St. Mary's County Criminal Records

What Is St. Mary's County Criminal Records

Criminal records in St. Mary's County are official documents that chronicle 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 throughout the state.

Criminal records encompass several distinct categories of documentation:

• Arrest Records: Documents created when law enforcement takes a person into custody, including booking information and mugshots
• Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, from initial charges through final disposition
• Conviction Records: Records of guilty verdicts or pleas, whether for felonies or misdemeanors
• Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in county detention facilities

The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records merely indicate that a person was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records confirm that legal proceedings determined guilt. Similarly, felony records document more serious offenses carrying potential imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanor records reflect less severe infractions with lighter penalties.

In St. Mary's County, multiple agencies maintain criminal records:

St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office
23150 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-8008
St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office

Circuit Court for St. Mary's County
41605 Courthouse Drive
P.O. Box 859
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-7844
Circuit Court for St. Mary's County

District Court of Maryland for St. Mary's County
23110 Leonard Hall Drive
P.O. Box 1509
Leonardtown, MD 20650-5831
301-880-2700
District Court of Maryland for St. Mary's County

Adult criminal records typically remain accessible to the public, while juvenile records are generally sealed under Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.

Are Criminal Records Public In St. Mary's County

Criminal records in St. Mary's County are generally considered public information under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified in Maryland Code, General Provisions §§ 4-101 through 4-601. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to citizens to ensure transparency in government operations.

The MPIA specifically 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, this right of access is not absolute. Several categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure:

• Active criminal investigations
• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Expunged or sealed records
• Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
• Records that could endanger an individual's safety

Adult conviction records are typically the most accessible form of criminal records. These documents, maintained by the Circuit Court for St. Mary's County, include information about charges, pleas, verdicts, and sentences. Court proceedings in St. Mary's County are generally open to the public, reinforcing the principle of transparency in the judicial system.

Law enforcement records, including arrest reports and booking photos, may be subject to additional restrictions. The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office determines which records can be released based on factors such as investigation status and privacy concerns.

It is important to note that while many criminal records are technically public, practical access may require formal requests, payment of fees, or navigation of administrative procedures. Additionally, the use of criminal record information is regulated by various state and federal laws to prevent discrimination and protect privacy rights.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In St. Mary's County in 2026

Members of the public seeking criminal records in St. Mary's County may utilize several methods to access this information. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of record sought and its intended use.

For in-person requests at the courthouse:

1. Visit the Clerk's Office at the Circuit Court for St. Mary's County during regular business hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday)
2. Complete a record request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
3. Present valid government-issued photo identification
4. Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $7.50 for a record search plus $0.50 per page for copies)
5. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records

Circuit Court for St. Mary's County
41605 Courthouse Drive
P.O. Box 676
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-7844
Circuit Court for St. Mary's County

For mail requests:

1. Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (Circuit Court, District Court, or Sheriff's Office)
2. Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of case/incident
3. Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
4. Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
5. Allow 10-15 business days for processing

For criminal background checks through the state:

1. Submit fingerprints at an authorized fingerprinting service
2. Complete the required Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) forms
3. Pay the required fee (currently $38 for a state and federal check)
4. Receive results by mail within 7-10 business days

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
888-795-0011
Maryland CJIS Central Repository

For certain law enforcement records:

1. Contact the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2. Submit a Public Information Act request specifying the desired records
3. Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
4. Allow up to 30 days for processing as permitted under state law

How To Find Criminal Records in St. Mary's County Online?

St. Mary's County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online platforms maintained by state and local agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

The primary online resource for court records is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, which provides public access to case records from both the District and Circuit Courts. Users can search by:

• Name (last name required, first name recommended)
• Case number
• Citation number
• Property address

This database includes information on:

• Criminal and civil cases
• Traffic violations
• Domestic violence proceedings
• Peace and protective orders

The system displays case status, charges, scheduled hearings, and case disposition. However, certain sensitive information is redacted in accordance with Maryland Rules.

For detention information, the St. Mary's County Detention Center Inmate Lookup allows users to verify if an individual is currently incarcerated. This resource provides:

• Inmate name and booking number
• Charges
• Bond information
• Scheduled release date (when applicable)

The Maryland Sex Offender Registry offers searchable information on registered sex offenders residing in St. Mary's County. Users can search by:

• Name
• Zip code
• County
• City/town
• Street name

For comprehensive background checks, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services provides an online portal for requesting criminal history record checks, though fingerprinting is required for complete records.

