Criminal records in Prince George's County, Maryland, are available through several channels. PrinceGeorgesCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official judicial system, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk's Office of the District Court.
How to Search Criminal Records in Prince George's
Start your search at PrinceGeorgesCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to get basic information about the criminal case.
Online Search through Official Portals
- Go to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal. The system provides public access to cases from the District Court and Circuit Court.
- Enter the defendant's full name. A date of birth or case number narrows the results.
- Select the jurisdiction "Prince George's County" in the filter.
- Review the results: case status, charges, hearing dates.
To check the location of an incarcerated individual, use the Incarcerated Individual Locator from the Maryland Department of Public Safety.
In-Person Request
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Prince George's welcomes visitors who wish to view case materials on-site. Public terminals are available in the courthouse.
Contact information and directions can be clarified on the Prince George's County Court page.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the address above or to the Central Records Division of the Maryland State Police to obtain an official criminal history. Include:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Social Security Number (for criminal history check through State Police)
Search Prince George's Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Maryland is assigned a standard number. The format depends on the court:
- Circuit Court: the number starts with the county code (e.g., "C" or "CAL"), followed by the case type and sequential number. For Prince George's, the typical prefix is CAEF or CT, followed by the filing year and sequential number.
- District Court: the number usually starts with the letter "D" and location code, then the year and case number.
Knowing the exact number helps avoid confusion with namesakes. Enter it in the "Case Number" field on the Case Search portal — the system will immediately show the specific case without additional filtering.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Prince George's
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | Reference to a specific article of the Maryland Criminal Code under which the charge is brought |
| Felony | A serious crime — the maximum penalty exceeds one year of imprisonment |
| Misdemeanor | A less serious crime — punishment up to one year |
| Infraction | A minor violation, usually a fine without imprisonment |
| Amended charge | A charge modified by the prosecutor or court during the case review |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is filed, but no decision yet
- Active — the case is under review
- Disposed — the court has made a decision (verdict, closure, dismissal)
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including appeals
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — first presentation of charges, the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — procedural meeting to resolve motions
- Trial — substantive case review
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
- Review hearing — checking compliance with punishment conditions (e.g., probation)
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Probation before judgment (PBJ) | The court assigns probation without a formal verdict — a common practice in Maryland |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after substantive review |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Prince George's
A certified copy of a court record is issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. This is a document with the court's seal, accepted by employers, immigration authorities, and other institutions.
Through the Clerk's Office (In-Person or by Mail)
- Contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the address mentioned above.
- Provide the case number or full name and date of birth of the person.
- Present valid photo identification (driver's license, passport).
- Pay the certification fee.
Through Maryland State Police
To obtain an official Criminal History Record Check, submit a request to the Central Records Division of the State Police. You need:
- A completed application form
- A fingerprint card — for fingerprint-based checks
- Payment of the fee, check payable to Maryland State Police
This process is regulated by Public Safety Article 2 of the Maryland Code.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Prince George's
| Service | Cost | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Usually on the day of request |
| Document certification | $5.00 per document | 1–3 business days |
| Criminal History Record Check (State Police) | $18.00 (without fingerprints) / cost may vary for fingerprint-based checks | From 7 to 30 business days |
Copying and certification fees are set according to Maryland Rules 16-900 and the Circuit Court Clerk's fee schedule. The exact amount should be clarified directly with the court clerk's office, as rates may change. Payment is accepted in cash, money order, or check — some clerk's offices also accept cards.