Washington County Public Records / Washington County Arrest Records

Washington County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026

WashingtonMDRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Washington County, Maryland. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories may be available:

Arrest and booking records
Criminal court case filings
Inmate custody status
Mugshot and booking photographs
Bond and bail information

Records may be searched through official government resources, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Circuit Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the Washington County Sheriff's Office inmate roster for current custody information, including the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current detainees held at the Washington County Detention Center.

2. Local Police Departments

The Hagerstown Police Department publishes press releases and arrest logs for incidents occurring within city limits. Members of the public may access Hagerstown Police Department arrest information through the department's official website. Additional municipalities within Washington County, including Boonsboro, Smithsburg, and Williamsport, maintain their own police departments, each of which may provide arrest information upon written request.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal allows members of the public to search criminal case records by name, case number, or date of filing. Arrest records are frequently linked to associated court cases, which include charge information, hearing dates, and case disposition. Members of the public may access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search at no cost for basic case information.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), which serves as the statewide repository for criminal history records. Members of the public seeking a certified criminal history record may submit a request through the Maryland CJIS Central Repository. A fee of $18.00 per record applies for public criminal history requests. The repository includes arrest records, dispositions, and conviction data from all Maryland jurisdictions.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Washington County Sheriff's Office
35 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2170
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting the records division should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Standard copy fees apply per page for printed records.

Police Departments:

Hagerstown Police Department
50 North Burhans Boulevard
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (301) 790-3700
Hagerstown Police Department

Records requests at the Hagerstown Police Department are processed through the records division. Requestors must submit a written public information request and may be charged a per-page copy fee consistent with Maryland law.

Clerk of Court:

Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
95 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2527
Washington County Circuit Court

The Clerk's Office maintains criminal case files and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Members of the public may inspect case files at the public access terminals located in the clerk's office. Copy fees are assessed per page for printed documents.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 35 West Washington Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

Members of the public may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (240) 313-2170 for general arrest information. Detailed record information is limited by phone, and callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit the office in person. The name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date of the subject are the minimum information needed to initiate a phone inquiry.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are accessible through the discovery process governed by the Maryland Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Hagerstown Police, or other municipal department)

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County

Arrest records in Washington County are public records under Maryland law. Pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act, codified at Md. Code Ann., Gen. Provis. § 4-101 et seq., custodians of public records are required to allow inspection of records unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records are maintained by law enforcement agencies as part of their official functions and are subject to public disclosure in accordance with this statute.

The public interest in access to arrest records is grounded in principles of government transparency, public safety, and community awareness. Journalists, researchers, employers, and members of the general public rely on arrest records for a range of lawful purposes, including background screening, legal proceedings, and investigative reporting.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot or booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed under Maryland law
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations
Identities of undercover law enforcement officers
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain categories of cases
Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Maryland Declaration of Rights and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution support public and press access to government records, including arrest records. Courts have recognized that the public's right to access arrest information must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges are not pursued or result in acquittal.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Maryland law further restricts the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in certain employment contexts. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Washington County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public disclosures

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the Maryland State Police
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Maryland statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions
Classification of each charge, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints, which are collected during booking but are not typically included in public record disclosures
Inventory of personal property collected at intake

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, where applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Conditions of release, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Washington County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public disclosures
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are not always subject to full public disclosure
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Washington County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Washington County varies depending on the requesting agency and the format of the records requested. Under the Maryland Public Information Act, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for the search, preparation, and reproduction of records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Photocopies (per page)	$0.25–$0.50 per page (varies by agency)
Certified copies	$5.00 per document (Circuit Court)
Maryland CJIS criminal history (public request)	$18.00 per record
Online case search (Maryland Judiciary)	No charge for basic case information
In-person record inspection	No charge for inspection only

Inspection of public records at the Clerk's Office or Sheriff's Office records division is available at no charge.
Copy fees are assessed per page for printed documents.
Certification fees apply when a certified copy of a court record is required.
Electronic records may be provided in certain circumstances; fees vary by agency.
Search fees may apply when a request requires extensive staff time to locate records.
Accepted payment methods at the Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, subject to agency discretion under Maryland law.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County

