Search Dundalk Criminal Records
Dundalk criminal records are handled entirely by Baltimore County, which provides court records, law enforcement reports, and background check services for this unincorporated community. Dundalk has no municipal government or city police -- all requests go through Baltimore County agencies and the Maryland state court system.
Dundalk Overview
Baltimore County Jurisdiction for Dundalk Criminal Records
Dundalk is an unincorporated community. There is no city hall, no city court, and no city police force. All criminal records for Dundalk go through Baltimore County. The county's Circuit Court in Towson is the main court for criminal cases. District Court is also in Towson for lower-level matters.
One important distinction: Baltimore County and Baltimore City are separate jurisdictions. They have different courts, different police departments, and different record systems. Dundalk falls under Baltimore County -- not the city. This matters when you search for records. Always select Baltimore County, not Baltimore City, when using online search tools.
Baltimore County Circuit Court is at 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204. The phone is 410-887-2601. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The District Court for the Towson area shares the same address but operates separately. The District Court number is 410-260-1600.
Online Case Search for Dundalk
Maryland's free case search tool covers Baltimore County records going back to June 1984 -- one of the earliest start dates in the state. Use casesearch.courts.state.md.us to search at no cost. Select Baltimore County as the jurisdiction and enter the person's name.
Since December 2021, the default is exact name matching. Use a percent sign (%) before or after the name if you want broader results. The system shows case numbers, charges, and outcomes for public criminal records.
The 2024 changes to Maryland law removed dismissed and acquitted charges from public view. Stet dockets go hidden after three years. So if a case ended in dismissal or acquittal, it may not appear in your search anymore. The Baltimore County Circuit Court website at baltimorecountycourt.us also has information on accessing court records.
The Baltimore County Circuit Court website provides information on court records access for Dundalk cases filed in Towson.
Baltimore County Police Department - Records for Dundalk
The Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD) is the law enforcement agency for Dundalk. The county police handle all patrol, investigations, and records for unincorporated areas including Dundalk.
To get a copy of a police report, contact the Information and Records Management Unit. This office handles all public records requests from the department. The address is 700 E. Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286-5501. The phone is 410-887-2390 (this number plays a recorded message with instructions). Submit requests by mail to the same address.
Police reports cost $15.00 per report. However, reports are free for crime victims. If you are the victim of the incident described in the report, you can request a copy at no charge. Allow time for processing -- turnaround varies depending on request volume. The Baltimore County Police website has current forms and procedures.
Note: Mail requests to the Records Management Unit must include your name, a description of the incident, the date and location, and a check or money order for $15.00 (waived for crime victims).
What Dundalk Criminal Records Contain
Court records made public in Maryland show the charge, filing date, case number, court dates, and final outcome. For criminal cases, the record also shows sentencing details when a conviction occurred. These records are held by the court clerk and are searchable through Case Search or by visiting the courthouse.
Police records are separate. They include incident reports, arrest reports, and investigation files. Police records are not part of the court system -- you request them from the police department, not the court. Some portions of police records may be withheld under Maryland Public Information Act exemptions if disclosure would harm an ongoing investigation.
Juvenile records are sealed and not public. Records that were expunged or shielded also do not appear in public searches. After 2024 law changes, dismissed cases and acquittals were removed from the public case search tool.
Fees for Criminal Record Copies
Court copy fees follow state rates. Online case search is free. Printed copies from the court clerk cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document. These rates apply at the Baltimore County Circuit Court in Towson.
Police report copies cost $15.00 per report from Baltimore County Police. Crime victims pay nothing. Pay by check or money order. Mail requests to 700 E. Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286-5501.
CJIS Background Checks
For a formal background check, the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) provides statewide criminal history reports. These go beyond what the public case search shows and include data from multiple agencies. A Maryland state check costs $18. An FBI check combined with the state check runs roughly $38 to $45.
Contact CJIS at 410-764-4501 or toll-free 1-888-795-0011. Email is cjis.customerservice@maryland.gov. Current forms and instructions are at the CJIS background checks page.
The CJIS background check service provides official statewide criminal history data for Dundalk and all Maryland jurisdictions.
Expungement and Shielding
Dundalk residents can file for expungement or shielding through the Baltimore County Circuit Court in Towson. Expungement fully removes the record. Shielding hides it from public searches but keeps it accessible to courts and law enforcement. The filing fee is $30 for expungement, or free if the case ended in acquittal.
Not every offense qualifies. Certain violent offenses and sex offenses are not eligible. An attorney can review your record and advise on what steps are available. Maryland Legal Aid is one option for free or low-cost help.
Historical and Archived Records
For older records that do not appear in online case search, check the Maryland State Archives. The criminal records guide at guide.msa.maryland.gov covers what is held, how to request it, and what fees apply. Baltimore County has records going back well before the 1984 digital start date, but older items require in-person or written requests.