Calvert County Public Records / Calvert County Arrest Records

Calvert County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Calvert County

Arrest records in Calvert County are considered public information under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified in § 4-101 through § 4-601 of the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Code. This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records while balancing privacy concerns and investigative integrity.

The Calvert County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. Pursuant to § 4-201 of the MPIA, all persons are entitled to have access to information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
Conviction Records: Document the final disposition of a case resulting in a finding of guilt, either through trial or plea agreement.

While both types of records are generally accessible to the public, certain exemptions apply under § 4-301 through § 4-355 of the MPIA. These exemptions may include records that would:

Interfere with an ongoing investigation
Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Endanger an individual's life or physical safety
Reveal the identity of a confidential source

The Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit serves as the custodian of these records and processes public information requests in accordance with state law.

What's in Calvert County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address
Identifying numbers (driver's license, state ID, or Social Security Number)
Fingerprints and, in most cases, photographs (mugshots)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer(s)
Circumstances leading to the arrest
Whether force was used during the arrest
Whether the arrestee was armed

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number and issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant
Probable cause statement

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Facility where booking occurred
Property inventory taken during booking
Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Type of bond (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bond was posted
Conditions of release, if applicable

Court Information:

Court case number
Scheduled court appearances
Court of jurisdiction

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration, if applicable
Release date, if applicable

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Known associates
Gang affiliations, if documented
Vehicle information
Victim information (often redacted in public records)
Witness statements (often redacted in public records)

The Calvert County Detention Center maintains custody records that complement arrest documentation, particularly for individuals who remain in custody following arrest.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Calvert County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Calvert County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The primary custodian of arrest records is the Records Unit of the Calvert County Sheriff's Office. Individuals may request records through the following procedures:

Submit a written request under the Maryland Public Information Act to:

Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
30 Church Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-2800
Calvert County Sheriff's Office

Complete the official MPIA request form available on the Sheriff's Office website or in person at the Records Unit. The form requires:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific description of records being requested
- Date range for the records
- Purpose of the request (optional)
Provide proper identification when requesting records in person. Acceptable forms include:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Driver's license
- Passport
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying:
- Search and preparation fees (based on actual staff time)
- Copying fees ($0.25 per page for standard copies)
- Electronic media fees if requesting digital copies
Allow processing time as specified under § 4-203 of the MPIA:
- Agencies must respond to requests within 30 days
- Complex requests may require additional time
- Expedited processing may be available for certain situations

The Records Unit operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requests may be submitted in person during these hours or by mail at any time.

How To Find Calvert County Arrest Records Online

Calvert County provides limited online access to arrest records through several digital platforms. The following resources are available to the public seeking electronic access to arrest information:

Calvert County Sheriff's Office Website offers:
- Recent arrest reports
- Daily booking logs
- Warrant information for individuals with active warrants
- Press releases about significant arrests
Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides court case information related to arrests:
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- View case status, charges, and scheduled hearings
- Access information about case disposition
- Note that this system does not include arrest reports, only court records
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Inmate Locator allows users to:
- Verify if an individual is currently in custody
- Determine facility location
- View basic charge information
- Check scheduled release dates for sentenced individuals
Calvert County Detention Center Inmate Search provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information

When using online resources, users should note the following limitations:

Not all arrest records are available online
Information may be limited compared to official records
Recent arrests may not appear immediately
Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
Online records should not be considered official for legal purposes

For comprehensive arrest records, individuals are advised to submit a formal MPIA request to the Records Unit as outlined in the previous section.

How To Search Calvert County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options to access Calvert County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide varying levels of information about arrests and related court proceedings:

Visit the Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit in person to:
- Review public arrest logs maintained in the lobby
- Examine press releases about recent arrests
- View the daily booking report

Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
30 Church Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-2800
Calvert County Sheriff's Office

Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search online at no cost:
- This free database provides information about court cases related to arrests
- Search by name to find criminal cases in Calvert County
- View case status, charges, and court dates
- Hours of operation: Available 24/7 except during scheduled maintenance
Review media reports from local news sources:
- The Calvert Recorder
- Southern Maryland News
- Local television station websites
- These sources often report on significant arrests and include basic information
Consult public court records at:

Calvert County Circuit Court
175 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-1600

Calvert County District Court
200 Duke Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-1600

Submit a targeted MPIA request that minimizes fees:
- Narrow the scope of your request to reduce search and preparation time
- Request to inspect records in person rather than requesting copies
- Under § 4-206(e) of the MPIA, fees may be waived if the applicant is indigent or if the waiver would be in the public interest

When utilizing free resources, individuals should be aware that:

Information may be less comprehensive than official records
Some details may be redacted or unavailable
Recent arrests may not be immediately accessible
Complex searches may still require a formal request and associated fees

How To Delete Arrest Records in Calvert County

Under Maryland law, individuals may petition for the expungement (legal erasure) or shielding (restricting public access) of certain arrest records in Calvert County. These processes are governed by § 10-101 through § 10-110 of the Criminal Procedure Article of the Maryland Code.

