Howard County DUI Records Search

Howard County DUI records are maintained at the Circuit Court and District Court in Ellicott City. This page explains how to search for DUI case filings in Howard County, how to get copies of court documents, and what those records show. You will also find details on the Howard County District Drug/DUI Court program, how to reach the clerk's office, and where to submit police records requests for DUI-related incidents investigated by the Sheriff's Office or Howard County Police.

Searching Howard County DUI Records Online

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal at casesearch.courts.state.md.us is free and available to anyone. It covers all Maryland courts, including both Howard County courts. You can search by party name, case number, or date of birth. The system returns case type, charges filed, scheduled hearings, and final dispositions for public criminal records.

Howard County criminal records have been available online since May 4, 1999. Civil records go back to April 23, 1997. Cases before those dates are not in the online system. For older records, contact the Circuit Court clerk at howardclerk@mdcourts.gov or visit the courthouse in Ellicott City. Phone is 410-313-2111 during regular business hours.

The Circuit Court case records page at mdcourts.gov/clerks/howard/caserecords explains what types of records are available at the Howard County clerk's office and how to access them. Statewide case records information is also available at marylandcourtrecords.us/howard/.

This page covers the scope of Howard County court records, including DUI and criminal filings available through the clerk and online portals.

Howard County Court Locations

The Circuit Court for Howard County sits at 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The main number is 410-313-2111. Clerk Wayne A. Robey leads the office. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Circuit Court handles felony DUI charges and appeals from the District Court. Full case files, including trial transcripts and sentencing records, are kept here for all Circuit Court criminal matters in Howard County.

The District Court for Howard County is at 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The general line is 410-480-7700. Criminal and traffic matters can be reached at 410-480-7705. The Adult Drug/DUI Court Program has its own direct line at 410-480-7730. The toll-free number is 1-800-944-8107. Hours match the Circuit Court. Most DUI charges in Howard County are filed in District Court under Maryland's rule that gives District Court exclusive jurisdiction over motor vehicle violations.

The District Court directory for Howard County is at mdcourts.gov/district/directories/howard.

What Howard County DUI Records Show

A DUI record in Howard County shows the defendant's full name, the charges filed, and the case number assigned at filing. Under Transportation §21-902, the charge code tells you which type of DUI was alleged. DUI at .08 BAC or above, DWI at .07 BAC, drug impairment, or controlled substance impairment each have their own subsection in the statute, and the record will show which one was charged.

The record also shows the date of the offense, the date charges were filed, and the court where the case was heard. Hearing dates and continuances are listed. The disposition tells you what happened: guilty, not guilty, dismissed, probation before judgment, or stet. If a fine was imposed, the amount appears. Jail time and probation terms are included if ordered. This level of detail makes the Howard County DUI record useful for understanding the full history of a case.

Some records are restricted from public view. Juvenile cases are sealed. Records that have been expunged under Criminal Procedure §10-105 will not appear in search results. Cases where charges are still under judicial seal are also not visible. If a search returns no results for a known case, it may be restricted or the name entered may differ from the legal name used in court.

Note: The Case Search portal does not display all case details. Some documents must be viewed at the courthouse to see the full record.

Getting Copies of Howard County DUI Records

In-person requests for Howard County DUI records go to the Circuit Court at 9250 Judicial Way in Ellicott City. Bring a valid photo ID and the full name and date of birth of the person in the record. Fill out a request form at the clerk's window. Staff will search the system and pull the file. You pay $0.50 per page for standard copies. Certified copies cost $5.00 each. The office accepts cash, check, or card depending on current policy, so call 410-313-2111 to confirm payment methods before visiting.

Mail requests are accepted at the Howard County Circuit Court. Write to: Clerk of the Circuit Court for Howard County, 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Include the full name, date of birth, approximate year of the case, and case number if available. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing times vary. CJIS fingerprinting for background checks is also available through the Howard County court system for those who need an official criminal history record.

Howard County District Drug/DUI Court Program

Howard County runs a Drug/DUI Court through the District Court in Ellicott City. This treatment-focused program is available to eligible defendants who face DUI charges and have substance use issues. The program's direct phone line is 410-480-7730. It is a structured alternative to standard criminal prosecution, requiring regular court check-ins, drug and alcohol testing, and participation in treatment.

The program has a strong track record in Howard County. The 40th Adult Recovery Court Commencement and the 27th Drug/DUI Graduation (held in 2018) mark milestones in the program's history. Graduates complete all required treatment and supervision requirements before their case is resolved. The outcome of Drug/DUI Court participation is reflected in the case record, and a successful completion may affect the final disposition shown in the public DUI file.

Those considering whether to pursue the DUI court path in Howard County should consult an attorney. The program involves significant time and commitment. Information on DUI diversion options and Maryland law is available at peoples-law.org/duidwi. Completing the program does not automatically lead to expungement. A separate petition under Criminal Procedure §10-105 is required if the goal is to clear the record.

Maryland DUI Penalties and Howard County Cases

Howard County DUI cases are prosecuted under Transportation §21-902. The penalties depend on the charge and how many prior offenses the defendant has. A first DUI conviction carries up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000. A second conviction brings up to two years imprisonment with at least five days mandatory and a $2,000 maximum fine. A third or subsequent offense allows up to three years in prison and a $3,000 fine.

The DWI charge, which applies at a .07 BAC, carries lower penalties. First offense DWI is up to two months jail and a $500 fine. Second offense DWI can bring up to one year in jail. Both DUI and DWI convictions trigger point assessments on the driver's license. DUI earns 12 points; DWI earns 8 points. Points stay on the record for two years from the violation date.

In addition to criminal penalties, the MVA administers separate license suspensions when a driver fails or refuses a breath test. The suspension starts on the 46th day after arrest. A driver has 10 days to request an MVA hearing to contest the suspension. Drivers who refuse the test face a 270-day suspension for a first refusal. Noah's Law requires ignition interlock for all DUI convictions and many DWI cases in Maryland, including those in Howard County.

Howard County Sheriff and Police Records

The Howard County Sheriff's Office is at 8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The main line is 410-313-2205, and the records unit is at extension 112. The Sheriff handles civil process and some DUI-related arrest functions. For DUI investigations handled directly by the Howard County Police Department, you submit a Maryland Public Information Act request to the Police Department's records section instead.

Online accident reports are available for crashes that led to DUI charges. Processing time for Public Information Act requests is up to 30 days. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services at dpscs.state.md.us maintains statewide criminal history records, including DUI convictions from Howard County. These records are useful when a comprehensive background check covering multiple counties or multiple years is needed.

Nearby Counties

Howard County is centrally located in Maryland and borders four counties. Each of these has its own court system for DUI filings and uses the same Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal.