Anne Arundel County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Anne Arundel County
Arrest records in Anne Arundel County are generally considered public information under Maryland's Public Information Act (Maryland General Provisions Article § 4-101). This statute establishes that citizens have a broad right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. However, it is important to note that public access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations and exceptions.
The Maryland Public Information Act operates under the presumption that government records are open to inspection, but this right is balanced against privacy interests and law enforcement needs. Pursuant to Maryland General Provisions Article § 4-351, certain investigatory records may be withheld if disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings, deprive a person of a fair trial, constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, or endanger an individual's life or physical safety.
It is crucial to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains the state's criminal history record information and regulates access to these records in accordance with state and federal laws. In Anne Arundel County, the Sheriff's Office and Police Department maintain arrest records that fall under the jurisdiction of these state regulations.
What's in Anne Arundel County Arrest Records
Anne Arundel 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 (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (e.g., Anne Arundel County Police Department, Maryland State Police)
- 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 facility
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied)
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court dates
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
- Property seized during arrest
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Witness information (often redacted in public records)
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Central Records Division of the Maryland State Police follow standardized protocols for information collection and storage as mandated under Public Safety Article 2 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Anne Arundel County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Anne Arundel County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple channels through which arrest records can be obtained, depending on the specific information needed and the purpose of the request.
To obtain official arrest records in Anne Arundel County, individuals may follow these steps:
- Submit a request to the Anne Arundel County Police Department
- Complete a Public Information Act request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Submit identification to verify eligibility to receive records
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Anne Arundel County Police Department Records Division
8495 Veterans Highway
Millersville, MD 21108
410-222-8610
Anne Arundel County Police Department
- Request records from the Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office
- For arrests made by sheriff's deputies
- Submit a written request specifying the information needed
- Provide identification and pay applicable fees
Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office
8A Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1571
Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office
- Contact the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
- For comprehensive criminal history information
- Submit fingerprints for a complete background check
- Pay required fees for record search and processing
Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
410-764-4501
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
- Visit the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court
- For court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings
- Use public access terminals to search for case information
- Request copies of specific documents from the clerk's office
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court
8 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1397
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court
When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to Maryland General Provisions Article § 4-206, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of searching for, reviewing, and preparing records for inspection.
How To Find Anne Arundel County Arrest Records Online
Anne Arundel County residents and other interested parties can access certain arrest record information through various online platforms maintained by state and local agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information while adhering to privacy protections required by law.
The primary online resources for accessing Anne Arundel County arrest records include:
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- This statewide database provides information on court cases, including criminal matters
- Search by name to find case information related to arrests and charges
- Access details about court dates, charges, dispositions, and sentencing
- Available at: Maryland Judiciary Case Search
-
Anne Arundel County Detention Center Inmate Lookup
- Provides current custody information for individuals detained in county facilities
- Search by name to determine if someone is currently in custody
- Access basic information about charges and court dates
- Available through the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities website
-
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
- Offers limited online criminal history information
- Provides access to the Maryland Sex Offender Registry
- Some information requires creation of an account and payment of fees
-
Anne Arundel County Police Department Daily Crime Reports
- Provides summaries of recent arrests and incidents
- Updated regularly with information about police activity
- Available through the county police department website
When using online resources to access arrest records, users should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from agencies
- Some sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of records
- Records may not be immediately updated following an arrest
- Certain cases (especially those involving juveniles or sealed records) will not appear in public databases
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals are advised to request an official background check through the Criminal Justice Information System of the Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services, which maintains the state's central repository of criminal history record information.
How To Search Anne Arundel County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to arrest records in Anne Arundel County have several options available. While some comprehensive background checks require payment of fees, basic arrest information can often be obtained without charge through various public resources.
Free methods to access Anne Arundel County arrest records include:
- In-Person Inspection at Law Enforcement Agencies
- Visit the Anne Arundel County Police Department Records Division during public counter hours
- Submit a Public Information Act request to inspect records
- While inspection is typically free, copying fees may apply if you need physical copies
Anne Arundel County Police Department Records Division
8495 Veterans Highway
Millersville, MD 21108
410-222-8610
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Anne Arundel County Police Department
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Free online database of court records
- Search by name to find information about criminal cases
- Access details about charges, court dates, and case outcomes
- Available 24/7 at no cost: Maryland Judiciary Case Search
-
Public Access Terminals at Courthouses
- Visit the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court or District Court
- Use public computer terminals to search court records at no charge
- Court clerks can provide assistance with navigating the system
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court
8 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1397
Public Access Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court
-
Public Libraries
- Anne Arundel County Public Libraries offer free internet access
- Use library computers to access public online databases
- Library staff may provide assistance with research
-
Local Newspaper Archives
- Many arrests, particularly those involving serious crimes, are reported in local news
- Public libraries often maintain newspaper archives
- Some newspapers provide free online access to archives or recent articles
When using free resources to access arrest records, individuals should be aware that:
- Information may be less comprehensive than official records
- Some records may not be immediately available through free resources
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted or unavailable
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be restricted
Pursuant to Maryland General Provisions Article § 4-206, while agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records, they cannot charge for the first two hours spent searching for and preparing records for inspection.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, as throughout Maryland, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or shielding (restricting public access) of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 10-101 through § 10-110, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.
