TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Talbot County Public Records?

Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) gives the residents of Maryland the right to request and access disclosable public records. However, if the public record inspection would cause substantial injury to the privacy rights of individuals and legitimate governmental interests, such records will be protected. In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for extensive searches. Record seekers may opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:

• The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
• The address of the requestor
• A case number or file number (if known)
• The location of the document or person involved
• The last known or current address of the registrant

Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.

Talbot County Crime Statistics

The Talbot County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division investigates criminal offenses such as robbery, murder, rape, etc. It then reports the offenses to the state uniform crime reporting (UCR) program. According to the UCR's 2018 report, Talbot County reported a total of 334 offenses, including 27 violent crimes, 4 rape cases, 2 robberies, 21 aggravated assaults, 140 property crimes, 47 burglary cases, 88 larceny-theft, and 5 motor vehicle theft.

Are Talbot County Criminal Records Public?

Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) allows for disclosure of criminal records to the public. The record is maintained by the Clerk of Court, who makes it available for the public for review. Interested parties who want to obtain criminal records can find the following information inside the record:

• Full name and birth date
• Known residential address
• Photograph or Mugshot
• Physical descriptors such as height, weight, hair color, eye color, and tattoos
• Details of past arrests and outstanding warrants
• Fingerprints
• Any pending charges or ongoing criminal trial
• List and description of dispositions
• Conviction status and incarceration history

However, juvenile records or adoption cases are exempted and can only be accessed through a court order.

Clerk's Office
11 North Washington Street,
Suite16,
Easton, MD 21601
Phone: (410) 822-2611

How to Obtain Talbot County Police Reports and Arrest Records?

Requesters can obtain Talbot County Police Reports and Arrest Records from the Maryland State Police central records. The agency receives and collates reports of arrested persons from county sheriffs in the state and publishes the Maryland Uniform Crime Reporting record Program. Requesters can obtain police reports in three ways:

Mail: Requesters are first to contact the central records unit to check if the information requested is available. Requests for reports should not be submitted until seven days after the incident. The requester will then proceed to download a request form and complete the form and mail it along with the specified fee to be paid to (MDTA or Maryland Transportation Authority) and a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope containing the request and payment. The requester will receive an official copy of the report in the mail.

Electronically via email: Requesters are to download the request form in PDF format, which will be provided free of cost. Request for reports should not be submitted until after seven days after the incident date

In-person: Requesters are to visit the central record office to obtain the police report. The necessary fee must be paid to obtain the police report. Requests for reports should not be submitted until after seven (7) days after the incident date. Interested persons should contact:

Maryland Transportation Authority Police
Attn: Central Records Unit
4330 Broening Highway,
Baltimore, MD 21222
Phone: (410) 537-7710
Fax: (410) 537-7706
Email: mdtapolicerecords@mdta.maryland.gov

How to Find Talbot County Sex Offender Information?

The public can find and obtain sex offenders' information from the Talbot County sheriff's office. The sheriff's office keeps an online registry where all sex offenders' information is kept. The registry contains sex offenders' names, addresses, charges, categories, photos, and ages when searched.

Alternatively, interested parties can also get sex offenders' information from the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services. The Department keeps a comprehensive registered sex offender registry online. Residents may search for sex offender information online through the following means:

1. Name search: entering the first and last names of offenders.
2. City search: to locate published offenders by the city of residence.
3. Non-compliant offenders: Use this search to locate published non-compliant offenders
4. Area search: Use this search to view all published offenders within a specified radius of your home, business, school, or other desired address.

Finally, residents can get notifications of registered offenders' movement in the County by subscribing to any of the notification resources provided by the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services.

Where and How to Find Talbot County Inmate Information?

The Talbot County Department of Corrections maintains and updates inmate records in the County. The interested public can find inmate information online by entering the first and last names of the inmate, an I.D. number, and lastly, by entering the case number of the inmate. Individuals seeking information about currently incarcerated inmates are encouraged to visit the jail or contact the following numbers:

Talbot County Detention Center
115 West Dover Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
(410) 770-8120

Inmates:
Inmate Name and I.D. Number
c/o Talbot County Detention Center
115 West Dover Street
Easton, MD 21601

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Talbot County Jail?

