For those in the state of Maryland, criminal records are one way in which the local law enforcement and courts maintains information about an individual's criminal activities. Not everyone has a file for criminal activities since these are only created once a law is broken, an arrest occurs, charges are filed and/or a conviction occurs. Maryland is not an open records state, though. This means that there are numerous restrictions and limitations on who can access these records. It is critical to understand who can gather the records and how to do so.
 

In the state of Maryland, criminal records begin when an individual is arrested. This file is often started in the local jurisdiction but it is then maintained in the state's repository. The information in that file will not be accessible to the public. However, it does include information related to all charges, including overturned cases and information on convictions. It does not contain information related to other states, though. It also does not contain information related to any investigation or conviction occurring at the federal level.
 

For those who do need access to Maryland criminal records, the only authorized agents to gather that information are local courts, law enforcement and police officials. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is responsible for maintaining these records. The task of maintaining the records is a part of the Criminal Justice Information System unit, which is also a part of the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository, which is where all of the actual documentation is kept.
 

For those who wish to gain access, it is important to be the person that is the record is about. However, employers who wish to conduct a background check that includes a criminal history can do so if a proper permit and waiver is obtained with the signature of the individual the report will be about. This information can be then sent with a fee of $5 to the following address for a thorough search.
 

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

6776 Reisterstown Road

Baltimore, Maryland 21215
 

Individuals can get more information by calling the agency at 410 339-5000. It is also possible to access some information through the agency's online-computerized database, but this is restricted to only those individuals with authorized requests.
 

Keep in mind that there are further restrictions on this information. All juvenile records are sealed until an individual turns 18. At that time, criminal records from prior years become accessible in some situations. The court can order any criminal record to be sealed and may do so when there is a very sensitive situation involved. It is rare for a judge to order this though.

For those who wish to gain access to Maryland criminal records for a third party, it is necessary to petition the court for that information or to have a waiver providing access. Though it is rare, it is possible that individuals will be denied access to records for many reasons.

 

• Maryland Crime Reports & Statistics

• Maryland Sex Offender Registry Search