Criminal records in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. AnneArundelCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Maryland Judiciary's statewide case search portal, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Clerk's Office also provide access to criminal record data.
How to Search Criminal Records in Anne Arundel
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Anne Arundel County. The method you choose depends on what you need — a quick case status check, a formal criminal history report, or certified court documents.
Online Search
- AnneArundelCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Anne Arundel County.
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search (JPortal) — The statewide portal provides public access to case records from both the Circuit Court and District Court. Search by party name, case number, or date of birth.
- CJIS Background Check (DPSCS) — For official criminal history reports, the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, processes fingerprint-based background checks.
- Incarcerated Individual Locator — To check whether someone is currently in state custody, use the DPSCS locator tool.
In Person
- Visit the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Annapolis to use public access terminals or request case file reviews.
- The District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County in Annapolis handles misdemeanor and certain felony cases. Records for cases heard there can be requested at the clerk's window.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for copies of specific case records. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number.
- For a state criminal history report, submit a fingerprint-based request through the Maryland State Police Central Records Division.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full name of the individual (first and last, middle if available)
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Court location (Circuit Court or District Court)
Search Anne Arundel Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, you can pull up the record directly through Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Maryland uses a standardized case number format across all courts:
- Court type code — A letter prefix identifies the court level. "C" indicates Circuit Court; "D" indicates District Court.
- County code — A two-digit number identifies the county. Anne Arundel County is 02.
- Case type code — A two-letter abbreviation identifies the case category (e.g., "CR" for criminal).
- Sequence number and year — The remaining digits represent the filing sequence and the year the case was filed.
A typical Anne Arundel Circuit Court criminal case number might look like: C-02-CR-24-000123. Enter the full case number into the case search portal for the fastest, most precise result. Partial numbers or incorrect prefixes will not return matches.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Anne Arundel
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Maryland statute section the defendant is charged under (e.g., CR § 3-203 for assault in the second degree) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — determines which court has jurisdiction |
| Amended charges | Charges may be modified by the State's Attorney before or during trial; amended charges replace or supplement original charges |
| Multiple counts | A single case may include several charges, each listed separately with its own statute code and severity |
Case Status
- Active / Open — The case is currently proceeding through the court.
- Sub Curia — The judge has taken the matter under advisement; a decision is pending.
- Disposed — All charges have been resolved (by verdict, plea, or dismissal).
- Closed — The case is fully concluded, including any post-disposition obligations.
- Inactive — The case has been stayed or placed on a stet docket (indefinitely postponed).
Hearing Types
- Bail / Bond Review — Determines conditions of pretrial release.
- Preliminary Hearing — District Court hearing to determine probable cause in felony cases.
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea in Circuit Court.
- Pretrial Conference — Attorneys discuss case status, plea offers, and trial readiness.
- Trial — Bench trial or jury trial on the merits.
- Sentencing — Court imposes a sentence after a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review Hearing — Post-sentencing hearing to assess compliance with probation or other conditions.
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant was convicted at trial or entered a guilty plea.
- Not Guilty — Defendant was acquitted at trial.
- Nolle Prosequi — The State's Attorney chose not to prosecute the charge.
- Stet — The case is indefinitely postponed; it can be reopened within one year (or three years for certain offenses).
- Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) — The court stays the finding of guilt and places the defendant on probation. This is not a conviction under Maryland law, though it still appears on court records.
- Dismissed — The charge was dropped by the court.
- Merged — One charge was merged into another for sentencing purposes.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Anne Arundel
Court Records (Certified Copies)
Certified copies of criminal case documents — including charging documents, dispositions, and docket entries — are available from the office where the case was heard.
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. You can also submit a written request by mail; include the case number, defendant's name, the specific documents you need, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Anne Arundel County District Court
State Criminal History Reports
For a comprehensive criminal history (rap sheet), requests go through the DPSCS Criminal Justice Information System. These are fingerprint-based and require an appointment at an authorized fingerprinting location. Results are mailed to the requesting agency or individual.
Expungement
If you need records removed, Maryland law allows expungement of certain criminal records — including cases that were dismissed, resulted in a nolle prosequi or stet, or led to a not guilty verdict. Eligible individuals file a petition with the court where the case was heard.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Anne Arundel
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular copy of court document | $0.50 per page | Per Maryland Rule 16-504; may vary by document type |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 per document plus copy fees | Certification fee is set by statute |
| Maryland Case Search (online) | Free | Public access; no registration required |
| CJIS criminal history (fingerprint-based) | $18.00 (state) + $14.00 (FBI, if needed) | Fees are payable at the time of fingerprinting; subject to change |
| Expungement filing fee | $30.00 | Fee may be waived for indigent petitioners |
Processing Times
- Online case search — Immediate results.
- In-person copy requests — Typically same day if the case file is available at the courthouse.
- Mail requests for court copies — Allow 5–10 business days for processing, plus mailing time.
- CJIS fingerprint-based background check — Generally 5–10 business days after fingerprints are submitted; processing may take longer during periods of high volume.
- Expungement orders — Courts must act within 90 days of receiving a petition, though actual removal from databases may take additional time.
Fees are established under Maryland Rule 16-504 and the Public Safety Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Confirm current amounts directly with the clerk's office or the relevant agency before submitting payment, as fees are periodically updated.