The distinction between expungement and shielding is important:
- Expungement completely removes records from public access and, in most cases, from government agency files. The record is essentially treated as if it never existed.
- Shielding keeps the record in existence but prevents it from being accessed by the general public. Law enforcement agencies, certain employers, and some government entities may still access shielded records.
Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in Anne Arundel County under the following circumstances:
-
Arrests resulting in no charges - If an individual was arrested but never formally charged with a crime, they may petition for expungement after 30 days.
-
Acquittals - If charges resulted in a finding of not guilty or acquittal, the record may be expunged.
-
Dismissals - If charges were dismissed by the court, expungement may be possible.
-
Probation before judgment (PBJ) - After successfully completing probation and meeting waiting periods (generally 3 years after probation completion).
-
Nolle prosequi - When the prosecutor abandons the charges, expungement may be possible after a waiting period.
-
Convictions for certain misdemeanors - Under Maryland's "Second Chance Act," certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for shielding after a waiting period.
-
Pardoned offenses - Certain convictions that have been pardoned by the Governor may be eligible for expungement.
To initiate the expungement process in Anne Arundel County:
-
Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form
- Forms are available from the court clerk's office or online through the Maryland Judiciary website
- Different forms exist for different types of expungement requests
-
File the petition with the appropriate court
- For District Court cases, file with the District Court
- For Circuit Court cases, file with the Circuit Court
- Include the case number and required information
-
Pay the filing fee
- A fee is required unless waived by the court
- Fee waivers may be available for those who demonstrate financial hardship
-
Serve the petition on the State's Attorney's Office
- The State's Attorney has 30 days to file an objection
-
Attend a hearing if required
- If the State's Attorney objects or the judge requires it, a hearing will be scheduled
-
Receive the court order
- If granted, the court will issue an order for expungement
- The order will be sent to all relevant agencies that maintain the records
Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office
8 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1740
Anne Arundel County State's Attorney
Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance, as the process can be complex and requirements vary based on the specific circumstances of each case. The Maryland Judiciary provides resources to assist with expungement, including forms and informational materials, through their Access to Justice Department.
What Happens After Arrest in Anne Arundel County?
Following an arrest in Anne Arundel County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Maryland state law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages that determine how a case proceeds through the system.
The typical post-arrest process in Anne Arundel County includes:
-
Booking and Processing
- The arrestee is transported to a police station or detention facility
- Personal information is recorded, including name, address, and date of birth
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- A preliminary health screening may be conducted
-
Initial Appearance Before a Commissioner
- Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a District Court Commissioner
- The Commissioner informs the arrestee of charges and potential penalties
- Determination is made regarding pretrial release or detention
- Bail or bond may be set based on flight risk and public safety considerations
- If eligible, the arrestee may be released on personal recognizance
-
Bail Review Hearing
- If the individual remains in custody after the initial appearance, a bail review hearing is held
- A judge reviews the Commissioner's decision regarding pretrial release
- The judge may maintain, increase, or decrease bail, or change release conditions
-
Preliminary Hearing (for felonies)
- Held within 10 days if the defendant is in custody, or 30 days if released
- The prosecution must demonstrate probable cause that the defendant committed the crime
- If probable cause is not established, charges may be dismissed
- This step is often waived when cases proceed by grand jury indictment
-
Formal Charging
- For misdemeanors, a Statement of Charges is filed
- For felonies, either an Information is filed by the State's Attorney or an Indictment is issued by a grand jury
-
Arraignment
- The defendant is formally presented with charges in court
- The defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere)
- Trial dates and other procedural matters are scheduled
-
Pretrial Motions and Discovery
- Defense and prosecution exchange evidence
- Motions may be filed to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Plea negotiations may occur during this phase
-
Trial
- Defendants have the right to a jury trial for offenses carrying potential jail time
- Bench trials (decided by a judge) are an alternative option
- The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
-
Sentencing
- If convicted, a separate sentencing hearing may be scheduled
- The judge determines the appropriate penalty based on statutory guidelines
- Factors considered include criminal history, nature of the offense, and impact on victims
-
Appeals
- Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to higher courts
- Appeals must be filed within strict time limits after conviction
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights, including the right to counsel. Those who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for representation by the Office of the Public Defender.