Maryland law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or removal of records, and shielding, which restricts public access while allowing law enforcement to retain the records. The distinction is significant. Expungement under Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-101 et seq. results in the removal of qualifying records from public databases and the destruction of physical files. Shielding, established under Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-301 et seq., restricts public access to certain conviction records without destroying them.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Charges that were not filed by the prosecutor
Charges that were dismissed by the court
Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
Cases where probation before judgment was granted (after a waiting period)
Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period, subject to statutory eligibility requirements
Arrests for which no charges were filed

Eligibility for Shielding:

Certain misdemeanor convictions for which the individual has completed the sentence and satisfied all conditions
Qualifying offenses as defined under Maryland law

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain the General Waiver and Release form and the Petition for Expungement from the Maryland Judiciary or the Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Complete the petition with the case number, charges, and disposition information.
File the petition with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Washington County.
Pay the applicable filing fee, currently $30.00 for most expungement petitions (no fee applies for cases resulting in acquittal or where charges were not filed).
Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney's Office and any other agencies listed in the petition.
Await the court's ruling; the State's Attorney has 30 days to object.
If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all named agencies to destroy or remove the records.

Members of the public may access expungement forms and instructions through the Maryland Judiciary self-help resources.

Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
95 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2527
Washington County Circuit Court

Washington County State's Attorney's Office
95 West Washington Street, Suite 209
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2350
Washington County State's Attorney

What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Washington County, the arrested individual is transported to the Washington County Detention Center, located at 820 Commonwealth Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the availability of transport personnel. The individual remains in restraints during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Washington County Detention Center, the booking process begins. This process typically takes between one and four hours, depending on the volume of intakes at the facility. The booking process includes the following steps:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the Maryland CJIS Central Repository
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Maryland law, an arrested individual must be brought before a District Court Commissioner within 24 hours of arrest. The Commissioner conducts an initial appearance at which the following occur:

Formal notification of charges
Advisement of the right to counsel, including appointment of a public defender for eligible individuals
Bond or bail determination
Advisement of rights

Initial appearances may be conducted in person or via video conference. Members of the public may access court scheduling information through the Maryland Judiciary.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds.
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
The bond amount is set by the District Court Commissioner or a judge at a bond review hearing.

Surety Bond:

The individual or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman.
A non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount, is paid to the bondsman.
The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates.
No monetary payment is required.
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond.
Grounds for no-bond status include serious violent offenses, a determination that the individual poses a danger to the community, a finding of significant flight risk, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration detainer, or an out-of-state warrant.

Conditions of Release:

Conditions of release may include regular check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, mandatory drug or alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing time for release following bond payment is typically one to eight hours.
Personal property is returned upon release.
The individual receives written notice of all upcoming court dates.
Written conditions of release are provided and must be followed; failure to appear results in bond forfeiture.

If Bond Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Washington County Detention Center.
A housing assignment is made following classification.
Inmate orientation is conducted.
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. The Maryland Office of the Public Defender serves Washington County.

Maryland Office of the Public Defender – Washington County
103 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2680
Maryland Office of the Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney visitation at the Washington County Detention Center is conducted in confidential consultation rooms. Referrals to private attorneys may be obtained through the Maryland State Bar Association.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Washington County State's Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The State's Attorney may file formal charges by way of a criminal information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those noted at booking.

Grand Jury:

For serious felony offenses, the State's Attorney may present the case to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. A grand jury indictment is required for certain capital offenses under Maryland law.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial conferences are held between counsel and the court to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the State's Attorney for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal occurs when charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the individual eligible to petition for expungement.

Diversion programs, including pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court, are available to eligible defendants. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of charges.

Plea agreement involves the defendant entering a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation. A sentencing hearing is subsequently scheduled.

Trial may be by jury or, with the consent of the parties, by a judge sitting without a jury. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned; if guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose a combination of incarceration, probation, fines, restitution to victims, community service, and mandatory treatment programs. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance before Commissioner: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanor cases: Resolved within weeks to several months in most instances
Felony cases: May extend to a year or more depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Governed by Maryland Rule 4-271, which requires trial to commence within 180 days of the earlier of the appearance of counsel or the waiver of counsel

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Washington County Detention Center
820 Commonwealth Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2300
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
95 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2527
Washington County Circuit Court

Washington County State's Attorney's Office
95 West Washington Street, Suite 209
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2350
Washington County State's Attorney

Maryland Office of the Public Defender – Washington County
103 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2680
Maryland Office of the Public Defender

