Find Criminal Records in Howard County

Howard County criminal history records are available through multiple channels, from the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal to certified CJIS background checks processed by DPSCS. The county sits between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and its court system handles a significant volume of cases each year. Whether you are looking for public court filings in Ellicott City or need a formal criminal history record for legal purposes, this guide covers your options, the costs involved, and who to contact at each step.

Howard County Circuit Court Records

The Howard County Circuit Court at 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, is the main court for felonies, serious misdemeanors, and civil cases in the county. Clerk Wayne A. Robey oversees the records division. You can reach the clerk's office at 410-313-3828 or visit in person during regular business hours. The clerk's website is at courts.state.md.us/clerks/howard.

Court records are public by default. Use the free Maryland Judiciary Case Search to look up cases online without visiting the courthouse. This system covers most filings since 1989, including criminal cases at both the Circuit and District Court levels. You will see charges, court dates, and case outcomes. Sealed and expunged records are not visible in this portal.

Certified copies of court documents cost $0.50 per page. For mail requests, include the case details and a check payable to the clerk of the circuit court. The clerk's office cannot run criminal history searches on behalf of requesters. That function is handled exclusively by CJIS.

Howard County Criminal History Background Checks

Official criminal history background checks in Howard County go through DPSCS and the CJIS Central Repository. There is no county-level alternative for a certified record. The fee is $18 for a state-only check or $38 and up for a combined state and FBI search. Typical processing time is 10 to 15 business days.

The image below shows the DPSCS background check portal where Howard County residents submit formal criminal history requests.

The Sheriff's Office works alongside CJIS to support law enforcement and records functions across Howard County.

You need to be fingerprinted on a Form 015 card first. Fingerprinting is available at authorized locations throughout Howard County. Private vendors and some law enforcement offices offer this service. Once you have the card, send it with your payment to CJIS-CR, P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708. For overnight delivery, use 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102, Baltimore, MD 21215. Call CJIS at 1-888-795-0011 with questions. The DPSCS background check page has full instructions and a downloadable Form 015.

Howard County Sheriff's Office

The Howard County Sheriff's Office is at 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The main line is 410-313-2150. Email is HCSO@howardcountymd.gov. The full department site is at howardcountymd.gov/sheriffs-office.

The Sheriff handles service of process, warrants, and civil enforcement in the county. For records-related contacts: the Public Information and Records unit is at 410-313-4201. Service of Process can be reached at 410-313-4168. The Warrant and Fugitive Section is 410-313-4174. If you have a general duty question after hours, reach the duty officer at 410-313-4150.

The Sheriff's Office does not release CJIS criminal history records. That is handled by DPSCS. What the Sheriff can provide are incident-related public records, such as reports from specific calls for service, under the Maryland Public Information Act.

What Howard County Criminal Records Show

A CJIS criminal history record reflects statewide activity. It is not limited to cases filed in Howard County. If someone was arrested in Columbia but prosecuted in a different jurisdiction, both entries may appear. The record typically includes arrest dates, charges, case numbers, and dispositions. Sentencing details are included when available.

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is useful for a quick public review. It shows filings at the Howard County Circuit Court and District Court going back to 1989. But it is not a certified record. Results should not be relied on as a substitute for an official CJIS check. Case Search data can also lag behind recent court activity by a day or two.

Expungement and Record Sealing

Maryland law permits expungement of certain criminal records, including some arrests, dismissed charges, and acquittals. After a successful petition, the record is removed from court files and CJIS. Whether a charge qualifies depends on what happened in the case and how much time has passed.

Petitions are filed at the Howard County Circuit Court in Ellicott City. The filing fee is $30. Courts may waive this in some cases. Free guides on the process are available through the People's Law Library and the Maryland courts clean record page. Guilty verdicts generally bar expungement unless the offense qualifies under newer provisions of Maryland law.

Sex Offender Registry and Other Howard County Sources

The Maryland Sex Offender Registry is public and searchable at no cost. Visit dpscs.maryland.gov to search for registered offenders in Howard County and elsewhere in the state. The registry shows names, addresses, and offense details. It is updated regularly and does not require a records request or any payment.

For broader criminal records questions, the DPSCS main site at dpscs.maryland.gov is a good starting point. The Maryland State Police at mdsp.maryland.gov also maintains certain records and can direct you to the right unit for your specific need. Court records and legal help resources are available through courts.state.md.us.

Cities in Howard County

Two communities in Howard County qualify for individual pages on this site.

Other communities in Howard County include Jessup, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, and North Laurel. All fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court in Ellicott City.

Nearby Counties

Howard County borders several Maryland counties. Records from those areas may be relevant when a person has ties to more than one jurisdiction.