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Garrett County Criminal Records

What Is Garrett County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Garrett County, Maryland are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained by various government agencies and contain information about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions of criminal cases.

The primary custodians of criminal records in Garrett County include:

Pursuant to Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 16-101 et seq., criminal records are created and maintained to document the administration of justice and provide an official account of criminal proceedings. These records serve multiple purposes including law enforcement reference, background checks, and statistical analysis for public safety planning.

Are Criminal Records Public In Garrett County

Criminal records in Garrett County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under General Provisions Article § 4-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Members of the public may access most criminal records through:

However, certain limitations and exceptions to public access exist:

  • Records that have been expunged pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article § 10-101 et seq.
  • Sealed juvenile records as provided in Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 3-8A-27
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Information specifically protected by statute, such as certain victim information
  • Records pertaining to ongoing investigations

The Maryland Rules, specifically Title 16, Chapter 900, govern access to court records and establish procedures for requesting judicial records. Individuals seeking access to criminal records in Garrett County must comply with these rules and may be required to submit a judicial records request form to the appropriate court clerk.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Garrett County in 2025

As of 2025, individuals seeking criminal records in Garrett County have several methods available to them. The Maryland Judiciary has continued to enhance its digital services while maintaining traditional access channels.

To look up criminal records in Garrett County, requestors may utilize the following procedures:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Clerk's Office at the Circuit Court for Garrett County during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday)
  • Complete a records request form specifying the information sought
  • Present valid government-issued photo identification
  • Pay applicable fees for copies ($5.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page as of 2025)

Online Access:

  • Navigate to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
  • Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or filing date
  • Review search results for relevant case information
  • Note that certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records

Written Requests:

  • Submit a detailed written request to:
    Clerk of the Circuit Court for Garrett County
    203 South Fourth Street, Room 109
    Oakland, MD 21550
  • Include specific information about the records sought
  • Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
  • Enclose payment for applicable fees

For records not available through these methods, such as older archived records, requestors may need to contact the Maryland State Archives, which maintains historical Garrett County records in various formats.

How To Find Criminal Records in Garrett County Online?

Garrett County criminal records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by Maryland state agencies. These digital resources have been developed to enhance public access while maintaining appropriate security protocols.

The primary online resource for accessing Garrett County criminal records is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system. This comprehensive database provides public access to case records from both the District and Circuit Courts throughout Maryland, including Garrett County. Users may search by:

  • Defendant/plaintiff name
  • Case number
  • Filing date
  • Case type

Additional online resources include:

When utilizing these online resources, users should be aware that:

  • Information is provided as a public service and may not be complete or up-to-date
  • Certain sensitive information is redacted in accordance with Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-912
  • Online records should not be relied upon for official purposes without verification
  • Technical limitations may occasionally affect system availability

Pursuant to Maryland Rules 16-905, electronic access to certain categories of records may be restricted, and users are advised to consult the specific terms of use for each online platform.

Can You Search Garrett County Criminal Records for Free?

Garrett County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without payment of fees, though some services do require payment depending on the nature and extent of the request.

Free access options include:

  • The Maryland Judiciary Case Search online database, which provides basic case information at no charge
  • In-person inspection of publicly available court records at the Garrett County Circuit Court or District Court during regular business hours
  • The Garrett County Sheriff's Office Arrest Log available online without fee
  • Public terminals located in the courthouse for searching electronic court records

Services that typically require payment include:

  • Certified copies of court documents ($5.00 for certification plus copy fees)
  • Extensive document reproduction ($0.50 per page after the first page)
  • Records requiring extensive research or retrieval from archives
  • Background checks conducted through the Criminal Justice Information System

The Maryland Public Information Act permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the search, preparation, and reproduction of records. However, pursuant to General Provisions Article § 4-206, fees may be waived if the applicant demonstrates financial hardship and that the information sought is in the public interest.

