Wicomico County Criminal Records
What Is Wicomico County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Wicomico County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Maryland Public Information Act and serve as the official documentation of a person's criminal history.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office or Salisbury Police Department. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing final judgments in criminal cases.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, as defined under Maryland Criminal Law § 14-101.
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year.
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by minors under 18 years of age, which are generally sealed and not accessible to the public under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27.
- Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest or bench warrants issued by Wicomico County courts.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Wicomico County:
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office
401 Naylor Mill Road
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-548-4891
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County
201 Baptist Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-334-3325
District Court of Maryland
Maryland State Police - Criminal Records Division
1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
410-764-4501
Maryland State Police
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The specific content and accessibility of these records are governed by Maryland state law, particularly the Maryland Public Information Act § 4-101.
Are Criminal Records Public In Wicomico County
Criminal records in Wicomico County are generally considered public information under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified in Maryland General Provisions § 4-101. This statute establishes that "all persons are entitled to have access to information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees."
The MPIA specifically states that "all public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times" except as otherwise provided by law. However, important exceptions and limitations apply to criminal records access:
Publicly Accessible Records Include:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Charging documents
- Sentencing information
- Docket entries
- Court judgments
Restricted or Limited Access Records Include:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (protected under Maryland General Provisions § 4-351)
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (confidential under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27)
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records that could endanger an individual's safety
- Grand jury proceedings
The Maryland Judiciary maintains specific rules regarding court records access. Under Maryland Rule 16-901, court records are presumed to be open to the public for inspection. However, certain records may be shielded from public view based on statutory provisions, court rules, or judicial decisions.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the method of access and associated fees may vary depending on the specific record sought and the maintaining agency. Additionally, certain information within otherwise public records may be redacted to protect sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, or financial account numbers.
Individuals seeking access to criminal records in Wicomico County must follow the established procedures of the relevant custodial agency, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, or demonstrating legal entitlement to certain restricted records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Wicomico County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Wicomico County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Circuit Court:
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, specifying the case number or individual's name and date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5 for a search, $0.50 per page for copies).
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Circuit Court Records Department
In-Person Requests at the District Court:
- Visit the District Court Clerk's Office.
- Complete a case search request form.
- Provide the case number or individual's name and date of birth.
- Pay applicable fees for searches and copies.
District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County
201 Baptist Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-334-3325
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
District Court of Maryland
Mail Requests:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Case number (if known)
- Specific information requested
- Your contact information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail to the appropriate court clerk's office.
Criminal Background Checks through Maryland State Police:
- Submit a completed Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) request form.
- Include fingerprints (available at the Sheriff's Office or authorized fingerprinting services).
- Pay the required fee (currently $38 for a full background check).
- Submit in person or by mail to the CJIS Central Repository.
Maryland CJIS Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
410-764-4501
Maryland CJIS
For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement when making their request and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-912, certain records may have restricted access, requiring court authorization or demonstration of legal entitlement.
How To Find Criminal Records in Wicomico County Online?
Wicomico County residents and interested parties can access various criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
Maryland Judiciary Case Search: The primary online resource for accessing court records is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, which provides information on both Circuit and District Court cases. Users can search by:
- Name (last name required)
- Case number
- Citation number
- Property address
This database includes:
- Case status
- Charges and dispositions
- Scheduled hearings
- Party information
- Court documents (limited)
No registration is required, but users must agree to terms of use. The system does not include cases filed before 1989, and certain case types may be restricted.
Maryland Sex Offender Registry: The Maryland Sex Offender Registry provides information on registered sex offenders residing in Wicomico County. Searches can be conducted by:
- Name
- Zip code
- County
- City/town
Information includes offender photographs, addresses, offense information, and compliance status.
Wicomico County Detention Center Inmate Lookup: The Wicomico County Detention Center maintains an online inmate search tool that provides:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Court dates
Maryland Judiciary Electronic Case Filing System (MDEC): Registered attorneys and certain authorized users can access MDEC for comprehensive case information and document filing. This system requires:
- Registration and approval
- Login credentials
- Acceptance of user agreement
Limitations of Online Records: Online criminal record searches in Wicomico County have several limitations:
- Expunged cases are not displayed
- Certain case types (juvenile, adoption, sealed) are restricted
- Some documents require in-person requests
- Historical records (pre-1989) may not be available
- Name-based searches may return multiple individuals with similar names
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System remains the authoritative source, though it requires fingerprint submission and cannot be accessed directly online by the general public.
Can You Search Wicomico County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act § 4-206, members of the public are entitled to inspect certain criminal records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Wicomico County offers several free options for accessing criminal records:
Free In-Person Inspection: The Maryland Public Information Act allows for free inspection of public records during normal business hours at:
Circuit Court for Wicomico County
101 North Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Circuit Court Records Department
Individuals may view non-restricted case files by:
- Providing the case number or defendant's name
- Presenting valid identification
- Completing a records request form
- Viewing materials in designated areas
While inspection is free, copying fees apply ($0.50 per page).
Free Online Resources: Several free online databases provide access to criminal record information:
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search
Case Search Portal
This comprehensive database includes:- Circuit and District Court cases
- Criminal and civil matters
- Case status and disposition
- Hearing dates
- No registration or fees required
-
Maryland Sex Offender Registry
Sex Offender Search
Provides free access to:- Registered sex offenders in Wicomico County
- Offender photographs
- Residential information
- Offense details
-
Wicomico County Detention Center Inmate Search
Inmate Lookup
Offers free information on:- Current inmates
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Release dates
Free Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available for public use at:
Wicomico Public Libraries - Main Branch
122 S. Division Street
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-749-3612
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 AM-8 PM, Friday-Saturday 9 AM-5 PM
Wicomico Public Libraries
These terminals provide free access to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search and other public records databases.
While basic record searches are available at no cost, fees apply for:
- Printed copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certified documents ($5.00 per certification)
- Background checks ($38.00 through Maryland CJIS)
- Record expungement applications ($30.00 per case)
What's Included in a Wicomico County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Wicomico County contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Salisbury Police Department, etc.)
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail/bond information
- Detention facility location
- Arresting officer information
- Incident report number
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or District Court)
- Filing date
- Charging documents
- Statutory citations for charges
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial dates
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status
- Compliance with sentencing conditions
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or peace orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole violations
- Modification of sentence information
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on the age of the case and the maintaining agency. Records created after the implementation of the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system in 2015 typically contain more detailed digital information than older records.
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-905, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of criminal records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain medical information.
How Long Does Wicomico County Keep Criminal Records?
Wicomico County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Maryland State Archives and the Maryland Judiciary. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, case disposition, and severity of the offense. The following guidelines are currently in effect:
Circuit Court Criminal Records:
- Felony cases resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Felony cases resulting in acquittal: 75 years from date of final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction: 75 years from date of final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in acquittal: 10 years from date of final disposition
- Criminal index records: Permanent retention
These retention periods are established pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-818 and the Maryland State Archives Records Retention Schedule.
District Court Criminal Records:
- Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- DUI/DWI cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic violence cases: 10 years after final disposition
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest reports: 75 years from date of creation
- Investigation reports (felonies): 75 years from date of creation
- Investigation reports (misdemeanors): 10 years from date of creation
- Booking photographs: 75 years from date of creation
Detention Center Records:
- Inmate files (felony incarceration): 75 years from release date
- Inmate files (misdemeanor incarceration): 10 years from release date
- Visitor logs: 3 years from date of creation
It is important to note that while records may be retained for the periods specified above, they may not remain publicly accessible for the entire retention period. Records may be sealed or expunged pursuant to court order under Maryland Criminal Procedure § 10-105, which provides for the expungement of records under specific circumstances.
Digital records maintained in the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system, implemented in Wicomico County in 2015, are subject to the same retention schedules as physical records. However, the accessibility of these records through public interfaces such as the Maryland Judiciary Case Search may be limited to more recent cases.
For historical criminal records that have exceeded their retention period but hold historical significance, the Maryland State Archives may maintain these records in their historical collections, though access may be restricted.