Wicomico County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Wicomico County
Arrest records in Wicomico 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 statute establishes that citizens have the right to access government records, including arrest records, unless specifically exempted by law.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Maryland law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Pursuant to § 10-219 of the Criminal Procedure Article, arrest records without subsequent convictions may have different disclosure requirements and potential for expungement.
The Maryland State Police Central Records Division maintains the central repository of criminal history record information for the state, including arrests in Wicomico County. This information is mandated under Public Safety Article 2 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records. Additionally, records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not available to the public.
What's in Wicomico County Arrest Records
Wicomico County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor)
- Degree or level of offense
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Assigned court
- Scheduled court dates
- Court of jurisdiction
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Known aliases
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Witness information (redacted in public versions)
- Victim information (redacted in public versions)
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Maryland law.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Wicomico County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Wicomico County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Contact the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office directly to request arrest records for individuals processed by county law enforcement:
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office
401 Naylor Mill Road
Salisbury, MD 21804
410-548-4891
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office
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Submit a written request to the Records Division specifying:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Your contact information
- Purpose of request
- Notarized authorization from the subject (if requesting on behalf of another person)
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Visit the Wicomico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests:
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
- Request a criminal history record check from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services by submitting fingerprints and the required fee:
Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
410-764-4501
Maryland CJIS Central Repository
- Submit a Public Information Act request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Pursuant to § 4-203 of the General Provisions Article, agencies must respond to requests within 30 days.
When requesting records, be prepared to provide identification and pay applicable fees for search and reproduction costs. Fees vary by agency but typically range from $5-$25 for basic record searches and $0.25-$1.00 per page for copies.
How To Find Wicomico County Arrest Records Online
Wicomico County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following online methods are available to the public:
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides access to court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings:
- Visit Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Select "Wicomico County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the individual's name or case number
- Review case information, including charges, hearing dates, and disposition
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Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search allows users to verify if an individual is currently in custody:
- Navigate to the Wicomico County Department of Corrections website
- Access the inmate lookup feature
- Enter the individual's name to view booking information and charges
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Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services offers limited online criminal history information:
- Visit the DPSCS Criminal History Records Check portal
- Create an account and pay the required fee
- Submit the required information for the individual being searched
- Receive results electronically
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Wicomico County Circuit Court Records can be accessed through the Maryland Electronic Courts system:
- Register for an account
- Search by name or case number
- View publicly available case documents
When using online resources, users should be aware that:
- Not all arrest records are available online
- Some information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Complete criminal history information typically requires a formal request with fingerprints
Online searches provide convenience but may not yield comprehensive results. For complete and verified information, direct contact with the appropriate agency is recommended.
How To Search Wicomico County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Wicomico County arrest records without payment through several free resources. The following methods are available at no cost:
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Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides free public access to court records:
- Visit Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- No account creation or fees required
- Search by name to view case information including charges, hearing dates, and case status
- Note that this system shows court cases, not all arrests
-
In-person terminal access at the Wicomico County Circuit Court:
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
- Public terminals are available during regular business hours (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday)
- No fee for searching, though printing may incur charges
-
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office website provides limited information on:
- Recent significant arrests
- Most wanted individuals
- Sex offender registry information
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Local newspaper police blotters often publish recent arrest information:
- The Salisbury Daily Times and other local publications
- Online news sites covering Wicomico County
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Public inspection of records at law enforcement agencies:
- Visit the records division during business hours
- Inspection of public records is free under § 4-206 of the General Provisions Article
- Copying fees may apply if you request physical copies
When utilizing free resources, be aware of these limitations:
- Information may be incomplete or limited in scope
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately
- Certain details may be redacted from public view
- Juvenile records and sealed/expunged cases will not appear
- Free resources typically do not provide certified copies needed for official purposes
For comprehensive criminal history information, fee-based services through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services remain the most reliable option.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Wicomico County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Wicomico County follows Maryland state law, which provides specific mechanisms for expungement (legal erasure) or shielding (restricting public access) of records under certain circumstances.
Expungement vs. Shielding:
- Expungement completely removes records from public access and agency files
- Shielding maintains records but limits who can access them
- Both processes are governed by the Criminal Procedure Article of the Maryland Code
Eligibility for Expungement: Pursuant to § 10-105 of the Criminal Procedure Article, arrest records may be eligible for expungement if:
- The arrest did not result in charges (must wait 3 years or submit a General Waiver)
- Charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The case resulted in probation before judgment (except for certain violations)
- The case was placed on the stet docket (must wait 3 years)
- The case resulted in a nolle prosequi
- The conviction was for a crime that is now eligible for expungement under statute
- The Governor granted a full pardon
Expungement Process:
- Obtain and complete the petition for expungement form (CC-DC-CR-072A or CC-DC-CR-072B) from the Maryland Courts
- File the petition with the clerk of the court where the case was disposed
- 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
- If no objection is filed within 30 days, the court may grant the expungement
- If granted, the court will issue an Order for Expungement to all relevant agencies
Shielding Process: Under § 10-301 through § 10-306 of the Criminal Procedure Article, certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions may be shielded from public view after a waiting period (typically 3 years after completion of sentence).
- Complete a petition for shielding form
- File with the appropriate court
- Pay applicable filing fees
- Attend any scheduled hearing
- If granted, records remain accessible to law enforcement but not the general public
Important Considerations:
- Expungement of one charge does not automatically expunge related charges
- Federal immigration and firearms authorities may still access expunged records
- Employment applications for certain positions (law enforcement, childcare, etc.) may require disclosure of expunged records
- The expungement process typically takes 90 days from filing to completion
- Legal assistance is recommended but not required
For assistance with expungement or shielding, the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service offers free legal help to qualifying individuals.
