What are Caroline County Public Records?
According to the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), a Caroline County public record is any documentary material created, stored, or received by county government agencies, departments, boards, bureaus, or commissions. Caroline public records are accessible regardless of physical form, and may be written materials, pictures, books, maps, drawings, letters, journals, pamphlets, films, photocopies, tapes, microfilms, or computerized records.
Although Caroline County public records are generally accessible, the Maryland PIA prevents public access to certain records. Examples include:
- Public records considered confidential or privileged by a state or federal statute
- A record sealed by a court order
- Medical records
- Letters of reference
- Personnel records
- Retirement files
- Trade secrets
- Records containing information about a person's finances
- School records containing a student’s address, family, telephone number, biography, religion, physical and mental ability, and academic performance
- Records of persons authorized to purchase, sell, rent, or transfer regulated firearms
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location including the city, county or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Caroline County Crime Statistics
The Maryland Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) collates annual data on crime trends in the state. The UCR’s 2020 report shows that Caroline County recorded 63 violent crimes and 401 property crimes. Specific offenses include 313 larceny thefts, 65 breaking-in cases, 7 robberies, 49 aggravated assaults, 18 motor vehicle thefts, 7 rape cases, and 5 arson incidents.
In 2019 crime data showed 45 violent crimes, including 24 aggravated assaults, 14 robberies, 6 rape incidents, and 1 murder. The report also revealed 501 property crimes comprising 369 larceny thefts, 111 breaking-in offenses, 18 motor vehicle thefts, 2 arson incidents, and 1 carjacking. Despite the increase in violent crimes between both years, the county’s overall crime level decreased by 15%.
Are Caroline County Criminal Records Public?
Caroline County criminal records are not public records. According to Maryland law, criminal records are only available to the subjects of the records, a requestor with the subject’s permission, and employers authorized by law. Eligible parties can obtain Caroline criminal records from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS). Maryland residents may conduct fingerprint-based checks by visiting an approved fingerprinting service agent, while out-of-state requestors should call the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) at (410) 764-4501 or (888) 795-0011 (toll-free) to request fingerprint cards. All requests should be submitted to:
Criminal Justice Information System
Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282 - 2708
How to Obtain Caroline County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Caroline County arrest records and police reports are available at the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. Parties interested in copies of these records should submit requests with all known details to the Sheriff’s Office. Record seekers should note that physical copies of desired records may incur request or copy fees. All parties should submit requests for Caroline arrest records and police reports to:
Caroline County Sheriff's Department
101 Gay Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-2515
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Caroline County
The MDPSCS maintains a central database that contains information on Maryland sex offenders. Anyone can search the Maryland Sex Offender Registry by entering the sex offender’s name, city, area, or compliance status.
While the name search requires the sex offender's first and last name, the city search uses the offender’s current location. Record seekers may also use the area search to view all published offenders around a specified address, or use the compliance search for information on non-compliant sex offenders. Parties should choose Caroline County on the county drop-down menu to restrict search results.
Residents may also sign up to receive email alerts when a sex offender registers an address near the searcher’s area of interest.
How to Find Caroline County Inmate Records
The Caroline County Department of Corrections manages the county jail’s daily operations and grants public access to information contained in inmate records. However, record seekers can only view each inmate’s full name, charges, and bond details. All other details are not publicly available. Interested residents can request desired information by mail, phone, email, or in person. Requestors can contact the county jail at the following address:
Caroline County Department of Corrections
101 Gay Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-2517
Fax: (410) 479-4128
Caroline County Court Records
Caroline County has Circuit, District, and Orphans’ Courts. The Circuit Court handles all civil, criminal, divorce, child custody, and termination of parental rights cases, while the District Court presides over certain felony preliminary hearings and general civil claims.
Cases heard at the Orphans’ Court include probate and guardianship matters. Parties interested in accessing Caroline court records can contact the overseeing court in each case.
Locations of Courts in Caroline County
Caroline County Circuit Court
Caroline County Courthouse
109 Market Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-1811
Fax: (410) 479-1142
Caroline County District Court
Multi-Service Center
207 South Third Street
Denton, MD 21629 - 1229
Phone: (410) 819-4600
Fax: (410) 479-1142
Caroline County Orphans’ Court
Caroline County Courthouse
109 Market Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-0717
Fax: (410) 479-4983
Are Caroline County Court Records Public?
