Garrett County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Garrett County
Arrest records in Garrett County, Maryland are considered public information pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under §4-101 et seq. of the General Provisions Article. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state law. The public nature of these records serves the dual purpose of maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations while providing citizens with information regarding criminal activity within their community.
The following guidelines apply to the public accessibility of arrest records in Garrett County:
- Records are generally available through the Garrett County Sheriff's Office and court systems
- Certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records are typically sealed and not available to the public
- Records related to expunged cases are removed from public access
- Information pertaining to victims of certain crimes may be withheld
Individuals seeking arrest records may contact the primary law enforcement agency in Garrett County:
Garrett County Sheriff's Office 311 East Alder Street Oakland, MD 21550 Phone: (301) 334-1911 Garrett County Sheriff's Office
What's in Garrett County Arrest Records
Garrett County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article §10-201, which establishes requirements for record-keeping by law enforcement agencies.
Standard arrest records in Garrett County typically include:
- Arrestee's full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Specific charges filed, including statute numbers
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records
- Case disposition information when available
- Bail or bond information
It should be noted that the level of detail may vary depending on the nature of the case and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Garrett County Detention Center may contain additional information regarding an individual's incarceration status, while court records will document subsequent legal proceedings.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Garrett County in 2025
Garrett County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The procedures outlined below reflect the current protocols established for 2025, pursuant to Maryland's Public Information Act.
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Garrett County Sheriff's Office - Records Division 311 East Alder Street Oakland, MD 21550 Phone: (301) 334-1911 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Garrett County Sheriff's Office
The following procedures apply when requesting arrest records:
- Requestors must complete an official records request form
- Valid government-issued photo identification must be presented
- Specific information about the record being sought should be provided
- Processing fees may apply ($15-25 per record as of 2025)
- Records may take 5-10 business days to process
For court-related arrest records, individuals may contact:
Circuit Court for Garrett County 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109 Oakland, MD 21550 Phone: (301) 334-7600 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Circuit Court for Garrett County
District Court of Maryland for Garrett County 203 South Fourth Street, Suite 165 Oakland, MD 21550 Phone: (301) 334-8034 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM District Court of Maryland for Garrett County
How To Find Garrett County Arrest Records Online
Digital access to Garrett County arrest records has been expanded in 2025 to improve public accessibility while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards. Online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though certain limitations may apply to the information available through digital platforms.
The primary online resources for accessing Garrett County arrest records include:
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search - This statewide database provides information on court cases, including those resulting from arrests in Garrett County. Users can search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
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Garrett County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup - The Sheriff's Office website maintains a current roster of individuals detained at the Garrett County Detention Center, including basic arrest information.
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Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) Inmate Locator - This resource provides information on individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities following conviction.
When utilizing online resources, users should be aware of the following considerations:
- Information may not be comprehensive or reflect recent updates
- Certain sensitive cases may be excluded from online databases
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
- Official record verification may still require in-person requests
Can You Search Garrett County Arrest Records for Free?
Access to certain basic arrest record information in Garrett County is available without charge, though comprehensive records typically require payment of administrative fees. Maryland's Public Information Act permits agencies to charge reasonable fees to recover costs associated with record production.
Free resources for basic arrest information include:
- Public terminals at the Garrett County Circuit Court and District Court facilities
- Online inmate roster on the Sheriff's Office website
- Public court dockets posted at courthouse locations
Fee-based services include:
- Certified copies of arrest records ($25 per record)
- Comprehensive criminal history reports ($20-35)
- Expedited record retrieval services (additional $10-15)
- Records requiring extensive redaction or review
Pursuant to Maryland Code, General Provisions §4-206, fees may be waived for indigent applicants who demonstrate financial hardship. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing to the records custodian of the relevant agency.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Garrett County
The expungement process provides a legal mechanism for removing arrest records from public access in Garrett County. This procedure is governed by Maryland Criminal Procedure Article §10-101 through §10-110, which establishes specific criteria for record expungement.
Individuals seeking expungement must:
- Determine eligibility based on case disposition and statutory waiting periods
- File a Petition for Expungement (Form CC-DC-CR-072) with the appropriate court
- Pay the required filing fee ($30-50, subject to potential waiver)
- Serve copies of the petition on relevant agencies
- Attend any scheduled hearings regarding the petition
Expungement eligibility generally applies to:
- Arrests that did not result in charges
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Certain convictions after completion of sentence and waiting period
- Pardoned offenses
The primary location for filing expungement petitions is:
Circuit Court for Garrett County 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109 Oakland, MD 21550 Phone: (301) 334-7600 Circuit Court for Garrett County
What Happens After Arrest in Garrett County?
Following an arrest in Garrett County, individuals enter a standardized processing procedure established by Maryland law and local protocols. This process ensures proper documentation, assessment of charges, and protection of constitutional rights.
The post-arrest procedure typically includes:
- Transportation to the Garrett County Detention Center for processing
- Booking procedures including fingerprinting, photographing, and personal property inventory
- Initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner within 24 hours
- Determination of pretrial release conditions or detention
- Assignment of preliminary hearing date if applicable
- Arraignment and subsequent court proceedings
During the initial appearance, the Commissioner will:
- Inform the arrestee of charges and potential penalties
- Advise regarding constitutional rights
- Determine eligibility for pretrial release
- Set bail or bond if appropriate
- Assign public defender if financial qualification is met
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Garrett County?
Arrest records in Garrett County are maintained according to the Maryland Records Retention Schedule established under State Government Article §10-633. The duration of record retention varies based on the nature of the offense and case disposition.
Standard retention periods include:
- Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: Minimum 10 years
- Arrests without charges or conviction: 3 years (subject to expungement)
- Juvenile arrest records: Until age 21 (with exceptions)
- Traffic violations: 3-5 years depending on severity
Records are maintained by multiple agencies including the Garrett County Sheriff's Office, Circuit Court, and District Court. Digital conversion initiatives have expanded the accessibility of historical records, though older records may require additional processing time for retrieval.
How to Find Mugshots in Garrett County
Booking photographs, commonly known as mugshots, are considered part of the public arrest record in Garrett County, subject to certain restrictions. Access to these images is governed by the Maryland Public Information Act and agency policies designed to balance transparency with privacy concerns.
Individuals seeking mugshot images may:
- Submit a written request to the Garrett County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject
- Pay applicable processing fees ($10-15 per image)
- Demonstrate legitimate purpose for request (media, research, etc.)
Restrictions on mugshot access may apply to:
- Juvenile subjects (generally not released)
- Ongoing investigations where release may compromise case
- Expunged records
- Cases involving certain protected victims
Lookup Arrest Records in Garrett County
Garrett County Sheriff's Office
Garrett County Detention Center information