Find DUI Records in Queen Anne's County

Queen Anne's County DUI records are public documents filed with the Circuit Court and District Court in Centreville. Searching for these records is free through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool, which covers cases back to December 2000. If you need to look up a DUI or DWI case filed in Queen Anne's County, whether for personal use or to review case history, this page explains how the process works, what information you can access, and who to contact when you need copies.

How to Search Queen Anne's County DUI Records

The primary tool for searching DUI records in Queen Anne's County is Maryland Judiciary Case Search. It is free to use and accessible around the clock. Criminal records for Queen Anne's County are available on Case Search from December 4, 2000. Civil records go back to March 29, 1999. For DUI cases, search under the criminal case type. You can look up by name or case number. The results show charges, case status, hearing dates, and dispositions.

One important rule applies to Queen Anne's County: dispositions cannot be disclosed over the phone. This is a firm policy at the courthouse. If you want to know the outcome of a DUI case, you must use Case Search or visit the court in person. Calling the clerk and asking whether someone was convicted or had their case dismissed is not something staff will answer. Use the online tool first. It gives you the same disposition information that the clerk would see.

Also worth knowing: some Queen Anne's County records are stored in a system called Papervision. These records do not appear in Case Search. They tend to be older cases or certain document types. If you search Case Search and don't find what you need, it may be in Papervision. You would need to contact the clerk's office directly to request those records.

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is the starting point for any DUI record lookup in Queen Anne's County and across the state.

Queen Anne's County Court Locations and Contacts

Queen Anne's County has a Circuit Court and a District Court, both located in Centreville. Most DUI cases are filed in District Court. Cases involving jury trial requests or more serious charges move to the Circuit Court. Both courts are close together, which makes in-person visits straightforward.

The Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County is at 100 Courthouse Square, Centreville, MD 21617. The main line is 410-758-1773. For the Criminal Department specifically, call 410-758-1773 and press Option 4. Court clerk Katherine Hager oversees the office. You can also reach the clerk at queenannesclerk@mdcourts.gov. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This office handles copies of DUI court records, case file requests, and certified documents.

The District Court for Queen Anne's County is at 120 Broadway, Centreville, MD 21617. Phone: 410-819-4000. Toll-free: 1-800-943-4827. Hours are the same as the Circuit Court. District Court handles the initial DUI hearings, bond reviews, and most misdemeanor DUI trials.

Other useful contacts for DUI-related matters in Queen Anne's County are the State's Attorney at 410-758-2264, the Public Defender at 410-819-4020, Parole and Probation at 410-819-4140, and the District Court Commissioner at 410-819-4010. If someone is in custody, the Detention Center number is 410-758-3817. The Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office handles arrest records and police reports. Their address is 505 Railroad Avenue, Centreville, MD 21617. Records are available by calling 410-758-7777, extension 112.

What Queen Anne's County DUI Records Include

A DUI case file in Queen Anne's County holds the charging documents, docket entries, and any motions or orders filed during the case. For cases that went to trial, the file also includes the verdict and sentencing information. Cases that ended in probation before judgment (PBJ) show that outcome too. All of these records are part of the public court file and can be reviewed by anyone.

Arrest records are separate from court records. They come from the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, not the courthouse. An arrest record may include the police report, booking information, and any notes from the arresting officer. These are obtained through a Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request submitted to the Sheriff's Office. Processing takes up to 30 days. Mail MPIA requests to: Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, 505 Railroad Avenue, Centreville, MD 21617.

The Maryland courts legal help page explains how court records work statewide, including what is public and what is restricted in DUI cases.

Note: The Queen Anne's County Circuit Court clerk's office does not perform criminal background checks. For a full background check that includes statewide records, contact the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

Getting Copies of DUI Records in Queen Anne's County

To get copies of DUI records in Queen Anne's County, visit the Circuit Court at 100 Courthouse Square during business hours. Go to the Criminal Department and ask for the specific case file. You will need to provide the subject's full name and date of birth, and show a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff will locate the file and make copies for you at $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost an additional $5.00.

Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the Circuit Court at 100 Courthouse Square, Centreville, MD 21617. Include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate case date, and a description of the documents you need. Indicate whether you require certification. Enclose a check or money order payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court, covering the applicable fees. Allow time for processing before the records arrive.

For online case inspection, Case Search is free and does not require any fee to view basic case data. Copies of actual documents cost money. Free inspection of physical records is available at the courthouse during business hours, so you can review a file in person without paying copy fees if you only need to read the documents.

Maryland DUI Laws That Apply to Queen Anne's County Cases

All DUI cases in Queen Anne's County fall under Maryland Transportation Article §21-902. This statute defines DUI as operating a vehicle with a BAC of .08 or above and DWI as driving while impaired with a BAC of .07. It also covers drug impairment and combined drug-alcohol impairment. The charge on a Queen Anne's County DUI record will specify which subsection applies to that case.

Penalties for a first DUI in Maryland include up to one year in jail, a fine up to $1,000, 12 points on the license, and a possible six-month revocation. A second offense carries a mandatory minimum of five jail days, up to two years in prison, and fines up to $2,000. If two DUI convictions occur within five years, the court requires ignition interlock under Noah's Law. DWI carries lighter initial penalties but still results in 8 license points and up to two months in jail for a first offense.

For people in Queen Anne's County who want to understand the court process from a plain-language perspective, the Maryland People's Law Library DUI/DWI section is a useful resource. It explains what happens at each stage of a DUI case, from arraignment through sentencing.

Expungement of Queen Anne's County DUI Cases

Expungement can remove a DUI record from public view in Queen Anne's County. The governing law is Maryland Criminal Procedure §10-105. Whether a Queen Anne's County DUI case qualifies depends on how it ended. Cases dismissed, acquitted, or entered as nolle prosequi are generally eligible quickly. Cases that ended in probation before judgment became eligible for expungement after 15 years under a law change effective October 1, 2024. Outright DUI convictions remain on record and cannot currently be expunged.

To file for expungement in Queen Anne's County, submit a Petition for Expungement to the Circuit Court where the case was filed. The clerk at 100 Courthouse Square, Centreville, can provide the required forms. After expungement is granted, the case no longer appears in Case Search. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services updates its records after expungement to reflect the removal. If you are unsure whether a case qualifies, the Public Defender's office at 410-819-4020 may be able to advise.

Nearby Counties

These counties are adjacent to Queen Anne's County. DUI cases are filed where the arrest occurred, so neighboring counties may hold records for incidents near the county line.