Frederick County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Frederick County
Arrest records in Frederick County are considered public information under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified in § 4-101 through § 4-601 of the General Provisions Article. This law establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The MPIA operates under the presumption that government records are open to inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Pursuant to § 4-201 of the General Provisions Article, members of the public may inspect any public record of a governmental unit at any reasonable time. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains the central repository for criminal history record information in the state, including arrest data from Frederick County. While these records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or other exemptions specified in § 4-301 through § 4-355 of the General Provisions Article.
What's in Frederick County Arrest Records
Frederick County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Frederick Police Department, etc.)
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
- Degree or level of offense
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court dates
- Court disposition (if available)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known aliases
- Immigration status
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment information
- Medical alerts or special needs
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office may differ slightly from those kept by municipal police departments within the county.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Frederick County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Frederick County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, depending on the specific information needed and the agency that created or maintains the records.
To request arrest records from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office:
- Submit a completed Public Information Act request form to the Records Division
- Provide specific information about the record being requested (name, date of birth, case number if known)
- Include proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
110 Airport Drive East
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-1046
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
For arrest records from the Frederick Police Department:
- Complete the department's Public Information Act Request Form
- Submit the form in person, by mail, or via email to the Records Division
- Specify the information being requested and provide identifying information
- Pay established fees for document retrieval and reproduction
Frederick Police Department
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-2100
Frederick Police Department
For court records related to arrests:
- Visit the District Court or Circuit Court clerk's office
- Use public access terminals to search for cases by name or case number
- Request copies of specific documents from court clerks
- Pay required fees for document copies
Frederick County Circuit Court
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-1976
Maryland Judiciary
District Court of Maryland - Frederick County
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-2000
Maryland District Court
Pursuant to § 10-221 of the Criminal Procedure Article, requestors must provide proper identification when seeking criminal history information. Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article.
How To Find Frederick County Arrest Records Online
Frederick County provides several digital platforms for accessing arrest records and related information online. These resources allow members of the public to conduct preliminary research without visiting government offices in person.
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system offers comprehensive access to court records, including those related to arrests in Frederick County. To utilize this resource:
- Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Accept the terms and conditions of use
- Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or citation number
- Review results for relevant case information
- Note that while case information is available, actual document images are not provided through this system
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office maintains an Inmate Lookup tool on their website that provides information about currently detained individuals:
- Navigate to the Sheriff's Office website
- Select the Inmate Lookup feature
- Search by name or booking number
- View basic information about current inmates, including charges and booking date
For arrest records from the Frederick Police Department, the public records request portal allows for online submission:
- Visit the City of Frederick website
- Navigate to the Public Records Request section
- Complete the online form with specific details about the requested records
- Submit the form electronically
- Await notification regarding record availability and any applicable fees
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services offers a Criminal Justice Information System for background checks, which includes arrest information:
- Register for an account on the CJIS website
- Submit required identification information
- Pay the established fee for record checks
- Receive results electronically or by mail
Online access to arrest records is governed by § 10-219 of the Criminal Procedure Article, which establishes parameters for electronic dissemination of criminal history record information.
How To Search Frederick County Arrest Records for Free?
Frederick County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several publicly available resources. These no-cost options provide basic information, though they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through formal record requests.
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system represents the most comprehensive free resource for arrest-related information:
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
- Enter the name of the individual in question
- Review case listings, which include charge information, court dates, and case status
- Note that while the system is free to use, it does not provide document images or complete arrest reports
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office website offers a free inmate lookup tool:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Inmate Lookup section
- Search for currently incarcerated individuals
- View basic booking information and charges
Local news sources and police blotters often publish recent arrest information:
- Check the Frederick News-Post website for police blotter information
- Review the Frederick County Sheriff's Office press releases page
- Monitor local television news websites for arrest reports
The Frederick County Public Library provides free public computer access where individuals may conduct online searches:
Frederick County Public Libraries - C. Burr Artz Public Library
110 East Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-1630
Frederick County Public Libraries
While these free resources provide basic information, they typically do not include complete arrest reports, booking photos, or detailed case information. For comprehensive records, formal requests through the appropriate agencies remain necessary, as outlined in § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article, which permits reasonable fees for record reproduction.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Frederick County
Under Maryland law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or shielding (restricting public access) of certain arrest records in Frederick County. These processes are governed by Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the Criminal Procedure Article, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedures.
Expungement permanently removes records from public access and agency files, while shielding maintains the records but limits their visibility to law enforcement and certain authorized entities. The distinction is important, as expungement provides more complete relief but has stricter eligibility requirements.
Pursuant to § 10-105 of the Criminal Procedure Article, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in charges (must wait 3 years or submit a General Waiver)
- The charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The case resulted in probation before judgment (except for certain violations)
- The case was placed on the stet docket (must wait 3 years)
- The case resulted in a nolle prosequi
- The conviction was for certain specified minor offenses
- The Governor granted a full pardon
To petition for expungement in Frederick County:
- Obtain the appropriate petition form from the court clerk's office or the Maryland Judiciary website
- Complete the petition with accurate case information
- File the petition with the clerk of the court where the case was disposed
- Pay the filing fee (currently $30 per case, with fee waivers available for financial hardship)
- Serve a copy of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office
- Attend any scheduled hearing if the State's Attorney files an objection
Frederick County Circuit Court
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-1976
For shielding of records under § 10-301 through § 10-306 of the Criminal Procedure Article:
- Determine eligibility (limited to 12 specific shieldable convictions)
- Wait the required time period (3 years after sentence completion)
- File a shielding petition with the appropriate court
- Serve the petition on the State's Attorney
- Attend any scheduled hearing if objections are filed
Individuals with complex cases or multiple charges may benefit from consulting with a legal professional before pursuing expungement or shielding. The Maryland Legal Aid Bureau offers assistance to low-income individuals seeking record clearing.
