Charles County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Charles County?
Inmate records in Charles County are official government documents maintained by the Charles County Sheriff's Office and the Charles County Detention Center that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county's correctional system. Pursuant to Maryland Public Information Act § 4-101, these records constitute public documents subject to specific disclosure regulations.
Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways. While court records document the judicial proceedings related to an individual's case and are maintained by the Maryland Judiciary, inmate records specifically track an individual's status within the correctional system and are maintained by law enforcement and corrections agencies. Court records focus on case proceedings, charges, and dispositions, whereas inmate records document the physical custody and management of detained individuals.
The creation of inmate records begins at the booking and intake process, when an individual is first processed into the Charles County Detention Center. According to Maryland Correctional Services Code § 3-601, correctional facilities must maintain comprehensive records for each person in custody. These records are continuously updated throughout an individual's period of incarceration to reflect changes in status, disciplinary actions, program participation, and other relevant information. Upon release, these records are closed but maintained according to Maryland's records retention schedule.
Are Inmate Records Public In Charles County?
Inmate records in Charles County are partially public under Maryland law. The Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) § 4-201 establishes that all persons have a right to access public records unless disclosure is specifically prohibited by law. However, this access is balanced against privacy concerns and security considerations specific to correctional facilities.
The Charles County Sheriff's Office makes certain inmate information publicly available in accordance with Maryland Correctional Services Code § 3-602, which governs the disclosure of information about persons in custody. Information that is typically available to the public includes:
- Current inmate roster (names of individuals currently incarcerated)
- Basic booking information (date and time of arrest)
- Charges filed
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Current housing facility
However, certain information is explicitly protected from public disclosure under state law, including medical records, disciplinary reports, and information that might compromise facility security or ongoing investigations. The Charles County Detention Center follows these statutory guidelines when responding to public information requests regarding inmates.
What's Included Inmate Records in Charles County
Inmate records in Charles County contain comprehensive information about individuals in custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Assigned inmate identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking/intake
- Arresting agency
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, etc.)
- Current housing assignment
- Classification level
- Projected release date (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Current charges
- Case numbers
- Warrant information
- Charge severity (misdemeanor/felony)
- Charge status (pending, convicted, dismissed)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond/bail amount
- Bond/bail status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Bond/bail conditions
- Bond hearing dates
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court case numbers
- Attorney information
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Projected release date
- Parole eligibility date
- Good time/earned credits
- Detainers or holds from other jurisdictions
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Release type (bail, completion of sentence, transfer)
- Post-release supervision requirements
The Charles County Detention Center maintains these records in accordance with Maryland Correctional Services Code § 3-601, which establishes requirements for record-keeping in correctional facilities.
Charles County Prison System
The Charles County correctional system operates under the authority of the Charles County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for the administration of the county's detention facilities. The primary facility is the Charles County Detention Center, which serves as the central holding facility for individuals arrested in Charles County who are awaiting trial or serving sentences of less than 18 months, as prescribed by Maryland Correctional Services Code § 11-301.
It is important to distinguish between county detention facilities and state prisons. The Charles County Detention Center primarily houses pre-trial detainees and individuals serving shorter sentences for misdemeanors and less serious felonies. Those convicted of more serious offenses with longer sentences are typically transferred to state prison facilities operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
Charles County Sheriff's Office
6915 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-2222
Charles County Sheriff's Office
Charles County Detention Center
6905 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3100
Charles County Detention Center
Types of Correctional Facilities In Charles County
Charles County maintains a consolidated correctional system centered around the Charles County Detention Center. The facility includes several specialized units to accommodate different inmate populations and security needs:
Charles County Detention Center - Main Facility
6905 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3100
Charles County Detention Center
This is the primary detention facility in Charles County, housing both male and female inmates. The facility accommodates various security classifications and includes areas for intake processing, general population housing, administrative segregation, and special needs inmates.
Charles County Detention Center - Work Release Facility
6905 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3100
Work Release Program
This specialized unit houses minimum-security inmates who qualify for work release programs. These individuals are permitted to leave the facility for employment during the day but must return to custody during non-working hours.
Charles County Community Detention Center
6905 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3100
Community Corrections
This facility manages alternative sentencing programs, including home detention with electronic monitoring, community service, and other non-custodial supervision options as authorized by the courts.
