md criminal records: what they include, who can see them, and how to check

Overview

In Maryland, criminal records document arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentencing. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards may review them, while some data stays restricted. A routine traffic ticket is not the same as a misdemeanor conviction, and charging documents do not always end in guilt.

Where people look in practice

Most residents start with the statewide judiciary case search, then confirm results through the state CJIS repository or a fingerprint-based background check. For a real-world example, a teacher applicant might need a CJIS check, while a tenant screening often relies on court dockets.

Accuracy and cleanup

Because names repeat, false matches happen. Compare birth dates, middle initials, and case numbers before you act. Maryland offers expungement and shielding for eligible cases; outcomes like nolle prosequi or stet may qualify after waiting periods.

• Gather exact identifiers before searching.
• Review the final disposition, not just the charge.
• Consider expungement or shielding if eligible.
• Keep certified copies for applications.
• Consult counsel for complex histories.