Individuals seeking fee waivers should submit a written request to the records custodian explaining the basis for the waiver request. Decisions regarding fee waivers are made on a case-by-case basis.

What's Included in a Garrett County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Garrett County judicial and law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are created and maintained in accordance with Maryland Rules Title 16, Chapter 900.

A typical Garrett County criminal record may include the following components:

  • Demographic information (name, date of birth, address)
  • Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency)
  • Charging documents (statement of charges, indictments)
  • Court proceedings (hearing dates, continuances, appearances)
  • Case disposition (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
  • Sentencing information (incarceration, probation, fines)
  • Post-conviction proceedings (appeals, modifications)
  • Probation/parole status and violations
  • Warrant information when applicable

The level of detail available may vary depending on:

  • The age of the record
  • The court of jurisdiction (District or Circuit)
  • The stage of the criminal proceeding
  • Applicable confidentiality provisions

Certain information may be redacted or restricted from public access, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account information
  • Medical and psychological information
  • Information about victims of domestic violence or sexual offenses
  • Juvenile records (unless waived to adult court)

Records maintained by the Circuit Court for Garrett County generally contain more detailed information for felonies and serious misdemeanors, while the District Court of Maryland for Garrett County maintains records for lesser offenses and preliminary proceedings.

What Are the Penalties for a Garrett County Criminal Trespass Charge?

Criminal trespass in Garrett County is prosecuted under Maryland Criminal Law Article § 6-401 through § 6-410. The penalties vary depending on the specific nature of the trespass and whether the defendant has prior convictions.

For first-degree trespass (entering or remaining on property after being notified not to do so):

  • Maximum penalty: Imprisonment not exceeding 90 days and/or a fine not exceeding $500
  • Classification: Misdemeanor
  • Court of jurisdiction: District Court of Maryland for Garrett County

For fourth-degree burglary (breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime):

  • Maximum penalty: Imprisonment not exceeding 3 years and/or a fine not exceeding $2,500
  • Classification: Misdemeanor
  • Court of jurisdiction: Circuit Court for Garrett County (for jury trials) or District Court

Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:

  • Trespass on posted property
  • Trespass with a dangerous weapon
  • Trespass with intent to commit another crime
  • Prior convictions for similar offenses

Individuals charged with criminal trespass in Garrett County will have their cases processed through:

District Court of Maryland for Garrett County
311 East Alder Street
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-8030
District Court of Garrett County

For more serious related offenses such as burglary or cases where defendants request jury trials:

Circuit Court for Garrett County
203 South Fourth Street, Room 109
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-7600
Circuit Court for Garrett County

The court may also impose additional conditions such as stay-away orders, restitution for any property damage, and probation supervision through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

How Long Does Garrett County Keep Criminal Records?

Garrett County criminal records are retained according to schedules established by the Maryland Judiciary and the Maryland State Archives. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, case disposition, and applicable statutes.

General retention guidelines include:

  • Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 3 years after case disposition
  • Felony case files: Minimum of 10 years after case disposition
  • Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
  • Index and docket entries: Permanent retention
  • Warrant records: Retained until executed plus 3 years
  • Probation records: 5 years after completion of probation

After the initial retention period at the courthouse, records may be:

  • Transferred to the Maryland State Archives for permanent preservation
  • Converted to electronic format for continued access
  • Destroyed in accordance with approved disposition schedules

It is important to note that even when physical records are destroyed, electronic index information often remains available indefinitely through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system.

Criminal records may be removed from public access through:

  • Expungement pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article § 10-101 et seq.
  • Shielding of certain convictions under Justice Reinvestment Act provisions
  • Court-ordered sealing in special circumstances

Individuals seeking information about older criminal records should contact:

Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-6400
Maryland State Archives

Lookup Criminal Records in Garrett County

Maryland Judiciary Case Search

Circuit Court records access

Garrett County court directory

Sheriff's Office arrest information

District Court location and services

Historical county records

Court records information

Judicial records request process

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