Frederick County Criminal Records
What Is Frederick County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Frederick County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure § 10-201, which establishes the framework for criminal record keeping in the state.
Criminal records in Frederick 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
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older, which are generally public
- Juvenile Records: Records for offenders under 18, which are typically sealed under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings and outcomes
Multiple agencies maintain these records within Frederick County's criminal justice system:
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
110 Airport Drive East
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-1046
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
Circuit Court for Frederick County
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-1976
Circuit Court for Frederick County
District Court of Maryland for Frederick County
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-2000
District Court of Maryland
Frederick Police Department
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-2100
Frederick Police Department
The comprehensive nature of criminal records includes documentation of the entire criminal justice process: initial charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Frederick County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Frederick County
Criminal records in Frederick County are generally accessible to the public under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), § 4-101, which establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be available for public inspection. The Act 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."
However, important exceptions and limitations apply to criminal record accessibility:
- Public Records: Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and case dispositions are typically available to the public
- Restricted Records: Several categories of criminal records have limited accessibility:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (protected under MPIA § 4-351)
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (confidential under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27)
- Expunged records (removed from public access)
- Records related to certain domestic violence or sexual assault cases
The Maryland Judiciary maintains a Case Search database that provides public access to court records, including criminal cases in Frederick County. This system implements the public access provisions while respecting the statutory limitations on certain sensitive records.
Law enforcement agencies in Frederick County, including the Frederick County Sheriff's Office and the Frederick Police Department, maintain their own records systems with varying levels of public accessibility. While arrest logs and basic incident information are typically public, investigative files and certain sensitive information may be withheld under statutory exemptions.
The Circuit Court for Frederick County serves as the custodian for court records and implements policies that balance public access rights with privacy protections and statutory exemptions. Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while the presumption favors disclosure, specific limitations may apply to certain records or information contained within those records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Frederick County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Frederick 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 Courthouse:
- Visit the Circuit Court for Frederick County located at 100 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701
- Proceed to the Clerk's Office, which operates Monday through 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
Online Access Through Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
- Navigate to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
- Accept the terms and conditions of use
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or other identifiers)
- Select Frederick County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Review search results, which include case information, charges, hearing dates, and case disposition
- Note that certain sensitive cases may be excluded from online access
Frederick County Sheriff's Records Request:
- Submit a written request to the Frederick County Sheriff's Office at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD 21701
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information requested
- Provide requestor contact information and purpose of request
- Include a copy of requestor's government-issued photo identification
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
- Pay applicable fees (currently $25 for a local records check)
Maryland Department of Public Safety Background Check:
- Visit the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository
- Complete a background check application form
- Submit fingerprints through an authorized fingerprinting service
- Pay the required fee (currently $38 for a full background check)
- Receive results by mail within 7-10 business days
For expedited service or assistance with complex searches, individuals may contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 301-600-1976 or the Sheriff's Records Division at 301-600-1046. All requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification and pay applicable fees as established by Maryland law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Frederick County Online?
Frederick County residents and interested parties can access criminal records through several official online portals. Each system provides different types of information and requires specific search parameters:
Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This comprehensive database, maintained by the Maryland Courts, provides access to court cases including criminal proceedings in Frederick County.
- Navigate to http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Select Frederick County from jurisdiction options
- Review case information including charges, hearing dates, and dispositions
- Note that cases filed before 1989 may not be available online
- Some sensitive cases (juvenile, sealed, expunged) are excluded
Frederick County Sheriff's Office Detention Center Inmate Lookup: The Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of individuals in custody.
- Visit https://frederickcountymd.gov/677/Sheriff-Adult-Detention
- Click on "Inmate Lookup" in the navigation menu
- Search by name or booking number
- View current inmates, charges, and bond information
- Information is updated daily
- Historical detention records are not available through this portal
Maryland Judiciary ePortal: This system provides registered users with enhanced access to court documents.
- Access https://mdcourts.gov/eservices/eportal
- Create a user account with valid email
- Search cases by name, case number, or filing date
- View and download publicly available case documents
- Pay applicable fees for document access ($5.00 first page, $0.50 each additional)
- Note that registration requires acceptance of terms and conditions
Maryland Sex Offender Registry: Maintained by the Department of Public Safety, this database includes registered sex offenders residing in Frederick County.
- Visit https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/
- Search by name, location, or zip code
- View offender information including address, photo, and offense details
- Information is updated regularly as registrants report changes
Maryland Judiciary Land Records: For criminal cases involving property liens or forfeitures, this system provides relevant documentation.
