Maryland Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Maryland

Pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), Md. Code Ann., General Provisions § 4-101 et seq., warrants are considered public records in the state of Maryland. The MPIA establishes the legal framework that governs public access to government records, including judicial documents such as warrants. This legislation operates under the fundamental principle that citizens have the right to information about governmental proceedings and actions.

The Maryland Judiciary maintains a policy of transparency regarding warrant records to ensure accountability within the criminal justice system. Once a warrant has been executed or is no longer under seal, the information contained therein becomes accessible to members of the public. This accessibility serves multiple public interests, including:

Promoting transparency in judicial proceedings
Enabling citizens to verify the lawful actions of law enforcement agencies
Supporting the constitutional right to public trials
Facilitating research and analysis of criminal justice practices

It should be noted that certain warrant information may be temporarily restricted from public access while investigations are ongoing or when disclosure might compromise public safety. In such instances, the Maryland State Archives maintains historical warrant records that may become available after the conclusion of related proceedings.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Maryland?

Maryland warrant records typically contain comprehensive information regarding the legal authorization for law enforcement actions. Standard elements included in these official documents are as follows:

Subject Identification: Full legal name of the individual, date of birth, physical description, last known address, and sometimes a photograph or other identifying information
Case Information: Unique case number, date of issuance, expiration date (if applicable), and the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued
Legal Basis: Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including relevant Maryland criminal code citations (e.g., Md. Code Ann., Criminal Law § 3-203 for second-degree assault)
Judicial Authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or judicial officer, court of issuance, and date of judicial approval
Execution Parameters: Specific instructions regarding the execution of the warrant, including any limitations on time, place, or manner of service
Bond Information: If applicable, the amount of bail or bond set by the court

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system maintains electronic records of many warrants, though the level of detail available to the public may vary based on the status of the case and applicable privacy restrictions.

How to Check For Warrants in Maryland For Free

Maryland residents and other interested parties may verify the existence of warrants through several no-cost methods established by state and local authorities:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search The Maryland Courts online database provides free public access to court records, including information about active warrants. Users may search by name to determine if warrants have been issued.

County Courthouse Terminals Each county courthouse in Maryland maintains public access terminals where individuals may conduct free searches of the judicial database. These terminals often provide more comprehensive information than is available online.

Circuit Court of Maryland 50 Maryland Avenue Rockville, MD 20850 Phone: 240-777-9400 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court of Maryland 191 East Jefferson Street Rockville, MD 20850 Phone: 301-563-8800 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Local Law Enforcement Agencies The Maryland Department of State Police and county sheriff's offices can verify warrant status upon in-person inquiry. Individuals should be aware that visiting law enforcement facilities with active warrants may result in immediate arrest.

Maryland State Police Headquarters 1201 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208 Phone: 410-653-4200 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Maryland in 2025

As of 2025, Maryland has implemented several modernized methods for citizens to verify their warrant status. The following official channels provide current information regarding outstanding warrants:

Enhanced Maryland Judiciary Case Search System The Maryland Judiciary has upgraded its electronic case management system to provide more comprehensive and timely information. Individuals may access this system through the Court Records portal to determine if warrants have been issued in their name.

Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains the CJIS database, which contains warrant information. Individuals may request a criminal history record check for a nominal fee to verify warrant status.

CJIS Central Repository 6776 Reisterstown Road Baltimore, MD 21215 Phone: 410-764-4501 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Sheriff's Warrant Division Each county sheriff's office maintains a warrant division that can verify active warrants. Individuals may contact these offices directly:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office 50 Maryland Avenue Rockville, MD 20850 Phone: 240-777-7000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Baltimore County Sheriff's Office 401 Bosley Avenue Towson, MD 21204 Phone: 410-887-3151 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Legal Counsel Verification Licensed attorneys in Maryland have access to court databases and can verify warrant status for clients. The Maryland Attorney General's Office can provide referrals to appropriate legal resources.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Maryland

Maryland residents seeking to verify outstanding warrants may utilize several official channels established by state and local authorities. The following procedures have been implemented to facilitate public access to warrant information:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search The Maryland Courts electronic database provides searchable access to court records, including information about active warrants. Users may search by name and other identifying information to determine warrant status.

In-Person Court Records Request Individuals may visit the clerk's office at any Maryland District or Circuit Court to request a search of warrant records. Court personnel can conduct searches using the Judicial Information System.

District Court of Maryland - Baltimore City 5800 Wabash Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215 Phone: 410-878-8500 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County 8 Church Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 Phone: 410-222-1397 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

County Sheriff's Office Inquiry Each county sheriff's office maintains records of outstanding warrants within their jurisdiction. Individuals may contact these offices directly to verify warrant status:

Howard County Sheriff's Office 8360 Court Avenue Ellicott City, MD 21043 Phone: 410-313-2150 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Frederick County Sheriff's Office 110 Airport Drive East Frederick, MD 21701 Phone: 301-600-1046 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Central Records Division The Maryland State Police Central Records Division maintains warrant information and can conduct searches upon request. A non-refundable document search fee of $4.00 is required, payable by check or money order to the Maryland State Police.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants are distinct from state warrants and require specific procedures for verification. Maryland residents seeking information about federal warrants should utilize the following authorized channels:

United States District Court for the District of Maryland The federal court system maintains records of federal warrants issued within Maryland's jurisdiction. Public access terminals are available at federal courthouse locations:

U.S. District Court - Northern Division 101 West Lombard Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410-962-2600 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

U.S. District Court - Southern Division 6500 Cherrywood Lane Greenbelt, MD 20770 Phone: 301-344-0660 Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) The federal judiciary's electronic case management system provides access to federal court records, including warrant information. Registration is required, and nominal fees apply for document retrieval. Access is available through the U.S. Courts website.

United States Marshals Service The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for executing federal warrants and maintains information regarding active federal warrants:

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Maryland 100 South Charles Street Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: 410-962-2220 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal Bureau of Investigation The FBI maintains records of federal warrants related to federal investigations. Limited information may be available through:

FBI Baltimore Field Office 2600 Lord Baltimore Drive Baltimore, MD 21244 Phone: 410-265-8080 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Pursuant to 28 C.F.R. § 20.33, access to federal criminal history record information is restricted to authorized governmental agencies and other entities specifically authorized by federal statute, federal executive order, or regulation.