What Happens After Arrest in Frederick County?
Following an arrest in Frederick County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. This process is designed to protect constitutional rights while advancing public safety interests.
The initial post-arrest procedure typically includes:
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Transport and Booking: The arrestee is transported to a detention facility, usually the Frederick County Adult Detention Center, where they undergo booking procedures including fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and basic health screening.
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Initial Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a District Court Commissioner who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Makes preliminary bail determinations
- Sets conditions of release if applicable
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Bail Review Hearing: If the Commissioner orders detention or sets bail that cannot be posted, a bail review hearing occurs before a District Court Judge, typically within 24 hours of the initial appearance.
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Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases initiated by criminal information rather than grand jury indictment, a preliminary hearing may be requested within 10 days of the initial appearance. This hearing determines if probable cause exists to proceed with prosecution.
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Arraignment: The formal reading of charges where the defendant enters a plea. In District Court cases, this often occurs at trial. In Circuit Court cases, arraignment typically occurs after indictment or information filing.
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Pretrial Proceedings: May include:
- Discovery exchange
- Motions hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
- Pretrial release supervision
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Trial: Cases proceed to bench (judge only) or jury trial, depending on the court and defendant's election. District Court handles misdemeanors and limited felonies, while Circuit Court handles more serious felonies and jury trials.
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Sentencing: Following conviction, sentencing may occur immediately or at a later hearing. The court considers:
- Statutory guidelines
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Victim impact statements
- Mitigating and aggravating factors
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Post-Conviction Proceedings: May include:
- Appeal rights
- Modification motions
- Probation terms
- Restitution arrangements
Throughout this process, defendants have the right to legal representation. Those unable to afford an attorney may qualify for representation by the Office of the Public Defender.
Frederick County Office of the Public Defender
100 West Patrick Street, Suite 470
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-1988
This process is governed by the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure and relevant provisions of the Maryland Code, particularly Title 4 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Frederick County?
Arrest records in Frederick County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Maryland state law and administrative regulations. The Maryland State Archives oversees record retention policies for government agencies throughout the state, including law enforcement entities in Frederick County.
Pursuant to § 10-222 of the Criminal Procedure Article, criminal history record information must be maintained with appropriate security measures for the period required by applicable retention schedules. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the case:
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Arrest Records Without Prosecution: Records of arrests that did not result in charges must be maintained for at least 3 years from the date of arrest, after which they may be eligible for expungement.
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Misdemeanor Convictions: Records related to misdemeanor convictions are typically retained for 10 years after the completion of the sentence, including any probation period.
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Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are generally maintained permanently, though certain non-violent felonies may have finite retention periods of 15-20 years after sentence completion.
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Acquittals and Dismissals: Records of cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal must be maintained for at least 3 years from the date of disposition before becoming eligible for expungement.
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Juvenile Records: Subject to different retention schedules under § 3-8A-27 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, with many records eligible for sealing or expungement when the individual reaches age 21.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office and Frederick Police Department maintain their own records in accordance with these state requirements, but may have agency-specific policies that extend retention periods for administrative or investigative purposes.
Digital records maintained in the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records. The centralized nature of this system ensures consistent application of retention policies across jurisdictions.
These retention schedules serve multiple purposes, including:
- Preserving evidence for potential future investigations
- Maintaining accountability in the criminal justice system
- Supporting statistical analysis and policy development
- Providing historical documentation of law enforcement activities
How to Find Mugshots in Frederick County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of arrest records in Frederick County. Access to these images is governed by the Maryland Public Information Act and agency policies regarding the release of booking photographs.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process. These images typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Frederick County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
- The Frederick County Sheriff's Office for arrests by county deputies and detentions at the Adult Detention Center
- The Frederick Police Department for arrests by city police officers
- Other municipal police departments within their respective jurisdictions
- The Maryland Criminal Justice Information System as part of the central repository
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots from Frederick County law enforcement agencies:
- Submit a Public Information Act request to the agency that made the arrest
- Provide specific identifying information about the arrest (name, date, case number if available)
- Specify that the booking photograph is being requested
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
Can They Be Found Online
Frederick County law enforcement agencies do not maintain public-facing databases of booking photographs. Unlike some jurisdictions, the county does not publish mugshots online as a matter of routine practice. Limited exceptions may include:
- Photographs of wanted individuals released for public safety purposes
- Images included in press releases about significant arrests
- Historical booking photographs that may appear in court records accessible through Maryland Judiciary Case Search
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The official process for obtaining booking photographs requires:
- Submitting a written request to the Records Division of the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Completing any required forms specifying the records sought
- Providing proper identification
- Paying established fees for record reproduction
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances outlined in § 4-301 through § 4-355 of the General Provisions Article, including:
- Active investigations
- Juvenile arrests
- Expunged or shielded records
- Privacy concerns that outweigh the public interest in disclosure
- Cases involving certain protected categories of victims
Law enforcement agencies evaluate requests for booking photographs on a case-by-case basis, balancing public information rights against privacy and investigative concerns.
Lookup Arrest Records in Frederick County
Frederick County Sheriff's Office