How to Find, Access and Research Maryland Arrest Records

Decisionmaking becomes easy and convenient if you have prior knowledge about the past criminal activities of your employees. Checking the background of a person residing in the State of Maryland is particularly easy if you go through the Maryland arrest records. All records pertaining to Maryland arrests can be viewed by the hiring authorities and there is absolutely no limitation in release of arrest information by the various enforcement agencies of the state.

Maryland statistics reveal that there had been almost 22,846 arrests in 2006. This is almost 15% higher than the national index. Drug violations are the cause for majority of the arrests, with other petty crimes like disorderly conduct and traffic or ordinance violations adding to the crime statistics substantially.

Information in Maryland Arrest Records

Except for sensitive information, especially if it concerns the security of the state or country, you can access the full details of a specific MD arrest record. Juvenile arrest records are normally restricted in Maryland as in most other states of the United States of America. The arrest records contain information of detention by the police and other law enforcement authorities, including the military personnel. The arrest records usually reveal the complete status-including the outcome. An arrest does not automatically end in imprisonment. The arrested person may be dismissed or acquitted as well.

Reasons for Seeking Arrest Records

Background checks have now become an essential tool when employing people. Proper background checks can be conducted by contacting the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), which is a part of the Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services (http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/publicservs/bgchecks.shtml). The concerned department maintains all the identification records along with the necessary fingerprints.

Where to Find Maryland Records of Arrest

Arrests continue to exist on the records of the trial court along with details of the charges and the outcome of the trial. Such records are not dependant on conviction or imprisonment, and continue to exist no matter the result of the trial. It is possible to find an arrest record sealed or expunged if the accused is found to be innocent by the court.

Apart from the judicial system, the arrest records are also maintained by the Maryland State police which is headquartered at 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, Maryland 21208. You can also log in to http://www.mdsp.org/ for additional details. The State Attorney concerned with the particular case, as well as the public defender, may also be privy to records concerning both the arrest and the subsequent trial.

What You Need to Access the Records

Employment firms conducting a background check for hiring purposes can obtain an authorization number for checking out arrest as well as criminal records of a prospective employee. The help desk of CJIS can be contacted over the telephone at 888/795-0011 for the exact procedure of conducting an arrest record search. You can also print out a request form for inspection of arrest and criminal records by going to http://www.courts.state.md.us/district/forms/general/dc034.pdf.

The case number, trial date and case name need to be entered within the form itself. You can get copies of all official documents for $0.50 a page or obtain a certified document by paying $5. You also need to certify that you are permitted under SG § 10-616(q) to inspect the arrest records and obtain relevant documents. The clerks of county courts can provide you with the required information via telephone if you know the case number. However, you need to visit the court house personally if you want to conduct a search based on name only.