What are Dorchester County Public Records?
Dorchester County public records are original or replicated copies of any material received or produced by government agencies for official business. Records may be photos, tapes, written materials, digital records, or books. However, the Public Information Act does not cover records considered confidential under state or federal law. Examples of exempted records include adoption, personnel, and retirement records.
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.
Dorchester County Crime Statistics
The Maryland State Police (MSP) maintains statewide crime statistics and provides public access to its records. In 2020, the MSP’s report showed that Dorchester County had a total of 207 violent crimes. These include three murders, seven rape offenses, 35 robberies, and 162 aggravated assaults. In the previous year, there were two murders, 12 rape offenses, 21 robberies, and 101 aggravated assaults resulting in 136 violent crimes.
Property crimes in 2020 were a total of 775. The number comprises 131 breaking and entry offenses, 579 larceny thefts, and 65 motor vehicle thefts. In 2019, property crimes numbered 877, including 175 breaking and entry offenses, 673 larceny thefts, and 29 motor vehicle thefts. The MSP’s report shows that between 2019 and 2020, there was a 52.21% increase in violent crimes and an 11.63% decrease in property crimes.
Are Dorchester County Criminal Records Public?
Dorchester County criminal records are restricted records available at the Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository (CJIS-CR) of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS). Parties qualified to obtain a Dorchester County criminal record include:
- The subject of the record
- Private or government employers
- Criminal justice agencies
- Agencies that provide special services, such as adult-dependent care and child care
Interested parties must submit a completed CJIS 015 (Applicant Fingerprint Card) form and pay applicable fees to process individual background checks. Requestors may obtain third-party Dorchester criminal records by submitting the following:
- A fingerprint card
- A complete application form (private party or employment/licensing purposes)
For fingerprint services, Maryland residents can visit any authorized location. Non-residents may request fingerprint cards by calling the CJIS-CR in Baltimore City at (410) 764-4501 or 1-88-795-0011. Requests should be submitted to either of the following addresses:
Criminal Justice Information System-Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
Overnight Mail
Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102
Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2346
How to Obtain Dorchester County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office maintains police reports and arrest records in the county. Interested parties can obtain these records by submitting formal requests with valid state-issued identification. Each person seeking a Dorchester County arrest record or police report must provide the Sheriff’s Office with a description of the record, including names, dates, incident details, and arrest information. Interested parties should note that the office may charge request fees for physical copies. All parties should submit requests for Dorchester arrest records and police reports to:
Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office
829 Fieldcrest Road
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-4141
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Dorchester County
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains Dorchester County sex offender information. Anyone can search the MDPSCS sex offender registry by address, city, name, and compliance status. Interested persons may also subscribe to receive email alerts when a published sex offender registers in a specified area. Sex offender information contained in the registry includes a physical description, name and aliases, a mugshot, residential and work address, offense details, risk level, and vehicle information.
How to Find Dorchester County Inmate Records
The Dorchester County Department of Corrections maintains county inmate records via a public online registry. Searchers can use the Jail Tracker on the Department of Corrections website to view a list of inmates, or search the list by first name or last name. Available details include the offender’s full name, address, physical description, charge information, and photograph.
Dorchester County Court Records
Dorchester County has a Circuit Court, a District Court, and an Orphans’ Court. Each Dorchester County courthouse exercises jurisdiction over several types of criminal or civil cases. Anyone seeking Dorchester County court records may submit requests to the overseeing court in each case.
Location of Dorchester County Courts
Dorchester County Circuit Court
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0481
Fax: (410) 221-5003
Mailing Address
Dorchester County Circuit Court
P.O. Box 923
Cambridge, MD 21613
Dorchester County District Counter
310 Gay Street
Cambridge, MD 21613-1898
Phone: (410) 901-1420
Mailing Address
Dorchester County District Court
P.O. Box 547
Cambridge, MD 21613-1898
Dorchester County Orphans' Court
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-4181
Fax: (410) 228-4988
Are Dorchester County Court Records Public?
Most Dorchester County court records are open to the general public. However, some court records considered confidential under federal or state laws may be exempt from public disclosure. Furthermore, courts restrict access to records sealed by court order. Interested requestors may obtain Dorchester court records at the overseeing court or use the online database provided by the Maryland Judiciary.
