Run a Free Baltimore Warrant Search (Record Access)

Perform a Baltimore warrant search for free using the quick, convenient search tools linked below.

\Warrant information can be reviewed to learn more about pending arrests for you or someone you know. There are also other types of unique information you can find out about law enforcement activity when you conduct a warrant search. This type of information is available because the Maryland Public Information Act requires that it be made public.

Knowing how to navigate record requests and access details of wanted individuals is crucial. This article leads you through the entire warrant search process in Baltimore County, Maryland.

This resource was written by Attorney Robert Bailey Jr, who holds a Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law.

An Overview of Looking Up Warrants in Baltimore County Maryland

If you want to conduct a warrant search, it’s important to know that information can differ from one county to the next. Depending on where you are looking, you can access different types of warrant information through various means. Having an overview of warrant information in Baltimore County will set you up for success when you are ready to conduct a warrant search.

The general rule is that warrant information is available through the Maryland Public Information Act.¹ However, like most laws, certain situations and types of information may be exempt from this law.

For instance, if the warrant is part of an ongoing investigation and its disclosure will cause harm, it is entitled to be restricted. However, it’s likely to become public information after it is fully executed.

There are all types of warrants in Baltimore County. After learning what they are, you may realize there is a particular kind of warrant that you want to search for.

Depending on the type of the warrant, some may be easier to access than others. For instance, arrest warrants may be readily available, but those for searching evidence may be restricted until executed.

You’ll also find that, depending on the warrant and the record custodian, the method for obtaining this information may differ. Some may allow you to search online, while others will require you to go through the process of going in person or submitting a formal request for records.

One thing that’s usually consistent is the type of information you will need to conduct a search. You should start by making sure you have the correct spelling of the person’s full name. You should also know what county the person is from and, if different, the county where the warrant was issued.

If you have the case or warrant number already, then you should be able to quickly access information. However, if you don’t, you may need additional information to find the correct warrant information. Additional information on when and why the warrant was issued or a description of the person (e.g., age, sex, race etc.) can be helpful.

Information regarding warrants may be hosted by various types of government agencies. In Baltimore County, you can track down these details through their courts and the sheriff’s office. The Baltimore County Circuit Court deals with more serious felony cases, while the District Courts manage minor criminal cases.^{2, 3}

In some counties, you might be able to find warrant information via municipal government agencies in some of the larger cities within. Searchers should note that warrant information cannot be accessed at the city level in Baltimore County as they’re all unincorporated and don’t have independent legal jurisdiction.

Note: The city of Baltimore is independent and is not considered part of the county.

The next section will outline the process for searching warrants online and through other means as well.

How To Conduct a Baltimore Warrant Search (Access Details of Wanted Individuals)

If you’re looking to access warrant information, the most efficient way to get started is by searching online court records.⁴ This is a unified search tool for case records throughout the whole state of Maryland, so make sure you select Baltimore County to narrow the results. You’ll also want to select “criminal” for the case type.

Next, determine if you’d like to search the Circuit, District or both courts. Then, you’ll be able to enter the person’s name and choose a filing date range so you’re not overwhelmed by the number of results provided.

On the results page, you’ll see the person’s name, case number, date of birth, and case type. You can also see the case status and filing date. To view warrant information, you’ll have to click on the case number.

After you get the complete online criminal record, you can go to the “Document Information” section, where you’ll find a list of all filings in the criminal case. Here is where you’re likely to find warrant information.

However, the online criminal record is limited, and you might have to use the information found here to conduct a more in depth search directly with the applicable court. IF you have additional questions about conducting a search with this tool you can check out their FAQ page.⁵

If you opt to conduct a further search with the Baltimore County Circuit Court, you can ask them about this process by calling the Clerk’s Office at 410-887-2601. The office staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Alternatively, you can also go in person to the below address:

Baltimore County Clerk’s Office
401 Bosley Ave., 2nd Fl.
Towson, Maryland 21204

Depending on the case, you may have to search at the District Court level in Baltimore County. There are three district courts in Baltimore County, and you can call or visit any of them using the contact information below to ask about searching criminal records for insights into warrant information:⁶

Catonsville District Court
1 Rolling Cross Rd.
Catonsville, Maryland 21228

410-512-2500

Essex District Court
8914 Kelso Dr.
Essex, Maryland 21221

410-512-2300

Towson District Court
120 E. Chesapeake Ave.
Towson, Maryland 21286

412-512-2300

Another option is to use the Baltimore County Active Child Support Warrant Search Tool provided by the sheriff’s office.⁷ This search tool can be utilized to look for warrant information regarding unpaid child support, either by inputting the person’s last name or zip code.

