Somerset County Public Records / Somerset County Arrest Records

Somerset County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Somerset County in 2026

SomersetCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Somerset County, Maryland. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case numbers. The information presented reflects publicly accessible data and may not represent complete or fully current records.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Somerset County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court for Somerset County Clerk's Office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and arrest information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent arrest activity. The local law enforcement agencies directory maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services identifies the Somerset County Sheriff's Office as the designated law enforcement agency for the county. Arrest records maintained by the Sheriff's Office include the arrestee's name, booking number, charges, and custody status. Records are updated as new bookings occur.

Somerset County Sheriff's Office
30426A Sam Barnes Road
Westover, MD 21871
Phone: (410) 845-4840
Somerset County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Princess Anne Police Department serves the county seat and maintains arrest logs and press releases related to local law enforcement activity. Members of the public may contact the department directly to request available arrest information. Press releases containing arrest information are periodically published on the department's official communications channels.

Princess Anne Police Department
11916 Somerset Avenue
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: (410) 651-1100
Princess Anne Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Circuit Court for Somerset County Clerk's Office maintains criminal case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search for court cases by the arrestee's name through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal, which provides access to case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions. This tool allows users to identify court proceedings associated with a specific arrest.

The Criminal Department of the Circuit Court for Somerset County handles criminal records requests and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Circuit Court for Somerset County — Criminal Department
30512 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: (410) 845-4850
Criminal Department — Maryland Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains a statewide criminal history repository accessible through the DPSCS online services portal. Criminal history record information (CHRI) requests may be submitted for a fee. The standard fee for a public criminal history record check in Maryland is currently $18.00 per request. The state repository includes arrest and disposition data submitted by law enforcement agencies across all Maryland jurisdictions.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 30426A Sam Barnes Road, Westover, MD 21871
Records division is located at the main Sheriff's Office facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Phone: (410) 845-4840
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per Maryland law

Clerk of Court:

Address: 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853
Criminal records division: Criminal Department, Circuit Court for Somerset County
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Phone: (410) 845-4850
Case file inspection is available during business hours at public access terminals
Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply for certified copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office at 30426A Sam Barnes Road, Westover, MD 21871. Requests submitted by mail should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mail requests is typically two to four weeks.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (410) 845-4840
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Limited information is available by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and Maryland Rules of Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Princess Anne Police, or Maryland State Police)

Are Arrest Records Public in Somerset County

Arrest records in Somerset County are public records subject to disclosure under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 4-101 et seq., which establishes the right of members of the public to inspect and copy government records. Arrest records are maintained as public documents because they reflect official government action and serve the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, legal research, and background screening.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Maryland law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

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 interest in government transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., consumer reporting agencies are subject to specific requirements when reporting arrest records for employment or housing purposes. Maryland's Job Applicant Fairness Act limits the use of credit and certain background information in employment decisions. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Somerset County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or Maryland State Police)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Maryland statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Somerset County varies by the requesting office and the format of the records requested. Under the Maryland Public Information Act, Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 4-206, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for search, preparation, and reproduction of records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.50
Certified copy (per document)	$5.00 (Circuit Court)
Criminal history record check (state)	$18.00 per request
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection

Inspection of public records at the Clerk's Office or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge during regular business hours
Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions
Certification fees apply when a certified copy bearing the court seal is required
The Maryland DPSCS charges $18.00 for a public criminal history record check submitted through its online portal
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request to the custodial agency
Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order; the Sheriff's Office accepts check or money order for mail requests

How To Delete Arrest Records in Somerset County

Maryland law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and shielding. Expungement results in the physical destruction or removal of records from public access, while shielding restricts public access without destroying the underlying records. The applicable remedy depends on the nature of the charge and the outcome of the case.

