the case
- The time elapsed since the disposition
- The individual's subsequent criminal history
Once a record is expunged, it is removed from public access and, in many cases, physically destroyed according to procedures established by the Maryland Judiciary.
Lookup Criminal Records in Charles County
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