Expungement vs. Shielding:

Expungement removes records from public access and, in most cases, from government agency records. When a record is expunged, it is as if the event never occurred from a legal perspective.
Shielding keeps records in existence but prevents them from being disclosed to the general public. Law enforcement agencies, certain employers, and some government entities may still access shielded records.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in charges (must wait 3 years unless a waiver is obtained)
The charges were dismissed
The case resulted in a not guilty verdict or acquittal
The case was placed on the stet docket (must wait 3 years)
The case was resolved through probation before judgment (must wait 3 years)
The conviction was for a crime that is eligible for expungement
The Governor granted a full pardon

Expungement Process:

Obtain and complete the appropriate petition form from:

Calvert County Circuit Court
175 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-1600

Calvert County District Court
200 Duke Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-1600

File the petition with the court where the case was handled
Pay the filing fee (currently $30 per case, with fee waivers available for financial hardship)
Serve a copy of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office
Attend the expungement hearing if one is scheduled
If granted, the court will issue an Order for Expungement
The order is sent to all agencies with records related to the arrest
Agencies have 60 days to comply with the expungement order

Shielding Process:

As of October 1, 2018, Maryland law allows for the shielding of certain convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. The process is similar to expungement but applies to different offenses and has different waiting periods.

Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public view should consult with a legal professional to determine eligibility and the most appropriate remedy for their specific situation. The Maryland Judiciary provides forms and instructions for both expungement and shielding on its official website.

What Happens After Arrest in Calvert County?

Following an arrest in Calvert County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Processing
- The arrestee is transported to the Calvert County Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- The arrestee is placed in a holding cell pending initial appearance
Initial Appearance Before a Commissioner
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- The commissioner:
  - Informs the arrestee of charges
  - Advises of right to counsel
  - Determines eligibility for pretrial release
  - Sets bail or other conditions of release
  - Schedules preliminary hearing (for felonies)
Bail Review Hearing
- Held before a District Court judge
- Reviews commissioner's bail determination
- May modify bail amount or conditions
- Considers public safety and flight risk
Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only)
- Held within 10 days if in custody, 30 days if released
- Determines if probable cause exists to proceed
- Case may be dismissed if insufficient evidence
- If probable cause is found, case proceeds to Circuit Court
Formal Charging
- Misdemeanors: Statement of charges or criminal information
- Felonies: Grand jury indictment or criminal information
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Trial date is set
Pretrial Motions and Discovery
- Defense may file motions to suppress evidence
- Prosecution must disclose evidence
- Plea negotiations may occur
Trial
- Misdemeanors: District Court (bench trial) or Circuit Court (jury trial if requested)
- Felonies: Circuit Court (bench or jury trial)
- Prosecution presents case beyond reasonable doubt
- Defense presents its case
- Verdict is rendered
Sentencing (If Convicted)
- May occur immediately or at later date
- Pre-sentence investigation may be ordered
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
  - Statutory guidelines
  - Criminal history
  - Nature of offense
  - Victim impact
  - Mitigating factors
Post-Conviction
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible modification of sentence
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration if sentenced to confinement

Throughout this process, arrest records are maintained by the Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit and updated to reflect the status of the case as it progresses through the criminal justice system.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Calvert County?

Arrest records in Calvert County are maintained according to the Maryland State Archives' retention schedule and the provisions outlined in § 10-201 through § 10-209 of the State Government Article of the Maryland Code. These regulations establish specific timeframes for the preservation of law enforcement records.

The Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit adheres to the following retention periods for arrest records:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
Fingerprint Cards: 75 years from date of collection
Photographs/Mugshots: 75 years from date of collection
Incident Reports Related to Arrests: 75 years from date of creation
Arrest Warrants (Executed): 75 years from date of service
Arrest Warrants (Unexecuted): Until recalled by the court or expiration
Juvenile Arrest Records: Sealed at age 18 unless waived to adult court
Expunged Records: Destroyed pursuant to court order

Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record retention schedules:

Calvert County Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigative files
Calvert County Detention Center: Retains custody records and inmate files
Maryland State Police: Preserves state-level criminal history information
Maryland Judiciary: Maintains court records related to arrests
Maryland Criminal Justice Information System: Centralizes criminal history data statewide

The retention of these records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
Maintains documentation for potential appeals and post-conviction proceedings
Provides historical data for crime analysis and law enforcement planning
Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Supports background checks for employment, licensing, and security clearances

Records that have reached the end of their retention period are disposed of according to established protocols that ensure the secure destruction of sensitive information. Electronic records are permanently deleted, and physical records are shredded or incinerated under supervision.

How to Find Mugshots in Calvert County

Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of the official arrest record in Calvert County. These images serve both administrative and investigative purposes within the criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of two images:

A front-facing (portrait) photograph
A profile (side-view) photograph

These photographs document the physical appearance of an arrested individual at the time of booking and become part of the official arrest record.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Calvert County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
30 Church Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-2800
Calvert County Sheriff's Office

Finding Mugshots

To obtain mugshots from official sources, individuals may:

Submit a Maryland Public Information Act request to the Sheriff's Office Records Unit
Include specific identifying information about the arrest (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction
Provide a valid form of identification when requesting records

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Calvert County does not maintain a public online database of mugshots. However, mugshots may appear online through:

Media outlets reporting on arrests
Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos
Social media sharing of published mugshots

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services does not provide public access to mugshots through its online inmate locator system.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal MPIA request to the Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit. The request should:

Be submitted in writing
Clearly identify the specific mugshot being requested
Include contact information for the requestor
Acknowledge that fees may apply

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile records are generally not public
Expunged or shielded records are not accessible
Active investigations may limit release
Privacy concerns may result in redactions
Records subject to court-ordered sealing are not available

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their publication and use may have significant privacy implications for the subjects depicted.