All facilities operate under the authority of the Charles County Sheriff's Office and adhere to standards established by the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards pursuant to Maryland Correctional Services Code § 8-103.
Who's in Prison In Charles County
The Charles County Detention Center houses several categories of individuals in custody:
Pre-trial Detainees: The largest population consists of individuals who have been arrested and charged with crimes but have not yet been convicted. These individuals are either awaiting trial or have been unable to post bail. Under Maryland law, these individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Sentenced Inmates: Individuals who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to terms of incarceration of 18 months or less typically serve their sentences at the Charles County Detention Center. This includes:
- Misdemeanor offenders (e.g., DUI/DWI, simple assault, petty theft)
- Non-violent felony offenders with short sentences
- Individuals convicted of local ordinance violations
Temporary Holds: The facility also houses individuals on temporary holds, including:
- Those awaiting transfer to state prison facilities
- Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions
- Parole and probation violators awaiting hearings
- Federal detainees held under contract with federal agencies
Weekend Inmates: Some individuals are sentenced to serve time only on weekends, allowing them to maintain employment and family responsibilities during the week.
Work Release Participants: Qualified minimum-security inmates who are permitted to work in the community during the day but return to custody during non-working hours.
According to data from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the average daily population at the Charles County Detention Center typically ranges between 300-400 inmates, with fluctuations based on seasonal arrest patterns and court processing timelines.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Charles County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Charles County may utilize several methods to access this information:
Online Inmate Lookup:
- Visit the Charles County Sheriff's Office website at www.ccso.us
- Navigate to the "Detention Center" section
- Select "Inmate Lookup" or "Current Inmates"
- Enter the required search criteria (name, date of birth, or booking number)
- Review the results, which typically include basic custody information
Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search at casesearch.courts.state.md.us
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review court records related to the individual's charges and case status
- Note that this system provides court information rather than custody details
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Charles County Detention Center during normal business hours
- Complete a Public Information Act request form
- Provide identification and specify the records being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction
Written Requests:
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Submit a formal Public Information Act request in writing to:
Charles County Sheriff's Office
Records Management Section
6915 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646 -
Include the inmate's full name, date of birth, and specific information requested
-
Provide contact information for response
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Allow up to 30 days for processing as permitted under Maryland Public Information Act § 4-203
Maryland Department of Public Safety Inmate Locator: For individuals who may have been transferred to state custody:
- Visit the Maryland Incarcerated Individual Locator
- Enter the required search information
- Review custody status and location information
How To Find an Inmate in Charles County for Free?
Charles County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals in custody:
Charles County Sheriff's Office Website:
- Visit the official Charles County Sheriff's Office website at www.ccso.us
- Navigate to the "Detention Center" section
- Select the "Inmate Lookup" feature
- Enter the individual's name (last name, first name)
- Review the results, which typically include current custody status, charges, and bond information
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Charles County Detention Center at 301-932-3100
- Request the Inmate Records division
- Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
- Basic information about custody status may be provided over the phone
Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
- Access the free online Maryland Judiciary Case Search database
- Enter the individual's name
- Review court records that may indicate custody status
- Note that this system primarily provides court case information rather than direct custody details
Maryland Incarcerated Individual Locator:
- Visit the Maryland Incarcerated Individual Locator website
- Enter the individual's name and other identifying information if available
- This system will indicate if the person is in state custody, which may be relevant if they have been transferred from Charles County
In-Person Inquiry:
- Visit the Charles County Detention Center during normal business hours (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
- Speak with staff at the information desk
- Provide the name of the individual you are inquiring about
- Basic custody information is typically provided without charge
How To Visit an Inmate In Charles County
The Charles County Detention Center maintains specific policies for inmate visitation in accordance with Maryland Correctional Services Code § 9-501, which establishes minimum visitation standards for correctional facilities.
