Criminal records in Calvert County, Maryland can be accessed through several channels. CalvertCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information tied to Calvert County courts. Beyond that, the Maryland Judiciary's online case search system, the Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit, and the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Calvert County each serve as access points for different types of criminal records. The method you use depends on what you need and how you plan to use it.
How to Search Criminal Records in Calvert County
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Calvert County. What you need to get started:
- The person's full legal name (first and last, middle if known)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if you already have one)
Through CalvertCourt.us
Start at CalvertCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information associated with Calvert County. Enter the individual's name to find matching criminal case records.
Online via Maryland Case Search
The Maryland Judiciary operates Case Search, a free public portal that provides access to case records from both the District Court and Circuit Court. You can search by party name, case number, or other identifiers. Results typically include charges, case status, hearing dates, and disposition information. This covers criminal, civil, and traffic cases statewide, including those filed in Calvert County.
Through the Sheriff's Office
The Calvert County Sheriff's Office Records Unit is the central repository for incident and criminal reports written by deputies. To obtain copies of police reports or incident records, submit a request under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). Written requests are preferred. The Sheriff's Office also maintains a Most Wanted list for individuals with outstanding warrants.
In Person at the Courthouse
Visit the Clerk's Office at the Circuit Court for Calvert County to review criminal case files in person. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
By Mail or Written Request
- Court records: To request a public record from the Clerk of Circuit Court, contact the Clerk's judicial records representative. Include the case number or party name, the specific documents you need, and your contact information.
- Criminal history (RAP sheet): For a formal state criminal background check, submit a request through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). This requires fingerprinting and a processing fee.
- Sheriff's Office records: Submit an MPIA request in writing to the Calvert County Sheriff's Office. You can also use the county's online public information request form.
Search Calvert County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Maryland case numbers follow a standard format that tells you the court type, county, case category, and sequence:
- Court code: A letter prefix indicates the court level — "C" for Circuit Court, "D" for District Court
- County code: A two-digit number identifies the county. Calvert County is 04
- Case type: A two-letter code indicates the case category (e.g., "CR" for criminal)
- Year and sequence: The filing year followed by a six-digit sequence number
For example, a Calvert County Circuit Court criminal case might appear as C-04-CR-23-000123. Enter this number into Maryland Case Search for direct access to that case's details, including charges, hearing schedule, and disposition.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Calvert County
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The specific Maryland criminal law section the defendant is charged under (e.g., CR § 3-203 for second-degree assault) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction — felonies carry potential imprisonment of more than one year |
| Amended charges | Charges may be changed by the State's Attorney through plea negotiations or at trial; amended charges replace or modify original ones |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active / Open | The case is currently proceeding through the court |
| Sub Curia | The judge has taken the matter under advisement; a decision is pending |
| Disposed | The case has reached a final resolution — conviction, acquittal, or dismissal |
| Closed | All proceedings, including sentencing and post-trial motions, are complete |
| Inactive | The case has stalled, often because a warrant is outstanding or the defendant has not appeared |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing: A District Court judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference: Attorneys discuss discovery, motions, and potential plea agreements
- Trial: The case is heard before a judge or jury in Circuit Court
- Sentencing: The judge imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing: A follow-up to monitor probation compliance or other court-ordered conditions
Court Results (Dispositions)
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was found guilty at trial or entered a guilty plea |
| Not guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Nolle prosequi | The State's Attorney chose not to prosecute the charge |
| Stet | The case is placed on an inactive docket; it can be reopened within one year (or three years for certain offenses) |
| Probation before judgment (PBJ) | The judge withholds a finding of guilt and places the defendant on probation — common in Maryland courts |
| Dismissed | The court dismissed the charge, either on motion or for lack of evidence |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Calvert County
From the Clerk of the Circuit Court
Certified copies of criminal case documents — such as charging documents, dispositions, or judgments — are available from the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Calvert County. To request certified records:
- Contact the Clerk's judicial records representative to confirm what is available and the current fees
- Provide the case number, defendant's name, and a description of the documents you need
- Submit your request in person, by mail, or as directed by the Clerk's office
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID if picking up records in person
From the Sheriff's Office
For copies of police incident or arrest reports, contact the Records Unit of the Calvert County Sheriff's Office. Requests should be submitted under the Maryland Public Information Act, preferably in writing.
State Criminal History Records
For a formal criminal history record (RAP sheet), contact the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) within the Maryland DPSCS. This process requires fingerprinting, a completed application, and a fee. Results include arrest and prosecution history from across Maryland.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Calvert County
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (court record) | $0.50 per page | Standard rate under Maryland Rule 16-504; confirm with the Clerk's office |
| Certified copy (court record) | $5.00 per document plus $0.50 per page | Certification fee set by Maryland Rule 16-504 |
| State criminal background check (CJIS) | $18.00 (state) / $24.00 (state + FBI) | Submitted through DPSCS; fingerprinting required |
| Police report copy (Sheriff's Office) | Varies | Fees assessed per the MPIA; contact the Records Unit for current rates |
Processing Times
- Court record copies: Typically available within a few business days when requested in person or by mail. Complex requests may take longer.
- MPIA requests (Sheriff's Office / County): Calvert County has 10 working days to produce most requested records under the PIA. You will be notified if additional time is needed.
- State background checks (CJIS): Processing generally takes 7–14 business days, though times can vary based on volume.
Fees are subject to change. Always confirm current amounts directly with the issuing office before submitting payment.