Access Ellicott City Criminal History
Ellicott City criminal history records are managed by Howard County because Ellicott City is an unincorporated community and the county seat of Howard County, but it has no separate city police force. Howard County Police, Northern District, handles law enforcement in Ellicott City. Criminal history background checks are a state-level function and go through the Maryland CJIS Central Repository. The Howard County Circuit Court, located right in Ellicott City, handles all criminal court cases for the area.
Ellicott City Overview
Howard County Police, Northern District
Ellicott City is served by the Howard County Police Department's Northern District. The district station is in Ellicott City and covers the northern part of Howard County. Officers here respond to calls, take reports, and handle law enforcement for Ellicott City and surrounding unincorporated areas.
| Address | 3410 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 410-313-3200 |
| Fax | 410-313-3295 |
| Non-Emergency | 410-313-2200 |
| HCPD@HOWARDCOUNTYMD.GOV | |
| Website | howardcountymd.gov/police |
To get police records for incidents in Ellicott City, submit a Public Information Act (PIA) request through Howard County. The police records division processes these requests. You can ask for incident reports, CAD records, and other documents the department maintains. Criminal history records are not part of what the department releases to the public; those go to CJIS.
Howard County Police operates the Northern District station in Ellicott City to serve the county seat and surrounding communities.
The Northern District is one of several Howard County Police stations and serves Ellicott City as the primary law enforcement presence in the area.
Criminal History Background Checks
Howard County Police does not issue criminal history background checks to private individuals. Maryland law restricts Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) to authorized law enforcement and justice agencies. For an official criminal history record, you contact CJIS directly.
Submit Form 015 with your fingerprints to CJIS Central Repository. The state-only fee is $18. A combined state and FBI check costs $38 or more. Mail to P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days. For questions, call the CJIS Help Desk at 1-888-795-0011 or 410-764-4501. The DPSCS background checks page has all the current forms. Fingerprinting sites near Ellicott City can be found on the DPSCS fingerprinting page.
Howard County Circuit Court
Ellicott City is home to the Howard County Circuit Court and the clerk's office. Because Ellicott City is the county seat, the main court complex is located here. This is where felony criminal cases are heard, and where the official court record is kept.
| Circuit Court | 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043 |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Phone | 410-313-3828 |
| Clerk of Court | 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043 |
| Clerk Phone | 410-313-2111 |
| Court Records | courts.state.md.us/clerks/howard |
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is free to use and covers Howard County court records. You can search by name or case number to find criminal cases, charges, and outcomes. Select Howard County in the jurisdiction filter. This tool works for both circuit and district court records and is updated regularly with public case information.
Note: The Howard County Circuit Court and clerk's office are both in Ellicott City, making it convenient to handle court records in person.
Sex Offender Registry
The Maryland Sex Offender Registry is maintained by DPSCS and is searchable online. You can find registered offenders in Ellicott City and Howard County at the DPSCS sex offender registry. Search by name, zip code, or map location. The registry is free and open to the public.
Expungement in Howard County
If you have a criminal record from Howard County courts, Maryland law may allow you to have it expunged. Dismissed cases, nolle prossed charges, and not-guilty verdicts are common candidates. Some convictions also qualify after a set waiting period. The Maryland Courts clean record page explains the full process and who qualifies.
Expungement petitions for Howard County cases get filed with the Howard County Circuit Court, which is in Ellicott City. The People's Law Library site at peoples-law.org has a detailed guide on the steps, forms, and fees involved. Legal aid services in Howard County can assist residents who need help filing.
Nearby Cities
Look up criminal history records in cities near Ellicott City.
County Criminal History Records
Ellicott City is the county seat of Howard County. All courts and criminal records connect through Howard County agencies.