Search Gaithersburg Criminal History
Gaithersburg criminal history records involve two separate agencies: the Gaithersburg Police Department, which is a city force, and the Montgomery County Police, which covers areas just outside city limits. The city police handle incidents and reports within Gaithersburg. However, the city does not conduct criminal history background checks. All background checks go through the Maryland CJIS Central Repository at the state level. This page explains how to access police records, court records, and official background check information for Gaithersburg.
Gaithersburg Overview
Gaithersburg Police Department
Gaithersburg has its own municipal police department, which sets it apart from many other Maryland communities of similar size. The city police respond to calls within Gaithersburg city limits. They maintain their own incident reports and records separate from Montgomery County Police.
| Address | 16 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 301-258-6400 |
| police@gaithersburgmd.gov | |
| Hours | Daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Website | gaithersburgmd.gov |
Public records requests for Gaithersburg Police records go through the city's MPIA portal. The city clerk, Lia Jones, serves as the custodian of records. You can reach her at lia.jones@gaithersburgmd.gov or through the city clerk email at cityclerk@gaithersburgmd.gov. You can also mail requests to: City Clerk, City of Gaithersburg, 31 South Summit Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.
The online records portal makes it easy to submit requests without visiting city hall in person.
| Online MPIA Portal | gaithersburgmd.justfoia.com/publicportal |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | 30 calendar days (may be extended) |
Here is a view of the Gaithersburg Police Department, which handles city law enforcement and public records for incidents within city limits.
The Gaithersburg Police Department maintains records for all calls and incidents that occur within Gaithersburg's city limits, separate from Montgomery County Police coverage areas.
Gaithersburg Police Records Fees
Gaithersburg charges for certain types of records based on staff time and material costs. The first two hours of standard staff time are free. After that, the city charges $31.91 per hour for standard work. More specialized records have different rates:
- Body-worn or in-car camera video: $55.61 per hour
- Crime statistics: $41.50 per hour
- Personnel, background files, or internal affairs records: $89.51 per hour
- Photocopying: per-page fee applies
These fees apply to city police records only. Court records and criminal history checks have separate fee structures through their respective agencies.
Criminal History Background Checks
The Gaithersburg Police Department does not conduct criminal background checks. The city's own documentation states that residents who need a criminal history should contact Maryland CJIS directly. This is important. You cannot get a criminal history record from Gaithersburg city police regardless of the reason for the request.
To get an official criminal history background check, submit Form 015 with fingerprints and an $18 fee for a state-only check to CJIS Central Repository, P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708. A combined state and FBI check costs $38 or more. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days. Contact the CJIS Help Desk at 1-888-795-0011 or 410-764-4501. The DPSCS background checks page has all current forms and instructions. Fingerprinting locations near Gaithersburg are listed on the DPSCS fingerprinting page.
Montgomery County Circuit Court
Criminal cases from Gaithersburg go to Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville. This court handles felony cases and appeals. The clerk's office can provide copies of public court records.
| Address | 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 240-777-9400 |
| Case Search | casesearch.courts.state.md.us |
The free Maryland Judiciary Case Search lets you look up cases from Montgomery County by name or case number. Select Montgomery County as the jurisdiction. You'll find charges, court dates, and case outcomes for public records. This tool does not replace an official CJIS criminal history check, but it is a quick way to find court filings tied to a specific name or incident.
Sex Offender Registry
The Maryland Sex Offender Registry covers Gaithersburg and all of Montgomery County. Search it for free at the DPSCS sex offender search tool. You can search by name or zip code to find registered offenders in the Gaithersburg area.
Expungement of Gaithersburg Criminal Records
If you have a criminal record from Montgomery County courts, Maryland's expungement law may allow you to clear it. Dismissed cases, nolle prossed charges, not-guilty verdicts, and some convictions after a waiting period can be expunged. File your petition with Montgomery County Circuit Court in Rockville. The Maryland Courts record cleanup page explains who qualifies and what forms to use. Additional guidance is available at peoples-law.org.
Nearby Cities
Look up criminal history records in cities near Gaithersburg.
County Criminal History Records
Gaithersburg is a city within Montgomery County. Court records and official background checks connect through Montgomery County agencies and circuits.