Under Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-105, a person may petition for expungement of an arrest record in the following circumstances:

The charge was filed but the case was subsequently dismissed
The person was acquitted at trial
The prosecutor entered a nolle prosequi (declined to prosecute)
The person completed a probation before judgment (PBJ) disposition and the applicable waiting period has elapsed
The charge was a minor offense for which expungement is specifically authorized by statute
A full pardon was granted by the Governor of Maryland

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal case record from the Circuit Court for Somerset County Criminal Department to confirm the case disposition
Complete the Maryland Judiciary's Petition for Expungement of Records (Form CC-DC-CR-072), available through the Maryland Courts self-help center
File the completed petition with the Circuit Court for Somerset County Clerk's Office at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853
Pay the applicable filing fee (currently $30.00 for most petitions; no fee for cases resulting in acquittal or nolle prosequi)
Serve copies of the petition on the State's Attorney for Somerset County and all law enforcement agencies named in the petition
Await the court's review; the State may file an objection within 30 days
If no objection is filed, the court issues an order of expungement; if an objection is filed, a hearing is scheduled

Somerset County State's Attorney's Office
30512 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: (410) 845-4840
Somerset County Government

Maryland's shielding law, effective under the Second Chance Act, allows certain individuals with qualifying convictions to petition for shielding of their records from public view. Shielded records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies but are not disclosed to the general public or most employers.

What Happens After Arrest in Somerset County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Somerset County, the arrested individual is transported to the Somerset County Detention Center, the county's primary holding facility. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Somerset County Detention Center
30420 Revells Neck Road
Westover, MD 21871
Phone: (410) 651-9223
Detention Center — Somerset County

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Somerset County Detention Center, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

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 individual is formally notified of the charges
Bond or bail is determined
The right to counsel is explained
Eligibility for a public defender is assessed

The initial appearance may be conducted in person or via video conference. Following the Commissioner's determination, a bail review hearing before a District Court judge may be requested.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond.

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 status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond. Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody at the Somerset County Detention Center, receives a housing assignment, and is informed of visitation schedules, commissary account procedures, and phone privileges. Visitation inquiries may be directed to the Detention Center at (410) 651-9223.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office:

The Maryland Office of the Public Defender provides representation to eligible individuals who cannot afford private counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income.

Maryland Office of the Public Defender — Somerset County
30512 Prince William Street, Suite 201
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: (410) 651-1440
Maryland Office of the Public Defender

Charging Decision:

The Somerset County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or, in some circumstances, an Alford plea. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to Commissioner hearing: Within 24 hours
Commissioner hearing to bail review: Within 24 hours if requested
Arraignment: Typically within 30 days for in-custody defendants
Misdemeanor resolution: Typically two to six months
Felony resolution: Typically six to eighteen months or longer
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and Maryland Rule 4-271

Rights Throughout the 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

Clerk of Court:

Circuit Court for Somerset County — Clerk's Office
30512 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
Phone: (410) 845-4850
Circuit Court for Somerset County

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Somerset County?

Records retention in Somerset County is governed by Maryland state law and the policies of the Maryland State Archives and individual custodial agencies. The Maryland Public Records Act and associated retention schedules establish minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS), and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent in court records and the state repository
Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of seven years; many agencies retain permanently

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three years
Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
State repository: Records remain unless expungement order is received and processed

Acquittals:

Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged
Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three years
Eligible for expungement under Maryland law

Charges Not Filed / Nolle Prosequi:

Booking records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Eligible for expungement; may be purged following a court order

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in the Maryland Judiciary Case Management System and law enforcement records management systems are retained on a permanent basis in most instances. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable agency retention schedule, with felony-related materials retained permanently and misdemeanor materials retained for a minimum of seven years.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies are required to maintain accurate records, but expungement orders issued by Maryland courts do not automatically compel removal from private databases. Individuals seeking removal from third-party websites must contact those entities directly.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all government databases. A dismissal or acquittal may remain in databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement. Following a valid expungement order, the Maryland CJIS updates the state repository, and the relevant law enforcement agencies are directed to destroy or seal the physical and electronic records. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement while restricting public access.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting window for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Maryland law does not currently impose a blanket prohibition on reporting convictions after a specified period, though the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions is subject to scrutiny under state anti-discrimination provisions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Somerset County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (410) 845-4840 or the Circuit Court for Somerset County Criminal Department at (410) 845-4850 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act may be required, and applicable fees may apply.