- Access https://mdlandrec.net/main/
- Register for a free account
- Search by name, property, or case reference
- View documents related to criminal judgments affecting property
Users should be aware that while these online systems provide significant access to criminal records, they do not contain all information that may be available through in-person requests. Certain documents, particularly older records or those containing sensitive information, may require direct contact with the Circuit Court for Frederick County or the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.
Can You Search Frederick County Criminal Records for Free?
Frederick County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without charge, as provided under the Maryland Public Information Act § 4-206, which establishes guidelines for inspection and copying of public records.
Free In-Person Inspection: The law permits individuals to inspect public records without charge at the following locations:
Circuit Court for Frederick County
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-1976
Circuit Court for Frederick County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
District Court of Maryland for Frederick County
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
301-600-2000
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
While inspection is free, requestors should note that fees apply for copies of records ($5.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page) and certified copies ($5.00 per certification).
Free Online Resources: Several digital platforms provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search
This database offers free public access to court case information, including criminal proceedings in Frederick County. No registration or fees are required to search basic case information, though document downloads may incur charges. Website: http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us -
Frederick County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup
The Sheriff's Office maintains a free searchable database of current inmates at the Frederick County Detention Center, including booking information and charges. Website: https://frederickcountymd.gov/677/Sheriff-Adult-Detention -
Maryland Sex Offender Registry
This free database provides information on registered sex offenders residing in Frederick County, including addresses and offense details. Website: https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/ -
Frederick County Police Blotter
The Frederick Police Department publishes recent arrest information and incident reports on their website at no cost. Website: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/99/Frederick-Police-Department
It is important to note that while basic record searches are available without charge, comprehensive background checks through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services require payment of established fees (currently $38 for a full background check). Additionally, certain specialized searches or certified copies will incur fees as established by Maryland law.
What's Included in a Frederick County Criminal Record?
Frederick County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records typically include the following components:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Frederick County Sheriff's Office or Frederick Police Department)
- Booking number and processing details
- Charges filed at arrest with corresponding Maryland statute citations
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
Court Case Information:
- Case number assigned by the Circuit Court for Frederick County or District Court
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or District)
- Filing date and case initiation information
- Formal charges filed by the State's Attorney
- Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Judge assigned to the case
- Hearing dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (length, facility)
- Probation conditions and duration
- 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 or pending charges
- Protective or peace orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Modification orders or post-conviction proceedings
- Expungement or shielding petitions
- Probation/parole status reports
Criminal records in Frederick County are maintained in accordance with Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure § 10-201, which establishes standards for criminal record keeping. The comprehensiveness of information varies based on the stage of proceedings and the agencies involved in the case.
Access to these records is governed by the Maryland Public Information Act, with certain limitations on sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and information related to victims of certain crimes.
How Long Does Frederick County Keep Criminal Records?
Frederick County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Maryland State Archives and in compliance with Maryland Code, State Government § 10-633, which governs records retention. The duration for which different types of criminal records are preserved varies based on record type, offense severity, and outcome.
Court Records Retention:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained by the Circuit Court for Frederick County
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic Violations: Maintained for 3 years after case disposition
- Domestic Violence Cases: Retained for 10 years after final order
- Probation Records: Kept for 5 years after probation completion
- Court Dockets and Indices: Preserved permanently as historical records
- Warrant Records: Maintained until executed plus 3 years
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest Reports: Maintained by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for 75 years
- Investigation Files for Solved Major Crimes: Retained permanently
- Investigation Files for Unsolved Major Crimes: Retained permanently
- Investigation Files for Minor Crimes: Kept for 10 years after case closure
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Maintained for 75 years
- Incident Reports: Retained for 10 years
Detention Center Records:
- Inmate Files: Maintained for 10 years after release
- Booking Records: Kept for 10 years after release
- Visitor Logs: Retained for 3 years
Special Circumstances:
- Expunged Records: Removed from public access pursuant to court order under Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure § 10-105
- Juvenile Records: Generally sealed at age 21 unless subject to exceptions
- Death Penalty Cases: All records maintained permanently (historical)
- Cold Cases: Investigation records maintained indefinitely
The Maryland Judiciary implements these retention schedules for court records, while law enforcement agencies follow schedules approved by the Maryland State Archives. Electronic records are increasingly replacing paper records, but retention periods remain consistent regardless of format.
Individuals seeking older records should be aware that while the retention schedule may indicate preservation, the accessibility and completeness of older records may vary. Records predating computerization (generally pre-1990) may require specialized searches and additional time for retrieval from archival storage.
Lookup Criminal Records in Frederick County
Frederick County Sheriff's Office
Frederick County MD - Official Website
Circuit Court for Frederick County, MD - Clerk's Office
Court Records - Maryland Courts