What Happens After Arrest in Wicomico County?
Following an arrest in Wicomico County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Maryland state law. This process typically proceeds through the following stages:
1. Booking and Processing:
- The arrestee is transported to a detention facility, typically the Wicomico County Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Initial health screening is conducted
- The arrestee is placed in a holding cell or general population depending on the offense and circumstances
2. Initial Appearance Before a Commissioner:
- Occurs within 24 hours of arrest
- The commissioner informs the arrestee of charges and potential penalties
- The commissioner determines whether probable cause exists for continued detention
- Bail or pretrial release conditions are set
- The right to counsel is explained, and a public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
3. Bail Review Hearing (if applicable):
- Typically occurs within 1-3 business days if the defendant remains in custody
- A judge reviews the commissioner's bail determination
- The defendant may request modification of bail or release conditions
- Factors considered include flight risk, public safety, and community ties
4. Preliminary Hearing (felony cases only):
- Occurs within 10-30 days of arrest
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed with prosecution
- The defendant may waive this hearing
- If probable cause is not found, charges may be dismissed
5. Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Trial date is typically set
6. Pretrial Motions and Discovery:
- Defense may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Prosecution must disclose evidence to the defense
- Plea negotiations may occur during this period
7. Trial:
- May be a bench trial (judge only) or jury trial
- Prosecution presents evidence and witnesses
- Defense presents its case and may call witnesses
- Verdict is rendered by judge or jury
8. Sentencing (if convicted):
- Occurs immediately after verdict in minor cases or at a later date in serious cases
- Judge determines punishment within statutory guidelines
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Defendant may address the court
9. Post-Conviction:
- Defendant may file an appeal within 30 days
- Sentenced individuals report to jail/prison or begin probation
- Court-ordered fines and restitution must be paid
Throughout this process, the Wicomico County Judicial System maintains records of each stage, which become part of the individual's criminal history record.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wicomico County?
Arrest records in Wicomico County are maintained according to the Maryland Records Retention Schedule as established under § 10-633 of the State Government Article of the Maryland Code. These retention periods ensure proper documentation of law enforcement activities while balancing individual privacy concerns.
The standard retention periods for arrest records in Wicomico County are as follows:
Arrest Reports and Booking Information:
- Records of arrests resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Records of arrests not resulting in charges: Minimum of 3 years from date of arrest
- Records of arrests resulting in acquittal or dismissal: Maintained until expungement is granted
- Juvenile arrest records: Sealed at age 18 if no adult criminal record exists
Fingerprint Records:
- Maintained permanently by the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) unless expunged
- Local copies may be destroyed after verification of CJIS receipt
Mugshot Photographs:
- Maintained for the duration of the case plus 3 years
- Longer retention for serious offenses (felonies)
- May be retained indefinitely for sex offenses and violent crimes
Investigation Files:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases: Minimum of 75 years
- Misdemeanor cases: 25 years from date of arrest
- Unsolved cases: Retained indefinitely
Court Records Related to Arrests:
- Circuit Court records: Permanent retention unless expunged
- District Court records: Minimum of 12 years for criminal cases
Different agencies within Wicomico County may have varying retention requirements based on their specific functions:
- The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to departmental policy and state guidelines
- The Circuit Court for Wicomico County preserves court records related to arrests
- The Maryland State Police Central Records Division maintains the central repository of all criminal history information
Records retention serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Maintains documentation for potential appeals and post-conviction proceedings
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Facilitates background checks for employment and licensing purposes
Individuals seeking to limit the retention of their arrest records may petition for expungement under specific circumstances as provided in § 10-105 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
How to Find Mugshots in Wicomico County
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include front-facing and profile views of the arrestee and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Wicomico County, mugshots are considered part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: Mugshots taken in Wicomico County are primarily maintained by:
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office
401 Naylor Mill Road
Salisbury, MD 21804
410-548-4891
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office
Wicomico County Detention Center
411 Naylor Mill Road
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-548-4450
Wicomico County Department of Corrections
Additionally, copies may be maintained by the Maryland State Police Central Records Division as part of the state's criminal history repository.
Finding Mugshots: To obtain mugshots from Wicomico County law enforcement agencies, individuals may:
- Submit a Public Information Act request specifically requesting the mugshot
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Include the approximate date of arrest if known
- Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction (typically $5-25)
- Present valid identification when picking up requested materials
Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Limited mugshot information may be available online through:
- The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office website (for certain recent arrests)
- The Wicomico County Detention Center inmate lookup (current inmates only)
- Third-party websites that aggregate public records (not officially sanctioned)
It is important to note that Maryland has enacted legislation (§ 8-606 of the Business Regulation Article) restricting commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal. These sites may not accurately reflect current records.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Contact the Records Division of the arresting agency directly
- Complete the required Public Information Act request form
- Provide specific details about the arrest
- Allow 30 days for processing as required by § 4-203 of the General Provisions Article
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be limited under the following circumstances:
- The arrest record has been expunged or shielded
- The case involves a juvenile
- The release would interfere with an ongoing investigation
- The individual in the mugshot is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault
- The court has issued a specific order restricting access
Law enforcement agencies in Wicomico County maintain discretion regarding the release of mugshots and may evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Maryland public information laws.