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may submit visitor applications during their first week of incarceration
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Visitors are subject to search and security screening
Visit Schedule:
- General population: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Maximum security: Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Work release: Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
- Inmates are permitted two visits per week
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Locker key (if using facility lockers)
- Necessary medical items (with prior approval)
- Baby supplies if visiting with an infant (limited to one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)
What NOT to Bring:
- Weapons of any kind
- Drugs or alcohol
- Tobacco products
- Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, cameras)
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $50
Dress Code:
- Conservative, appropriate attire required
- No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No hats or head coverings (except religious items)
- Shoes must be worn at all times
Visit Types:
- Contact visits: Available for minimum and medium security inmates
- Non-contact visits (through glass partition): Required for maximum security inmates
- Professional visits: Available for attorneys, clergy, and other approved professionals
- Video visitation: Available as an alternative to in-person visits
Visit Restrictions:
- Former inmates must wait 6 months after release before visiting
- Individuals on probation or parole must obtain permission from their supervising officer
- Visitors with criminal histories may be denied visitation privileges
- Disruptive behavior will result in termination of the visit and possible suspension of future privileges
For the most current visitation information, contact:
Charles County Detention Center
6905 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3100
Charles County Detention Center
How To Send Money to a Charles County Inmate
The Charles County Detention Center provides several methods for depositing funds into an inmate's account:
Online Deposits:
- Visit Access Corrections
- Create an account or log in
- Select "Maryland" and "Charles County Detention Center"
- Enter the inmate's name and ID number
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction
- Processing fees apply (typically 3-5% of deposit amount)
Kiosk Deposits:
- Visit the Charles County Detention Center lobby during business hours
- Use the automated kiosk machine
- Follow on-screen instructions
- Cash deposits only (no coins)
- Minimal processing fees apply
- Receipt provided for all transactions
Money Order by Mail:
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Purchase a money order payable to "Charles County Detention Center"
-
Write the inmate's full name and ID number on the money order
-
Include sender's full name and address
-
Mail to:
Charles County Detention Center
Inmate Accounts
6905 Crain Highway
La Plata, MD 20646 -
No personal checks or cash accepted by mail
-
No processing fees for money orders
Amount Limits:
- Maximum single deposit: $300
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500
- Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500
- Minimum deposit amount: $5
Fees:
- Online deposits: 3-5% of deposit amount
- Kiosk deposits: $2.00 flat fee
- Money orders: No fee
What Money Can Be Used For:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts
- Educational materials
- Restitution payments (if court-ordered)
What Money Cannot Be Used For:
- Bail or bond payments
- Payment for outside services
- Transfers to other inmates
- Payment of fines (must be handled separately through the court)
All financial transactions are subject to monitoring and review in accordance with Maryland Correctional Services Code § 9-614, which governs inmate financial accounts and transactions.
How To Send Jail Mail In Charles County
The Charles County Detention Center maintains specific procedures for sending mail to inmates in accordance with facility security protocols and Maryland Correctional Services Code § 9-502, which establishes standards for inmate correspondence.
Regular Mail:
-
Address envelopes with complete information:
Inmate's Full Name and ID Number Charles County Detention Center 6905 Crain Highway La Plata, MD 20646
-
Include your complete return address on the envelope
-
Use standard white or manila envelopes only
-
All mail must arrive through the U.S. Postal Service
-
Personal mail is limited to letters and cards
Acceptable Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages per envelope)
- Greeting cards (no musical, oversized, or padded cards)
- Up to 5 photographs per envelope (maximum size 4"x6", no Polaroids)
- Money orders (see money sending section)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail")
Prohibited Items:
- Packages of any kind
- Books or magazines (must come directly from publisher)
- Newspapers (must come directly from publisher)
- Stickers or adhesive labels
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Plastic or laminated items
- Photos depicting nudity, gang symbols, or criminal activity
Publications:
- Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor
- Publications must be prepaid
- Hardcover books are not accepted
- Publications containing prohibited content will be rejected
Legal Mail:
- Clearly mark envelope as "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Include attorney bar number if applicable
- Legal mail is opened in the presence of the inmate
- Legal mail is not subject to content review but is inspected for contraband
Mail Inspection: All non-legal mail is opened, inspected for contraband, and may be read by detention center staff. Mail containing prohibited content or contraband will be rejected and either returned to sender, destroyed, or held as evidence if it contains information about illegal activities.
Electronic Messaging: The Charles County Detention Center also offers a secure electronic messaging system through Access Corrections. This service allows for faster communication but requires payment of service fees.