Anne Arundel County Office of the Public Defender
2 Francis Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1870
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
The criminal justice process may vary depending on the nature of the charges and individual circumstances of each case. Diversion programs and alternative resolution options may be available for certain offenses, particularly for first-time offenders or those charged with non-violent crimes.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Anne Arundel County?
Arrest records in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County.
Under Maryland State Government Article § 9-1008, government agencies must adhere to established records retention and disposition schedules. For arrest records specifically, retention periods vary based on several factors:
-
Active Criminal History Records
- Records of arrests resulting in charges are maintained indefinitely in the state's Criminal Justice Information System
- These records remain active unless expunged through court order
- The Central Records Division of the Maryland State Police maintains these records as mandated by Public Safety Article 2
-
Arrest Records with No Charges Filed
- Records of arrests where no charges were filed may be eligible for expungement after 3 years
- Until expunged, these records remain in law enforcement databases
- Agencies typically retain these records for at least 3 years
-
Juvenile Arrest Records
- Subject to special confidentiality protections under Maryland law
- May be sealed or expunged when the individual reaches adulthood
- Retention periods vary based on the nature of the offense and case disposition
-
Booking Records and Photographs
- Generally maintained for a minimum of 3 years
- May be kept longer for individuals with multiple arrests or serious charges
- Digital records may be maintained indefinitely in agency databases
-
Fingerprint Records
- Submitted to the FBI's Next Generation Identification system
- Maintained indefinitely unless expunged through court order
- Used for identification purposes in subsequent law enforcement encounters
Different agencies within Anne Arundel County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:
- Anne Arundel County Police Department - Maintains arrest records according to departmental policies and state guidelines
- Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office - Retains records of arrests made by deputies
- Anne Arundel County Detention Center - Maintains booking and incarceration records
- Maryland State Police - Maintains statewide criminal history information
The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence that may be needed for future criminal proceedings
- Provides information for background checks authorized by law
- Assists in identifying patterns of criminal activity
- Maintains accountability in the criminal justice system
- Supports statistical analysis of crime trends and law enforcement activities
Individuals seeking to limit the retention of their arrest records may petition for expungement under circumstances outlined in Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 10-105. Successful expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records from public access.
How to Find Mugshots in Anne Arundel County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the official arrest record in Anne Arundel County. Access to these images is governed by Maryland's Public Information Act and specific policies established by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. Typically, these images include:
- Front-facing (frontal) view of the arrestee
- Profile (side) view of the arrestee
- Identifying information such as a booking number or date
- Sometimes a height chart in the background
These photographs serve as visual identification records and become part of the official arrest documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Anne Arundel County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
-
Anne Arundel County Police Department
- Stores mugshots as part of arrest records
- Maintains digital database of booking photographs
- Controls release according to departmental policies
-
Anne Arundel County Detention Center
- Takes and maintains mugshots during the intake process
- Photographs become part of inmate records
- May have separate policies regarding public access
-
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
- Maintains records for individuals processed into state custody
- Centralizes certain criminal history information
- Regulates access through established protocols
Finding Mugshots
To obtain mugshots in Anne Arundel County, individuals may:
- Submit a Public Information Act request
- File a written request with the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest
- Provide justification for the request (though not legally required)
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
Anne Arundel County Police Department Records Division
8495 Veterans Highway
Millersville, MD 21108
410-222-8610
Anne Arundel County Police Department
- Contact the Anne Arundel County Detention Center
- For individuals who were booked into county jail
- Submit request through the facility's records department
- Follow specific protocols established by the Department of Detention Facilities
Anne Arundel County Detention Center
600 East Ordnance Road
Glen Burnie, MD 21060
410-222-7085
Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
Unlike some jurisdictions, Anne Arundel County law enforcement agencies do not routinely publish mugshots online. However, mugshots may appear online through:
- Media outlets that obtain and publish booking photos for newsworthy arrests
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from various sources
- Court records that sometimes include booking photographs as exhibits
It should be noted that Maryland has enacted legislation (Maryland Commercial Law Article § 14-1324) regulating websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal. This law prohibits charging fees to remove mugshots if the individual was acquitted or the charges were dismissed.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable way to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal Public Information Act request to the agency that made the arrest or booked the individual. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records and photographs are generally confidential
- Ongoing investigations may justify temporary withholding of booking photos
- Expunged records will no longer include accessible mugshots
- Privacy concerns may limit access in certain sensitive cases
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, agencies have discretion to withhold them if release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or interfere with law enforcement proceedings.
Lookup Arrest Records in Anne Arundel County
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services