Once you find the person you are looking for, you can view their name, mugshot, when the warrant was issued, and their bail amount. For additional information, you can contact the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office by email at [email protected] or by phone at 410-887-3151.⁸ You can also go in person to the address below:

Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office
401 Bosley Ave.
Towson, Maryland 21204

How To Find Statewide Warrant Details in Maryland

If you’re looking to expand your search to the entire state, you can use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Tool. This is the same tool used to check criminal cases and warrant information in Baltimore County.

To conduct a state search, make sure not to select a specific county. Then select “criminal” under the case type and enter your search information.

The results page will provide you with a summary of the case, including the person’s name, case status, and number. Once you click the number, just like in Baltimore County, you will be able to view the complete online criminal record.

In the “Document Information” section you should be able to find any limited information there is on a warrant that was issued. You can then use that information to contact the specific court that handled the case for more warrant data.⁹

What Types of Warrants Are There & What Does Each Mean?

In Baltimore County, there are more than just one kind of warrant. Understanding the various types of warrants can assist you throughout the search process. The types of warrants you may find in Baltimore County are outlined below.

Arrest Warrant: An arrest warrant is issued by a judge and allows law enforcement to take a person in custody who is presumed to have violated the state’s criminal code. A warrant is issued after law enforcement provides evidence that there’s probable cause that the person listed committed a specific crime.

Search Warrant: A search warrant is established for the purpose of searching a particular area to take evidence into custody. Law enforcement has the same standard of probable cause that they must establish before a judge will issue a warrant to search a particular location.

Bench Warrant: This type of warrant is initiated by a judge. The bench warrant (also referred to as a failure to appear warrant) is issued when a person does not show up for a required court hearing. Like one for arrest, the issuance of a bench warrant authorizes law enforcement to take the person into custody.

Child Support Warrant: A warrant can be issued for your arrest if you fail to pay court-ordered child support payments.

Fugitive Warrant: This type of warrant allows law enforcement from other jurisdictions to arrest a person who committed a crime in Baltimore County and if in another state, extradite them back.

Capias Pro Fine Warrant: Issued if you are on the losing end of a court judgment and fail to pay whatever restitution or other payments are required as a result of the guilty verdict.

Probation or Parole Violation Warrant: This is issued when a person violates a term of their probation or parole.

Any of these can be considered an active warrant if they haven’t been fully executed.

How To Handle Outstanding Warrants in Baltimore County Maryland

You now understand the various types of warrants and how to conduct a search. However, the question still remains as to what to do if you find out there’s an outstanding warrant for yourself, a family member, or a friend. This final section will detail the steps you should take if this occurs.

If you find out you have an outstanding warrant, determine if there’s anything you can do to quickly have it removed. Sometimes, you can reschedule a missed court date or pay a late fine. Contact a criminal defense attorney to determine the severity of the warrant and your next steps.

Also, make sure you let your family know if you have to turn yourself in; it’s important they know your whereabouts and what’s going on.

Lastly, there may be the chance of immediate bail once you are processed. To ensure you can quickly get released, contact a bail bondsman before turning yourself in.

If the outstanding warrant is for someone else, you can let them know if you have a good relationship with them. Otherwise, it’s probably better to just let a friend or family member know. If the warrant involves a serious matter such as a felony, you can submit a tip to the Baltimore County Police Department.¹⁰

You are now equipped with the tools and resources needed to conduct a Baltimore warrant search for various information; you should also be prepared for what steps to take if you realize you or someone you know is wanted.