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Garrett County Criminal Records

What Is Garrett County Criminal Records

Garrett County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Garrett County, Maryland. These records are maintained by various county agencies, including the Garrett County Circuit Court and the Garrett County Sheriff's Office. They document arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, and sentences for criminal offenses that occurred within the county's jurisdiction.

Criminal records serve as an important resource for law enforcement, legal professionals, employers, and members of the public who need to verify someone's criminal background. These records are created and updated throughout the criminal justice process, from the initial arrest through the final disposition of a case.

Are Criminal Records Public In Garrett County

Yes, criminal records in Garrett County are generally considered public information under Maryland's Public Information Act. This means that most criminal records can be accessed by any member of the public, with certain exceptions for sealed or expunged records.

The Circuit Court for Garrett County maintains these public records and makes them available for inspection during regular business hours.

Circuit Court for Garrett County 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550

The Maryland Judiciary also provides online access to many court records through their Case Search system, though some information may be redacted to protect privacy.

However, not all criminal record information is publicly accessible. Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order, juvenile records, and certain sensitive information may be restricted. Additionally, records related to ongoing investigations or cases under active prosecution might have limited accessibility.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Garrett County in 2025

In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Garrett County:

  1. Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court: You can request criminal records in person at the Garrett County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.

    Circuit Court for Garrett County, Clerk's Office 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550

  2. Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This online database allows searches for criminal cases throughout Maryland, including Garrett County. The system is accessible 24/7 and provides basic case information.

  3. District Court of Maryland: For misdemeanor cases and preliminary hearings, you can contact the District Court.

    District Court of Maryland for Garrett County 311 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD 21550

  4. Garrett County Sheriff's Office: For arrest records and local criminal history information.

    Garrett County Sheriff's Office 311 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD 21550

  5. Mail or Email Requests: Submit a written request to the Clerk's Office with the required information and applicable fees.

When requesting records, you'll need to provide specific information such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and case number if available. Identification may be required for certain requests, and fees typically apply for copies of records.

How To Find Criminal Records in Garrett County Online?

Finding Garrett County criminal records online has become increasingly accessible through several digital platforms:

  1. Maryland Judiciary Case Search (mdcourts.gov): This is the primary online resource for accessing court records throughout Maryland, including Garrett County. The database allows searches by name, case number, or other identifiers and provides information on criminal cases, including charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions.

  2. Maryland Judiciary ePortal: This newer system offers enhanced features for accessing court documents electronically, including the ability to view and download certain court documents directly.

  3. Garrett County Sheriff's Office website: May provide limited information about recent arrests and inmates currently in custody.

    Garrett County Sheriff's Office Online Portal https://garrettcountymd.gov/sheriff

  4. Third-party background check services: Various commercial websites offer criminal record searches that include Garrett County data, though these typically charge fees and may not have complete or up-to-date information.

When using online resources, be aware that:

  • Some records may not be available online due to privacy restrictions
  • Recent cases might not appear immediately in online databases
  • Complete case files typically require an in-person request
  • Online records may contain limited information compared to official court files

Can You Search Garrett County Criminal Records for Free?

Yes, there are several ways to search Garrett County criminal records for free:

  1. Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This free online database provides basic information about criminal cases in Garrett County and throughout Maryland. While the search itself is free, you cannot download documents through this system.

  2. In-person inspection: You can visit the Garrett County Circuit Court Clerk's Office to view public criminal records at no cost.

    Circuit Court for Garrett County 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550

  3. Public access terminals: Available at the courthouse, these terminals provide free access to court records, though printing may incur fees.

  4. Public libraries: Some Garrett County public libraries offer free access to public records databases.

    Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County 6 North Second Street, Oakland, MD 21550

While searching records may be free, obtaining copies typically involves fees:

  • Paper copies: Generally $0.50-$1.00 per page
  • Certified copies: Additional certification fees apply
  • Electronic copies: May have separate fee structures

It's important to note that while basic searches are free, comprehensive criminal background checks that include multiple jurisdictions or detailed reports usually require payment, either through government agencies or third-party services.

What's Included in a Garrett County Criminal Record?

A typical Garrett County criminal record contains comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records generally include:

  1. Personal Identification Information:

    • Full legal name and any aliases
    • Date of birth
    • Address at time of arrest
    • Physical description
    • Fingerprints and booking photos (mugshots)

  2. Case Information:

    • Case numbers and filing dates
    • Charges filed (including statute numbers)
    • Arrest details and dates
    • Name of arresting agency
    • Court appearance dates
    • Plea information
    • Trial outcomes
    • Verdict or judgment
    • Sentencing information

  3. Disposition Details:

    • Conviction information
    • Dismissals or acquittals
    • Sentencing terms
    • Probation details
    • Fine amounts
    • Incarceration periods
    • Completion of required programs

  4. Post-Conviction Information:

    • Probation violations
    • Parole status
    • Completion of sentence
    • Record expungement or sealing (if applicable)

The level of detail available may vary depending on the age of the record, the severity of the offense, and whether any information has been redacted due to privacy laws or court orders.

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

In Garrett County, criminal trespass charges follow Maryland state law and can result in various penalties depending on the specific circumstances and type of trespass. The penalties typically include:

For Fourth Degree Trespass (most common):

  • Maximum penalty of 90 days imprisonment
  • Fine up to $500
  • This applies to basic trespassing after being notified not to enter

For Third Degree Trespass:

  • Maximum penalty of 90 days imprisonment
  • Fine up to $500
  • Applies to entering private property that is posted against trespassing

For Second Degree Trespass:

  • Maximum penalty of 6 months imprisonment
  • Fine up to $1,000
  • Involves trespassing in a private dwelling or remaining after being asked to leave

For First Degree Trespass (most serious):

  • Maximum penalty of 1 year imprisonment
  • Fine up to $2,500
  • Applies to breaking and entering with intent to trespass

Additional consequences may include:

  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Restitution for any property damage
  • Restraining orders
  • Creation of a criminal record that can affect employment and housing opportunities

Penalties may be enhanced if the trespass involved:

  • Weapons
  • Property damage
  • Connection to other crimes
  • Prior trespassing convictions
  • Trespassing on certain protected properties (government buildings, schools, etc.)

Legal proceedings for trespass cases are typically handled at the District Court of Maryland for Garrett County.

District Court of Maryland for Garrett County 311 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD 21550

How Long Does Garrett County Keep Criminal Records?

Garrett County follows Maryland state guidelines for criminal record retention. Generally, criminal records in Garrett County are kept indefinitely unless they are expunged through a court order. Here's what you should know about criminal record retention in the county:

For permanent records:

  • Felony convictions are maintained permanently
  • Serious misdemeanor convictions are typically kept indefinitely
  • Court judgments and sentencing documents are preserved as permanent records

For non-conviction records:

  • Arrests that did not lead to charges may be eligible for expungement after 3 years
  • Charges resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi may be eligible for expungement after 3 years
  • Probation before judgment (PBJ) cases may be eligible for expungement after successful completion of probation and a waiting period

The Maryland Courts maintain these records through the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Garrett County.

Circuit Court for Garrett County, Records Department 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550

Important considerations regarding record retention:

  • Even expunged records may be retained in sealed archives for certain governmental purposes
  • Some criminal justice agencies may maintain internal records even after public expungement
  • Federal offenses prosecuted in federal courts follow different retention schedules
  • Juvenile records are typically sealed when the individual reaches adulthood, but are still maintained

For specific information about a particular record's retention status, you should contact the Clerk's Office directly.

Lookup Criminal Records in Garrett County

To access criminal records in Garrett County, you can utilize these official resources:

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