Prince George's County Criminal Records
What Is Prince George's County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Prince George'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 Article § 10-201, which establishes the framework for criminal record keeping in the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Prince George's County Police Department or Sheriff's Office
- Conviction Records: Official records of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Court Records: Documentation of all court proceedings related to criminal matters
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding time served in county detention facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records merely indicate that an individual was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records confirm that the individual was found guilty of specific charges through judicial proceedings. Under Maryland law, both types of records are maintained, though they carry different implications for public access and individual rights.
Criminal records in Prince George's County are categorized by offense severity:
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less severe offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
A critical distinction exists between adult and juvenile records. While adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, juvenile records are sealed pursuant to Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 3-8A-27, which protects the confidentiality of records pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age.
The primary agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Prince George's County include:
Prince George's County Sheriff's Office
5303 Chrysler Way
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-780-8600
Prince George's County Sheriff's Office
Prince George's County Circuit Court
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Prince George's County Circuit Court
Maryland State Police - Criminal Records Division
1711 Belmont Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21244
410-764-4501
Maryland State Police
These comprehensive records typically include details about charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea information, trial outcomes, sentencing decisions, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Prince George's County
Criminal records in Prince George's County are generally considered public information under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), § 4-101, which establishes the public's right to access government records. 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."
The MPIA operates under the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. Section 4-103 of the Act explicitly states: "Except as otherwise provided by law, a custodian shall permit a person or governmental unit to inspect any public record at any reasonable time."
However, not all criminal record information is publicly accessible. Specific categories of records have restricted access:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations are exempt from disclosure under MPIA § 4-351
- Sealed Records: Cases that have been legally sealed by court order are not available to the public
- Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 10-105 are removed from public access
- Juvenile Records: As previously noted, records pertaining to juvenile offenders are confidential under Maryland law
- Certain Domestic Violence Records: Information that could compromise victim safety may be restricted
Adult conviction records are generally the most accessible form of criminal records. These documents, maintained by the Prince George's County Circuit Court and District Court, provide information about individuals who have been found guilty of criminal offenses. Court proceedings, including hearings and trials, are typically open to the public unless specifically closed by judicial order.
The Maryland Judiciary has established a comprehensive system for public access to court records, governed by Maryland Rule 16-901, which balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns and security considerations.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Prince George's County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Prince George's County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
For in-person requests at the courthouse:
- Visit the Prince George's County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Complete a record request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Pay applicable search fees (currently $7 per name searched)
- Wait for staff to retrieve available records
- Review records on-site or request copies (additional fees apply for copies)
Prince George's County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
14735 Main Street, Room D1033
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Prince George's County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For mail requests:
- Download and complete the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Request Form
- Include a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the completed form and payment to the appropriate court clerk's office
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing and response
For criminal background checks through the state:
- Submit fingerprints at an authorized fingerprinting location in Prince George's County
- Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) request form
- Pay the required fee (currently $38 for a full background check)
- Receive results by mail within 5-7 business days
CJIS Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
410-764-4501
Maryland CJIS Central Repository
For specific case information, the Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides online access to case records for Prince George's County Circuit and District Courts. This resource allows searches by name, case number, or citation number.
How To Find Criminal Records in Prince George's County Online?
Prince George's County residents and interested parties may access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resource for criminal court records is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, which provides comprehensive access to case information from Prince George's County Circuit and District Courts. This database includes:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names and attorney information
- Charge information and disposition
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Case status updates
To use this system:
- Navigate to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or citation number)
- Review results, which display cases from 1989 to present
- Select specific cases to view detailed information
The Prince George's County Detention Center Inmate Lookup provides current information about individuals currently incarcerated in county facilities. This database includes:
- Inmate name and identification number
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled court dates
- Expected release date (when available)
For sex offender information, the Maryland Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services allows searches of registered sex offenders residing in Prince George's County. This database includes:
- Offender photographs and physical descriptions
- Registered addresses
- Conviction information
- Compliance status
Users should note that online records have certain limitations:
- Some case details may require in-person requests at the courthouse
- Certain sensitive information is redacted from online records
- Records sealed by court order or expunged are not available online
- Technical issues may occasionally affect system availability
Registration is not required for the Maryland Judiciary Case Search or the Sex Offender Registry, allowing anonymous searches. However, some specialized databases may require user registration or professional credentials for access.
Can You Search Prince George's County Criminal Records for Free?
Prince George's County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without payment of fees, in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act § 4-206, which governs fees for record searches and copies. The statute permits inspection of records without charge, though fees may be assessed for copies or extensive searches.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at the following locations:
Prince George's County Circuit Court
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Prince George's County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Prince George's County District Court
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-298-4000
Maryland District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Several online resources provide free access to criminal record information:
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search - Provides free access to court case information, including criminal cases in Prince George's County
- Prince George's County Detention Center Inmate Lookup - Offers free searches of current jail inmates
- Maryland Sex Offender Registry - Provides free access to information about registered sex offenders in the county
While inspection of records is generally free, fees may apply in certain circumstances:
- Printed copies of records (typically $0.25-$0.50 per page)
- Certified copies of court documents ($5 per document)
- Extensive searches requiring significant staff time
- Background checks through the Criminal Justice Information System ($38)
- Expedited processing of requests
The Maryland Public Information Act allows for fee waivers in cases where the applicant demonstrates financial hardship and the information requested is in the public interest. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing to the custodian of records.
What's Included in a Prince George's County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Prince George's County contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Circuit)
- Charging document information
- Statutory citations for alleged offenses
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Attorney information (prosecution and defense)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Pre-trial release conditions
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing 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 or pending charges
- Protective or peace orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Probation/parole status reports
- Compliance with court-ordered programs
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the specific agencies maintaining the information and the nature of the case. Records maintained by the Maryland Judiciary focus primarily on court proceedings, while law enforcement agencies maintain more detailed arrest and investigative information.
How Long Does Prince George's County Keep Criminal Records?
Prince George's County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Maryland State Archives and governed by Maryland Code, State Government Article § 10-633, which mandates the preservation of government records. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and the severity of the offense.
Court records in Prince George's County are retained according to the following schedule:
- Felony Case Records: Permanently maintained in the Circuit Court archives
- Misdemeanor Case Records: Maintained for 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic Violations: Maintained for 3 years after case disposition
- Domestic Violence Cases: Maintained for 10 years after case disposition
- Protective Orders: Maintained for 5 years after expiration of the order
Law enforcement records follow different retention schedules:
- Arrest Records: Maintained for 75 years from date of creation
- Investigation Reports (Felonies): Permanently maintained
- Investigation Reports (Misdemeanors): Maintained for 10 years
- Booking Photographs: Maintained for 75 years
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanently maintained
Incarceration records maintained by the Prince George's County Department of Corrections are typically retained for 75 years from the date of final release from custody.
It is important to note that expunged records are removed from public access pursuant to court order under Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 10-105. Once expunged, these records are no longer accessible through standard record searches, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes.
The Maryland State Archives serves as the ultimate repository for permanent records, including historical criminal case files from Prince George's County. These archives preserve significant criminal cases for historical and research purposes in accordance with state archival standards.