Families and friends are to schedule a visit in advance to scheduled visitation time. Interested parties are to call the Detention Center at (410) 770-8120 for visitation information. Visitors who will be having a "contact visit" are thoroughly searched at the entrance of the correction facility and must provide government-issued photo identification; any visitor who refuses to be searched shall result in the visit cancellation. Inmates are allowed 30mins scheduled visitation times each week when visited. However, visitors that travel 55 miles or more for a visit will receive an hour of visiting time. On request, family emergencies (special visits) will be given immediate consideration. Inmate visitation hour is scheduled into two (2) forms:

1. Professional visitation hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, (Monday – Friday), Saturday is by appointment only.
2. Families and friends visitation hours: inmates are regularly transferred from one housing unit to another. Inmates are to notify their friends and families once there's a housing unit change on the scheduled visitation. The visitation housing unit and times are as follows:

• A-Housing, C-Housing and Booking Monday (4:30 pm - 7:45 pm)
• D-Housing Tuesday (4:30 pm - 7:45 pm)
• E-Housing Wednesday (4:30 pm - 7:45 pm)
• F-Housing Thursday (12:30 pm - 3:00 pm)
• G-Housing and H-Housing Thursday (4:30 pm - 7:45 pm)
• I-Housing and Protective Friday (10:00 am - 12:00 pm)
• B-Housing Friday (4:30 pm - 7:45 pm)

Visitation guidelines:

1. Only two (2) adults maximum are allowed to visit, so a maximum of three (3) children are allowed to accompany the adults during each visit.
2. Visitors are to follow the acceptable dress code strictly. Shoes and shirts are required, while bathing suits or halter tops are not permitted. Visitors not appropriately dressed will not be allowed into the detention facility.
3. Visitors acting rudely/inappropriate manner will have their visit canceled
4. Shortages of staff due to an emergency will result in the cancellation of visitation.
5. Visitors who are under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted entry, and smoking is strictly prohibited.
6. Refusal to leave when the allocated time given is up may subject the visitor to arrest.

Court Records

Record seekers can get copies of Talbot county court records from the circuit court clerk. Talbot County Circuit Court exercises jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. The circuit court also handles other cases like juvenile and other family law cases and domestic violence cases and hears most cases appealed from the district court, orphan's court, and some administrative agencies. Record seekers can also access online records.

Location of All Courts in Campbell County

Talbot Circuit Court
11 North. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601

Talbot District court
108 West. Dover Street
Easton, MD 21601-2620.

Orphans' Court
11 North Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601

Are Talbot County Court Records Public?

Talbot County Court Records are public records and can be accessible by the public to view and inspect according to Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA). Not all court records, however, are accessible to the general public. Without a court order or a specific provision of the law, the following records are not open to the public:

a. Original documents that have been copied to redact confidential information.
b. Criminal History Record – (Computerized CJIS, Federal Databases, and MVA with request for privacy only)
c. Pre-sentence Investigation Report
d. Medical Records/Psychological Information (e.g. assessment/information report from the health department alcohol and addictions program, DSS, etc.)
e. Request or Order for HIV Testing
f. Judges’/Commissioners' Notes
g. Confidential Supplement (Form Number CC-DC-CR-001S)
h. Application for Appointed Attorney at Initial Appearance (Form Number DC-085)

Can You Look Up a Talbot County Court Case Online?

Talbot County Circuit Court provides an online search webpage to interested persons. Court records available via the Case Search include traffic, criminal and civil cases from the Maryland District Court. Petitions, appeals, attorney grievances, and judicial disability cases from the Maryland Court of Appeals are also accessible. Requesters can search for Talbot County online through a name search or a case number search.

How to Obtain Talbot County Civil Court Case Records?

Residents of Talbot County can obtain civil court records from the Office of the Clerk of Court in the courthouse by sending mail requests, calling the clerk's office, or visiting in person. The requester may supply the clerk with the case number of the recorded case in issue to access these documents. If the case number isn't accessible, the clerk can look for the file using the parties' names engaged in the case. Court documents can be seen for free. Residents should submit requests to the:

Clerk's Office Circuit court for Talbot County,
11 North Washington Street,
Suite 16,
Easton, MD 21601
Phone: (410) 822-2611

How to Obtain Talbot County Criminal Court Records?

Residents in Talbot County can get criminal court records from the courthouse's Office of the Clerk of Court by sending a postal request, calling the clerk's office, or going in person. The requester must provide the clerk with the case number of the documented case in question to gain access to these papers. However, if the case number is not available, the clerk can search for the file by looking up the parties' names. Free access to court papers is available. Residents should make their demands to:

Clerk's Office
Circuit court for Talbot County,
11 North Washington Street,
Suite 16,
Easton, MD 21601
Phone: (410) 822-2611

What are Talbot County Vital Records?

Talbot County Vital Records include all materials in writing or recording about life events such as marriages, divorce, birth, and deaths. Talbot County Vital Records are public records. However, the inspection and request for copies of vital records are restricted to non-eligible persons per the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) regulations. Without a court order, the following records are not available to the public:

• Original documents that have been copied to redact confidential information.
• Criminal History Record
• Pre-sentence Investigation Report
• Medical Records/Psychological Information
• Request or Order for HIV Testing
• Judges’/Commissioners' Notes

The eligible requesters of vital records are immediate family members, legal representatives with authorization, or requesters with a court order. The Talbot County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the custodian of all marriage and divorce records, while the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) regulations via the vital record office maintain and update vital records at the state level.