Washington County Pretrial Services
Washington County Detention Center
820 Commonwealth Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2300
Washington County Government

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement personnel.
Do not physically resist arrest under any circumstances.
Politely invoke the right to remain silent.
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present.
Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone other than an attorney.
Contact family members or trusted individuals who may assist with bail.
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
Comply with all conditions of release as ordered by the court.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Washington County is governed by Maryland law and the records retention schedules established by the Maryland State Archives and the applicable law enforcement agencies. Under Md. Code Ann., Gen. Provis. § 10-639, public records must be retained in accordance with approved retention schedules and may not be destroyed without authorization. Members of the public may access the Maryland State Archives records retention schedules for detailed guidance.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Circuit Court, the Maryland CJIS Central Repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Felony conviction records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation.

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court.
The Maryland CJIS Central Repository retains misdemeanor conviction records indefinitely.
Local law enforcement retention periods may vary by agency policy.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period consistent with the agency's approved retention schedule, typically a minimum of three years.
Court records for dismissed cases are retained by the Clerk of Court and may remain accessible unless expunged.
Records may remain in the Maryland CJIS Central Repository unless the individual obtains an expungement order.

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for a period consistent with the retention schedule.
Court records for acquittals are often retained permanently by the Clerk of Court.
Individuals acquitted of all charges are eligible to petition for expungement immediately.

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period consistent with agency policy.
Individuals for whom no charges were filed are eligible to petition for expungement immediately.

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records for the applicable retention period.
Individuals in this category are eligible for expungement and may petition the court without a waiting period.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained for the period specified in the agency's approved retention schedule.
Photographs are retained for the applicable period and may be digitized.
Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense.

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum period consistent with state retention schedules.
Records management system entries are often retained permanently.
Mugshot databases maintained by law enforcement are subject to agency retention policies.
Court electronic records are often retained permanently by the Maryland Judiciary.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention requirements as government agencies.
These entities are not required to update records when an expungement order is issued, though the FCRA requires accuracy in consumer reports.
Individuals who obtain an expungement order may need to contact third-party websites separately to request removal of records.

Retention by Agency:

Washington County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained in accordance with the Maryland State Archives approved retention schedule.
Investigative files are retained for periods that vary based on the nature and disposition of the case.

Washington County Sheriff's Office
35 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (240) 313-2170
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Hagerstown Police Department:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained in accordance with the department's approved retention schedule.
Retention periods may vary from those of the Sheriff's Office.

Hagerstown Police Department
50 North Burhans Boulevard
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (301) 790-3700
Hagerstown Police Department

Clerk of Court:

Felony criminal case files are retained permanently.
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period consistent with the Maryland Judiciary's records retention schedule.
Electronic records maintained by the Maryland Judiciary are often retained permanently.

State Repository:

The Maryland CJIS Central Repository, maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, retains arrest and conviction records from all Maryland jurisdictions.
Retention policy is governed by state law and agency regulation.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically on a permanent basis.
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated activities.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Records are retained permanently in most databases and constitute a permanent part of the individual's criminal history.
Conviction records appear on background checks without a standard time limitation under federal law.

Dismissal:

Records may remain in law enforcement and court databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order.
Dismissed charges are not reported on standard employment background checks in many circumstances, though they may appear in raw database searches.

Expungement:

Following the issuance of an expungement order, local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court are directed to destroy or remove the applicable records.
The Maryland CJIS Central Repository updates its records to reflect the expungement.
The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement while restricting public access.
The timeframe for removal of records following an expungement order varies by agency but is typically completed within 60 to 90 days.

No Charges Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.
Individuals in this category may petition for immediate expungement.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search and the Sheriff's Office inmate roster.
Updated on a regular basis.

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office records division or the Clerk of Court.
Archived records may be subject to a retrieval fee and longer processing times.

Very Old Arrests:

Records predating digitization may exist only in paper form in agency archives.
Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule.
Members of the public should contact the Sheriff's Office records division at (240) 313-2170 for information about the availability of historical records.

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the agency's approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a period of seven years for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Maryland law imposes additional restrictions on the use of non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions. Individuals subject to "ban the box" protections may have additional rights regarding the timing and use of criminal history information in hiring processes.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (240) 313-2170 or submit a written public information request. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.