Criminal records in Charles County, Maryland, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk's Office. CharlesCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Charles County. The Maryland Judiciary's Case Search portal, the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services also provide access to criminal records and related data.
How to Search Criminal Records in Charles County
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Charles County, depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.
Online Search
- CharlesCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to Charles County criminal cases.
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search — The Maryland Courts Case Search tool provides public access to case records from both the District Court and Circuit Court. You can search by party name, case number, or date of birth. Note: some criminal case information is no longer available on Case Search but may still be viewed in person at the courthouse.
- Incarcerated Individual Locator — The DPSCS Incarcerated Individual Locator lets you search for individuals currently in the custody of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
- Criminal Background Checks — The DPSCS Background Check page explains how to request a fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
In Person
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in La Plata to search criminal case files. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse. Staff can assist with locating records that are not available through Case Search online.
By Mail or Written Request
- Court records: Send a written request to the Clerk's Office at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Include payment for any applicable copy fees.
- State criminal history: Submit a fingerprint-based request through CJIS, managed by the Maryland Department of State Police. This is typically required for official background checks.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if known)
- Court type (Circuit or District)
Search Charles County Criminal Cases by Case Number
Maryland uses a standardized case number format across all courts. Understanding the structure helps you search more efficiently.
A typical Maryland case number looks like this: 06-K-24-000123
- 06 — County code (Charles County is 06 for Circuit Court; 060 for District Court)
- K — Case type code. Common criminal codes include:
- K — Criminal (Circuit Court)
- C — Criminal (District Court)
- D — Criminal traffic (District Court)
- 24 — Year the case was filed (2024)
- 000123 — Sequential case number
When using the Maryland Case Search tool, entering the full case number returns the most precise results. If you only have a partial number, search by defendant name and narrow results by year or case type.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Charles County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Maryland Criminal Law Article section (e.g., CR § 3-203 for assault in the second degree) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be amended by the State's Attorney before or during trial; amended charges replace or modify the original charge |
| Multiple Counts | A single case may include several charges, each listed separately with its own disposition |
Case Status
- Active / Pending — Case is open and awaiting resolution
- Sub Curia — Under consideration by the court; a decision has not yet been issued
- Disposed — Case has been resolved (by verdict, plea, or dismissal)
- Closed — All proceedings, including sentencing and post-trial motions, are complete
- Inactive — Case activity has been suspended (e.g., defendant is a fugitive)
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing — Judge determines whether probable cause exists (District Court)
- Pre-Trial / Motions Hearing — Attorneys argue procedural or evidentiary issues before trial
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Judge imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor probation compliance or other conditions
Court Results (Dispositions)
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty — Defendant acquitted at trial
- Nolle Prosequi — State's Attorney declines to prosecute; charges are dropped
- Stet — Case is placed on the inactive docket; not dismissed but not actively prosecuted
- Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) — Guilty finding is entered but judgment is stayed; defendant placed on probation
- Dismissed — Court terminates the case without a conviction
- Merged — Charge merged with another count for sentencing purposes
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Charles County
Court Records (Certified Copies)
The Clerk's Office for Charles County Circuit Court handles requests for certified copies of criminal case documents, including charging documents, dispositions, and judgments.
How to submit a request:
- In person — Visit the Clerk's Office during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff will locate the case file and produce certified copies while you wait, if the record is available.
- By mail — Send a written request to the Clerk's Office. Include the defendant's full name, case number, and the specific documents needed. Enclose payment (check or money order payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court").
State Criminal History Records
For a fingerprint-based criminal background check covering Maryland and federal records, submit a request through the DPSCS Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). This requires fingerprinting, which can be done at authorized locations. The Maryland State Police oversees the CJIS Central Repository.
Required Identification
- Valid government-issued photo ID (in-person requests)
- Notarized authorization if requesting on behalf of another person
- Fingerprints (for state criminal history requests through CJIS)
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Charles County
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular copies (court records) | $0.50 per page | Per Maryland Rule 16-504(a) |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per document + $0.50 per page | Certification fee plus per-page copy cost |
| Criminal history record check (CJIS — state) | $18.00 | Fingerprint-based; submitted through CJIS |
| Criminal history record check (CJIS — state and federal) | $36.00 | Includes FBI check; fingerprint-based |
Processing Times
- In-person court record copies: Typically same day, depending on record availability
- Mail requests for court records: Usually 5–10 business days after receipt of request and payment
- CJIS criminal history checks: Generally 5–10 business days; may take longer during high-volume periods
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's Office at 301-932-3201 or by visiting the Charles County records page before submitting payment.