Warrant records are public documents in Berlin, Maryland, pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified under General Provisions Article § 4-101 et seq. The MPIA establishes that certain government records, including warrants that have been executed and returned to the court, are accessible to members of the public. This statutory framework promotes transparency in judicial proceedings and law enforcement operations within Worcester County and the State of Maryland.
The public accessibility of warrant records serves multiple governmental and civic purposes. First, it enables citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities. Second, it provides a mechanism for accountability within the criminal justice system. Third, it allows individuals to verify their own legal status or that of others with whom they may conduct business or personal affairs.
Residents of Berlin seeking warrant information may access these records through designated governmental channels, including the Worcester County Circuit Court, the District Court of Maryland for Worcester County, and local law enforcement agencies. The disclosure of warrant information is subject to certain statutory exemptions and procedural requirements as set forth in the MPIA and related regulations.
Members of the public seeking to locate warrant information online in Berlin, Maryland may utilize several authorized electronic resources:
Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This official portal, maintained by the Maryland Judiciary, provides public access to case records from District and Circuit Courts throughout the state, including Worcester County. The system includes information on active warrants that have been entered into the court database. The search function allows queries by name, case number, and other identifiers.
Worcester County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of outstanding warrants within its jurisdiction and may provide limited information through its official website.
Maryland State Police - Berlin Barrack: The Berlin Barrack of the Maryland State Police may provide information regarding warrants issued within its enforcement area.
Maryland Public Information Act Request: Pursuant to GP § 4-201, individuals may submit formal requests for warrant records to the custodian of records at the appropriate agency. Such requests must comply with the procedural requirements specified in GP § 4-202.
It should be noted that certain warrant information may be temporarily restricted from public access if disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or compromise public safety, as provided under GP § 4-351.
Individuals seeking to determine whether a warrant has been issued for their arrest in Berlin, Maryland may employ several authorized methods of inquiry:
Maryland Judiciary Case Search: The official electronic database maintained by the Maryland Judiciary provides public access to court records, including information on active warrants. This resource is accessible 24 hours per day via the internet.
Contact the Worcester County Sheriff's Office:
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
1 W. Market Street, Room 1001
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 632-1111
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Contact the Berlin Police Department:
Berlin Police Department
129 Decatur Street
Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: (410) 641-1333
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Visit the District Court of Maryland for Worcester County:
District Court of Maryland for Worcester County
301 Commerce Street
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 219-7830
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Legal Representation: Individuals may retain legal counsel who can make inquiries on their behalf. Attorneys have access to additional resources and can provide guidance regarding the appropriate response to an outstanding warrant.
Pursuant to Maryland Rules 4-212 and 4-213, individuals against whom warrants have been issued are entitled to be informed of the charges against them and to have a judicial determination of pretrial release conditions upon being taken into custody.
The verification of outstanding warrants in Berlin, Maryland may be accomplished through several official channels:
Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This electronic system provides public access to court records throughout Maryland, including Worcester County. Users may search by name to identify active warrants. The system is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent warrant activity.
In-Person Inquiry at the Town of Berlin Police Department:
Berlin Police Department
129 Decatur Street
Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: (410) 641-1333
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Worcester County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
1 W. Market Street, Room 1001
Snow Hill, MD 21863
Phone: (410) 632-1111
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Maryland State Police - Berlin Barrack:
Maryland State Police - Berlin Barrack
9758 Ocean Gateway
Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: (410) 641-3101
Operating Hours: 24 hours daily
When making inquiries regarding outstanding warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide proper identification and may be required to submit a written request pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act. It should be noted that if an active warrant exists, the inquiring individual may be subject to immediate arrest if physically present at a law enforcement facility.
Warrant records maintained by judicial and law enforcement authorities in Berlin, Maryland typically contain the following official information, as prescribed by Maryland Rule 4-212:
Subject Identification Data: Full legal name of the subject, date of birth, physical description, last known address, and, when available, identifying numbers such as driver's license or state ID.
Case Information: Court case number, issuing court, date of issuance, and the name of the issuing judicial officer.
Alleged Offense Details: Specific statutory violations, including Criminal Law Article references, offense date, location, and a brief statement of probable cause.
Warrant Classification: Designation as a bench warrant, arrest warrant, or fugitive warrant, with corresponding legal authorities.
Bond Information: Pre-set bail amount, if applicable, or notation that the subject is to be held without bail pending a judicial hearing.
Service Instructions: Special directives to law enforcement regarding execution of the warrant, including jurisdictional limitations and officer safety considerations.
Return Information: Upon execution, documentation of the date, time, and location of service, the arresting officer's identification, and disposition of the subject.
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-903, certain warrant records may be subject to restricted access if they contain confidential personal information or if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation. The custodian of records determines accessibility in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act and applicable judicial rules.