When using these online resources, users should note that:

• Some records may not be immediately available online
• Certain case details may require in-person requests
• Historical records may have limited online availability
• Registration may be required for certain databases
• Official copies of court documents typically require direct contact with the court clerk

Can You Search St. Mary's County Criminal Records for Free?

St. Mary's County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply. The Maryland Public Information Act establishes the right to inspect public records at no cost, though fees may be assessed for copies or extensive searches.

Free in-person inspection is available at:

Circuit Court for St. Mary's County
41605 Courthouse Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
301-475-7844
Circuit Court for St. Mary's County

District Court of Maryland for St. Mary's County
23110 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
301-880-2700
District Court of Maryland for St. Mary's County

For online searches, the Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides free access to court records, including criminal cases. This resource allows users to search by name, case number, or citation number without any subscription or access fees.

The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about individuals currently detained in county facilities.

While basic record inspection is free, users should be aware of potential costs:

• Copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
• Certification fees ($5.00 per document)
• Research fees for requests requiring extensive staff time
• Expedited processing fees
• Postage for mailed responses

Agencies may waive fees if the request is deemed in the public interest or if the requester demonstrates financial hardship. Such waivers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-206.

What's Included in a St. Mary's County Criminal Record?

Criminal records in St. Mary's County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. The specific content varies based on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency.

Identifying Information:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
• Photograph/mugshot (when available)
• Current and previous addresses
• State Identification (SID) number
• FBI number (for cases involving federal authorities)

Arrest Information:

• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer
• Booking number and facility
• Initial charges filed
• Bail/bond amount and status
• Detention information

Court Case Information:

• Case number and filing date
• Court of jurisdiction (District or Circuit)
• Charging documents
• Statutory citations and offense classifications
• Plea information
• Attorney of record
• Hearing dates and outcomes

Disposition and Sentencing:

• Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Conviction date (if applicable)
• Sentence details:
  • Incarceration terms
  • Probation conditions
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution orders
  • Community service requirements
• Appeal information (if applicable)
• Probation/parole status and violations

Additional Information:

• Active warrants
• Protective or peace orders
• Sex offender registration status
• DUI/DWI history
• Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
• Pending charges in other jurisdictions

The Circuit Court for St. Mary's County maintains the most comprehensive criminal case records, particularly for felonies and serious misdemeanors. The District Court handles less severe offenses, while the Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and detention records.

It is important to note that certain information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy laws, court orders, or the sensitive nature of specific cases. Juvenile records, expunged cases, and sealed records are typically not included in standard criminal record searches.

How Long Does St. Mary's County Keep Criminal Records?

St. Mary's County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Maryland State Archives and the Maryland Judiciary. These schedules vary based on record type, case disposition, and statutory requirements.

For court records, the retention periods generally follow these guidelines:

• Felony Cases: Permanent retention for serious felonies (murder, rape, etc.); 75 years for other felonies
• Misdemeanor Cases: 10-20 years depending on offense type and disposition
• Traffic Cases: 3-10 years depending on severity
• Domestic Violence Cases: 50 years for protective orders; related criminal cases follow standard retention periods
• Juvenile Records: Typically sealed and eventually expunged according to Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27

Law enforcement records maintained by the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office follow different retention schedules:

• Arrest Records: 75 years from date of arrest
• Investigation Reports: Permanent for homicides and unsolved serious crimes; 25 years for other closed investigations
• Booking Photos and Fingerprints: 75 years from collection date
• Incident Reports: 10 years for most incidents

Records may be retained beyond these minimum periods, particularly if they involve:

• Cases of historical significance
• Ongoing investigations
• Subjects with multiple offenses
• Matters under appeal or post-conviction proceedings

It is important to note that expungement may significantly alter these retention periods. Under Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure § 10-105, individuals may petition for expungement of certain records, resulting in their removal from public access and, in some cases, physical destruction.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical documents, though technological changes may affect how older records are stored and accessed over time.

Lookup Criminal Records in St. Mary's County

St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office

St. Mary's County Police Accountability Board

St. Mary's County Government Contact Directory

St. Mary's County Department of Human Services

Circuit Court for St. Mary's County Clerk's Office

Circuit Court of St. Mary's County

Maryland Courts - St. Mary's County Directory

District Court of Maryland for St. Mary's County

St. Mary's County Judicial Branch

Maryland Courts - Court Records Access

Maryland Background Check Services

Maryland Department of Health Criminal History Records Check