Frederick County, Maryland Arrest Records
Arrest records are official documents police officers create when they book a person in the Frederick County Adult Detention Center (FCADC). The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of these records and makes them available to the public upon request. Public arrest records reveal the arrestee’s full name, age, race, hair and eye color, weight, and height, as well as warrant details, charges, booking number, and booking date and time.
The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) governs the public release of arrest records. The PIA does not cover criminal offender record information, as this type of record is governed under Maryland Code § 14-403.1. This is because criminal offender record information is not available to the public.
Are Arrest Records Public Information in Frederick, Maryland?
The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) authorizes law enforcement agencies to adopt a policy of proactive disclosure of arrest records that are available for inspection. In compliance with this, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office provides access to arrest records to all persons at the lowest cost and with the least delay. The PIA also supports restricting certain arrest records from public disclosure due to their personal nature. For example, arrest records of minors or those that reveal confidential sources are not released to members of the public.
Frederick County Arrest Search
There are several state and federal law enforcement resources where individuals may find Frederick County arrest records. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) maintains an Incarcerated Individual Locator that allows members of the public to learn the housing location of individuals in state prisons. Users may search by first or last name. Interested persons may also visit any DPSCS Facility to inquire about arrest records for Frederick County state offenders. The records staff may ask the requester to complete a request form to facilitate the search. Copies of arrest records are available for a fee.
Individuals who want to access arrest records for federal offenders in Frederick County may use free online portals maintained by federal law enforcement agencies. For example:
- The United States Capitol Police (USCP) allows the public to view arrest records through its Online Portal free of charge. Users may filter their searches by crime type, crime date, crime summary, or CFN number.
- The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers an Inmate Locator that allows record seekers to conduct free searches. A search may be conducted by number or name.
- The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also has an Online Detainee Locator System where inquirers may perform an arrest search by A-Number or biographical information.
These federal agencies also permit in-person arrest searches during business hours. Anyone obtaining copies of arrest records should be willing to pay a small copy fee. The USCP specifically permits requesters to mail a completed Request Form to them to obtain copies of arrest records.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the very few federal law enforcement agencies that does not issue arrest records to the public. Subjects of records may request their records from the FBI by mail, online, or through approved channelers. The records staff charges $18 for such requests, payable by money order, certified check, or credit card.
Frederick County Inmate Locator
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office does not have an inmate locator for arrest searches. Individuals seeking arrest records may have to visit the office during business hours or call (301) 600-1740. They must provide basic information about the arrestee to facilitate the search. Those who visit the office may be able to access physical copies of arrest records for a small fee.
Active Warrant Search in Frederick County
Per MD Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings, § 2-107, the Frederick County circuit court judge will issue an arrest warrant on an official form measuring 8 ½ by 11 inches. The warrant will contain specific instructions indicating that the accused person is brought to the judge or court commissioner once arrested, and the following specific information about the accused person, if known:
- Full name, race, sex, eye color
- Last address, height, weight, hair color,
- Distinguishing body marks or scars
- Driver’s license number and Social Security number
Once the arrest warrant is issued, the judge will maintain a copy in their file and provide copies to the clerk of the circuit court, the law enforcement officer who will serve the warrant, and the accused.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of warrant information. Individuals may inquire about active warrants online, in-person, or by phone at (301) 600-1740. In-person requests should be made at the address below:
Frederick County Sheriff’s Office
110 Airport Drive East
Frederick, MD 21701
How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Frederick County
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office does not provide an online option for free arrest record searches. Individuals may, however, review arrest records in person at no cost, although free access does not include copies. Individuals must pay a fee to get copies of arrest records.
Several third-party vendors maintain Frederick County arrest records in their databases. Requesters may use them to find their desired records without charges, but access may be limited. Most third-party sites reveal only basic arrest information and do not offer downloadable documents on free versions. Anyone seeking full records may have to pay a small fee. It is important to note that third-party platforms may contain errors and inaccurate information. Therefore, record seekers should only use them for personal purposes.
Frederick County Arrest Report
An arrest record is a document that confirms an arrest in Frederick County. They reveal the arrested person’s identifying details, the arrest date and time, the arresting agency’s name, charges, and booking number. Arrest records are generally public documents.
In contrast, an arrest report is a document prepared by the arresting officer that narrates the arrest. It explains the events leading up to the arrest, sets out the probable cause, and documents the officer’s observations, evidence collected, witness statements, and any actions taken during the arrest. Arrest reports are usually not available to the public.
How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Frederick County
Typically, expungement removes a person’s arrest information from court and law enforcement records. Maryland only approves expungement for individuals who committed eligible offenses, have completed their sentences, and have complied with the waiting periods outlined in CC-DC-CR-072G2. Eligible applicants may file the appropriate Petition for Expungement of Records Form with the court where the criminal case was concluded, which may be either the Frederick County District Court or the Circuit Court. Below are the official expungement forms in Frederick County:
- Form CC-DC-CR-072A. Applicants whose case was acquitted, dismissed, nolle prosequi, probation before judgment (PBJ), stet, or not criminally responsible, and who have had three years pass since the disposition should use this form.
- Form CC-DC-CR-072B. Applicants with a guilty disposition, but the offense is not related to marijuana/cannabis, should use this form.
- Form CC-DC-CR-072C. Applicants with a disposition of acquittal, dismissal, not guilty, or nolle prosequi, and less than three years have passed since the disposition, should use this form.
- Form CC-DC-CR-072D. Applicants found guilty of marijuana/cannabis related offenses should use this form.
The expungement filing fee is usually $30, but no fee applies to arrests that resulted in a dismissal. Anyone unable to pay this fee may file a Request for Waiver of Costs (CC-DC-089) with the court to request a fee waiver. The expungement process takes 90 days from the filing date to complete in Frederick County. Once the petition is received, the court will send the form to the State’s Attorney’s Office. The office has 30 days to file an objection. The court will issue an expungement order if the petitioner meets the eligibility criteria and the State’s Attorney’s Office files no objection. The expungement order will be sent to all agencies involved in the arrest case, and they have 60 days to update the petitioner’s arrest records.
How Do You Remove Frederick County Arrest Records From the Internet?
Expungement is the best way to remove arrest records from law enforcement agencies’ official websites. Individuals must meet the eligibility criteria and submit the appropriate form to the court that handled the case. Once the petition is approved, the judge will send the expungement order to all relevant agencies that may have the petitioner’s arrest records in their databases and ask them to expunge them within 60 days. When this is done, the petitioner will not find their records in any law enforcement agency’s online database. However, the person’s arrest records may still appear on third-party databases even after expungement. If this is the case, the person may submit an opt-out request to the third-party vendor. They can also obtain a court order confirming that the arrest has been expunged, which may provide the vendor with a legal basis to comply.
What Do Public Frederick County Arrest Records Contain?
Frederick County arrest records contain the following elements:
- The inmate’s first, middle, and last name
- Gender, age, race, height, weight, hair color, and eye color
- Booking date and time
- Inmate ID and charges