Where and How to Obtain Talbot County Divorce Records?

Divorce records can be obtained from the Talbot County Circuit Court. The following eligible persons may apply:

• Either spouse named on the record
• Either spouse's representative is listed on the record. (Note: The representative must present a letter stating that he or she has been granted permission to get a copy of the Divorce Verification.) A notary public must certify the letter, which must be signed by either spouse named on the record.)
• The attorney representing either spouse named on the record (Note: The attorney must present proof to represent either spouse named on the record.).

To obtain a birth certificate, the requester must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo I.D. to obtain a birth certificate. The requester who is unable to present a valid I.D. card must provide acceptable alternative documents, which are:

• Paystub
• A current car registration.
• Bank statement
• A vital record request letter from a government agency.
• Lease/rental agreement

A payment fee of $12 is to be paid by requesters for divorce certificate either in-person or by mail, $11.75 if ordered online, and $18.50 for Expedited Shipping (only for internet orders). The divorce certificate can be collected the same day at the lobby if requested in-person or up to 3-4 weeks if requested online or by mail. Requesters should submit the completed application form to:

Talbot County Courthouse
11 North Washington Street.
Easton, MD 21601
Phone: (410) 822-2611

Where and How to Obtain Talbot County Marriage Records?

The Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) issues certified copies of marriage records that occurred on or after January 1, 2007, while requesters are to contact Talbot County circuit court for marriages performed before January 1, 2007. The following persons may apply:

• Either spouse named on the record
• Representative of either spouse named on the record.
• The attorney representing either spouse named on the record.

Interested parties can obtain marriage certificates online, in person, and also by mail. Requesters are to present a valid photo I.D. or two alternative documents (utility bill/pay stub/bank statement/rental agreement) and fill out a form. A payment fee of $10 is to be paid when collecting the certificate either in-person or by mail. $11.75 if ordered online and $18.50 for Expedited Shipping (only for internet orders). The divorce certificate can be collected the same day if requested in-person or up to 3-4 weeks if requested online or by mail. Requesters should submit the completed application form to:

Talbot County Courthouse
11 North Washington St.
Easton, MD 21601
Phone: (410) 822-2611

Division of Vital Records
Department of Health
201 West. Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (877) 463-3464
(410) 767-6500
P.O. Box: 68760

Where and How to Obtain Talbot County Birth Records?

The Division of Vital Records - Talbot County Health Department provides certified and informational copies of Talbot County birth records. Certified records are only available to:

• An individual requesting a birth certificate.
• A parent named on the certificate.
• A guardian of the person named on the certificate who has been appointed by the court. It is not acceptable to have a foster care appointment. It is also necessary to submit proof of guardianship.
• The surviving spouse of the person whose name appears on the certificate.
• The representative of (1) individual or a parent named on the certificate; (2) The person named on the certificate's court-appointed guardian. A letter signed by the parent, individual, or guardian and notarized by a public notary must be presented to the representative, stating that the representative has permission to obtain a copy of the certificate.

The requester must present a valid, unexpired, government-issued photo I.D to obtain a birth certificate. A requester who is unable to present a valid I.D. card must provide acceptable alternative documents, which are:

• Paystub
• A current car registration
• A bank statement
• A vital record request letter from a government agency
• Lease/rental agreement
• Utility bill with current address

Requesters are required to pay a $10 fee to obtain the certificate in-person or by mail, $11.75 if ordered online, and $18.50 for Expedited Shipping (only for internet orders). The birth certificate can be collected the same day if requested in-person, but it can take 3-4 weeks if requested online or by mail. Completed forms should be submitted to:

TALBOT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
100 South Hanson Street
Easton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 819-5643

Where and How to Obtain Talbot County Death Records?

Requesters can obtain Talbot County death Records from the Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Talbot County Health Department. Only eligible parties like immediate family members, legal representatives with authorization, and requesters with a court order can make a request. Applicants must provide a valid I.D. card or two (2) different alternative documents to make a request. The acceptable documents are:

• Paystub
• Current car registration
• Bank statement
• A vital record request letter from a government agency
• Lease/rental agreement
• Utility bill with current address
• Copy of income tax return/W-2 form

Interested parties can obtain death certificates online, in-person and also by mail, and are required to pay a $10 fee to get the certificate in-person/mail, $11.75 if ordered online, and $18.50 for Expedited Shipping (only for internet orders), the divorce certificate can be collected the same day if requested for in-person or up to 3-4 weeks if requested for online or by mail. Record seekers should submit completed forms to:

TALBOT COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
100 South Hanson Street
Easton, MD 21629
Phone: (410) 819-5643