Maryland Criminal Records

Maryland criminal records offer a wealth of information about residents of the state that have arrests or convictions in their history. The records are commonly used for the purpose of screening potential applicants for jobs or property rentals. These records cannot be accessed without the express written permission of the person on the documents, under Maryland law. However, with proper authorization, you can find criminal records in Maryland relatively easily using online services and step-by-step instructions.

Where to Find Maryland Criminal Records

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is the central repository for all criminal records in Maryland. This agency provides background checks to anyone interested in learning more about someone’s arrest history in the state, whether for hiring, renting property or working with children. Depending on the type of entity seeking information, the forms for requesting Maryland criminal records and the process to follow will be slightly different.

Those looking for criminal records on Maryland residents may also initiate a search through the Federal Bureau of Investigations. This search will offer a broader scope of the individual’s criminal history, since it is conducted at a federal level. However, the FBI records search will only reveal arrests, not the specific crimes committed. Maryland criminal records through the state source will include specific charges in their documents.

Who can Request Criminal Records in Maryland?

Private employers must complete a private party petition packet before requesting criminal records in Maryland. This packet is used by any company that wants to conduct background checks before hiring applicants. The employer must be approved as an authorized agency to receive criminal information by the state before Maryland criminal records will be disclosed.

Other agencies and employers that are in a line of work requiring some sort of background check follow a slightly different process. These might include agencies that work with children or adult dependents, criminal justice, the court system, the state or federal government, or public housing. If the entity falls within one of these categories, a general registration form is required before Maryland criminal records can be provided. A registration update form is also available to allow these employers and agencies to keep their information current for the purposes of retrieving criminal records in Maryland.

Individuals can also request their own criminal records in Maryland, for the purpose of employment or to check the records for accuracy. To retrieve records for personal use, the individual may go to any authorized fingerprinting center in the state to initiate the process. Those who live outside the state of Maryland may contact the Central Repository of Baltimore City to request a fingerprint card. The card may then be completed according to accompanying instructions and returned to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for a search and retrieval of records.

There may be a number of reasons to conduct a background search on a Maryland resident today, whether you are hiring for a sensitive job position or renting an apartment to a prospective tenant. With an easy-to-follow process in place, it is easy to get the Maryland criminal records you need.