How to Obtain Dorchester County Civil Court Case Records
Record seekers can obtain Dorchester County civil court case records by visiting the court clerk. Access to records requires providing record details and paying applicable fees. Requests should also contain case numbers, party names, charge information, and filing dates. Interested persons can submit mail or in-person requests to:
Dorchester County Court Clerk’s Office
206 High Street
P.O. Box 923
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0481
Fax: (410) 221-5003
Alternatively, parties can use the Maryland Judiciary’s online database to find civil court records created since 1989 at the District Court, or 1998 at the Circuit Court. Details required to search the database include court system, case type, party name, party type, file date, and county.
How to Obtain Dorchester County Criminal Court Records
Requestors can obtain Dorchester County criminal court records from the Court Clerk’s Office. Each request should provide the office with record information such as a party name, case number, party type, filing date, and case type. Requestors should note that copies of desired criminal court records may cost varying copy or search fees. The Maryland Judiciary also provides a public online database containing criminal court case information. All interested persons should submit in-person or mail requests to:
Dorchester County Court Clerk’s Office
206 High Street
P.O. Box 923
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0481
Fax: (410) 221-5003
What are Dorchester County Vital Records?
Dorchester County vital records document life events that take place in the county. Vital records are records of divorces, marriages, births, and deaths, and are obtainable from varying government agencies. However, requestors should note that not all vital records are open to the general public:
Dorchester County Health Department
3 Cedar Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-3223
Fax: (410) 228-9319
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Divorce Records
Dorchester County divorce records are records of marriage dissolutions filed with the Dorchester County Circuit Court Clerk. Requestors must provide the Clerk's Office with the names of parties to the divorce and the divorce date. Requests for Dorchester divorce decrees cost varying copy fees depending on record volume. Parties may visit the Clerk’s Office or submit mail requests with fees and a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:
Dorchester County Circuit Court Clerk
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0480
Marriage Records
Dorchester County marriage records are official statements that confirm county marriages. The Dorchester County Circuit Court Clerk maintains these records and provides access to interested persons. Dorchester County marriage certificates cost $5.50 per certified copy and are available upon request in person or via mail. Interested parties submitting mail requests should provide the following:
- Names of parties listed on the marriage record
- Date of marriage
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
- A check or money order payable to the Clerk, County Court for Dorchester County
Record seekers should submit mail and in-person requests to:
Dorchester County Circuit Court Clerk
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-0480
Interested persons may also request Dorchester County marriage certificates from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) through the Division of Vital Records. However, access is restricted to the following requestors:
- Either spouse listed on the record
- A representative of either spouse listed on the record. The person must submit written, signed, and notarized permission to access the marriage record
- An attorney representing either spouse listed on the record. (The attorney must present proof of representation)
Birth Records
Dorchester County birth records document births in the county. Parties interested in these records must submit official requests to the Dorchester County Health Department. Requestors can only obtain a Dorchester County birth record by appointment. The appointment schedule is Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the following address:
Dorchester County Health Department
3 Cedar Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-3223
Fax: (410) 228-9319
Dorchester County birth certificates are only available to the registrant, parents listed on the record, and a legal guardian who must provide original court documents. To obtain a birth record, interested parties must visit the department with the following:
- A completed Application for a Birth Record from the Health Department’s website
- A valid and current ID, such as a US passport, state-issued identification card (MVA), state-issued driver’s license, and a foreign passport that must have an issue and expiry date
- A cash or credit card payment of $25.00 is acceptable
Death Records
Dorchester County death records contain details of county decedents, including names, time of death, and place of death. Interested persons can obtain these records from the funeral home that handled arrangements for the deceased, or the Maryland Division of Vital Records.
Dorchester County Health Department
3 Cedar Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
Phone: (410) 228-3223
Fax: (410) 228-9319
The Division of Vital Records only issues death certificates to surviving relatives, authorized representatives of the decedents, and the funeral director. Requestors can obtain these records by mail or in person. Each party requesting in person must first book an appointment online via the Division of Vital Records’ website. Mail requestors should send the following:
- A complete application
- Copies of acceptable identification
- Entitlement documents
- Fees (check or money order made payable to the Division of Vital Records)
- A self-addressed and stamped envelope
All mail applicants should submit requests to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
For in-person requests and further inquiries, interested requestors should use the following contact information:
Division of Vital Records
6764B Reisterstown Road
Reisterstown Road Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-3038