Most Caroline County court records are open to the public. However, state law specifies that some records - including sealed or confidential court records - should remain closed. For instance, record seekers cannot obtain copies of juvenile, adoption, mental health, income tax, and custody evaluation court records. Parties seeking Caroline County court records can request by mail or in person at the Clerk of Court’s Office.
How to Obtain Caroline County Civil Court Case Records
Record seekers can obtain Caroline County civil court case records by submitting requests to the Clerk of Court’s Office or using the online Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Both methods require record information such as the names of parties or businesses involved, and case numbers.
Requests for physical copies may incur varying copy fees. All parties may submit mail or in-person requests to the Clerk of Court’s Office from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays using the following details:
Caroline County Circuit Clerk of Court
Caroline County Courthouse
109 Market Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-1811
Fax: (410) 479-1142
Parties using the Maryland Judiciary Case Search can find records by entering a full name, case type, case number, court system, county, and filing date.
How to Obtain Caroline County Criminal Court Records
The Caroline County Circuit Clerk of Court is the custodian for criminal court case records. All record seekers should submit requests by mail or in person at the Clerk of Court’s Office providing names, case numbers, charge details, and other known information. Varying fees apply depending on record volume. Applicants should submit requests to:
Caroline County Circuit Clerk of Court
Caroline County Courthouse
109 Market Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-1811
Fax: (410) 479-1142
Alternatively, parties may obtain Caroline County criminal court records online using the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. The database contains Caroline County criminal case records created since October 10th, 2000.
What are Caroline County Vital Records?
Vital records are government-issued documents containing information on major life events. In Maryland, vital records are available only to the record holder, immediate family members, and a person with a substantial and verifiable interest. Caroline County vital records include death, birth, marriage, and divorce records. Requestors can obtain vital records from the Caroline County Health Department, the Clerk of Court’s Office, or the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).
Divorce Records
A divorce decree is a detailed document that contains specific conditions set by the court after terminating the marriage. Requestors can also obtain divorce verifications, which confirm that a divorce happened and contains basic divorce details. Only the couple and their attorneys may obtain a divorce decree in Maryland. Qualified persons can request certified copies of Caroline County divorce decrees from the Clerk of Court’s Office at:
Caroline County Circuit Clerk of Court
Caroline County Courthouse
109 Market Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-1811
Fax: (410) 479-1142
Also, record seekers can purchase Caroline County divorce certificates in person or by mail from the MDH. Each requestor should submit the Vital Records Form, with fees, an identifying document, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope and mail to:
Maryland Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Marriage Records
A marriage record is an official record that proves the existence of a marriage. Parties eligible to receive Caroline County marriage records include either party to the marriage, a representative with a notarized letter, or either party’s attorney. Eligible persons can order Caroline County marriage certificates by submitting requests to the Clerk of Court’s Office along with fees, government-issued identification, as well as self-addressed and stamped envelopes. Interested persons should request using the following details:
Caroline County Circuit Clerk of Court
Caroline County Courthouse
109 Market Street
Denton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 479-1811
Fax: (410) 479-1142
Birth Records
A birth record documents a person’s birth. Requestors can obtain certified copies of Caroline County birth certificates issued since 1939 from the Caroline County Health Department. Anyone seeking records created before 1939 should call (410) 479-8030 (ext 6) for more information.
Requestors entitled to receive certified copies of Caroline County birth records include the subject of the record, and their parent or legal guardian. Eligible persons can obtain Caroline County birth certificates in person by submitting picture ID and fees to:
Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
Reisterstown Plaza
6764-B Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-3089
Death Records
A death certificate is an official document stating a decedent’s name, location, and cause of death. Parties eligible to obtain death records must have a direct and tangible relationship with the deceased. The Caroline County Health Department issues certificates for deaths recorded since January 1st, 2015. Anyone interested in older records should call (410) 764-3089.
Caroline County death certificates cost $22.00 for the first copy and $24.00 for each additional copy. Requestors can order the record in person by completing an application form, presenting a valid government-issued ID, and paying applicable fees. The Health Department opens for visits on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at:
Caroline County Department of Health
Division of Vital Records
Reisterstown Plaza
6764-B Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21215
Each party must provide a current government-issued photo ID. Parties without an acceptable form of identification may present two different alternate documents containing their names and current mailing addresses. Acceptable alternative documents include a Social Security card, current car registration, a letter issued by a government agency, utility bill with current address, pay stub, bank statement, lease or rental agreement, and income tax returns.
