Access Somerset County DUI Records

Somerset County DUI records are public court documents maintained at the Circuit Court and District Court in Princess Anne. You can search for DUI and DWI cases in Somerset County for free using the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal, or visit the courthouse in person to request file copies. This page covers what records are available, how to find them, how to get copies, and what you should know about the courts that handle DUI cases in Somerset County.

Searching DUI Records in Somerset County

Start your search for Somerset County DUI records at Maryland Judiciary Case Search. This free tool is available any time and covers criminal records in Somerset County from December 11, 2000. Civil records go back to February 16, 1999. When searching for DUI cases, select the criminal case type and enter the defendant's full name or case number. Results display charges, case status, hearing dates, and final dispositions.

Somerset County is a smaller county, so the court dockets tend to have lower case volumes than larger jurisdictions. That means name searches often return fewer results and are easier to sort through. Still, if a name is common, adding a date of birth will help identify the right record. Case Search updates regularly. Active Somerset County DUI cases typically appear in the system within a day or two of the initial filing.

The Somerset County Circuit Court records page provides details on how to request copies and access case files for DUI matters.

Note: Somerset County DUI records kept at the courthouse follow the Maryland Public Information Act. All records are maintained per these rules, and records requests must comply with this law's requirements.

Somerset County Court Locations

Somerset County has a Circuit Court and a District Court, both located in Princess Anne. The District Court handles most DUI misdemeanor cases. The Circuit Court takes cases involving jury trial requests, serious DUI charges, and post-conviction matters. Both courts are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Somerset County Circuit Court is at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853. Phone: 410-845-4840. Clerk Charles T. Horner oversees the office. Email: charles.horner@mdcourts.gov. For DUI criminal records specifically, contact the Criminal Department Supervisor, Melinda L. Sterling, at 410-845-4850. She handles criminal file requests and can help you locate a specific DUI case. The Circuit Court is the right place to go for certified copies and older case files.

The District Court for Somerset County is at 12155 Elm Street, Suite C, Princess Anne, MD 21853. Phone: 410-845-4700. Toll-free: 1-800-939-7306. This court handles first appearances, bond reviews, and most DUI bench trials in Somerset County.

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office is at 7920 Crisfield Highway, Westover, MD 21871. Phone: 410-651-9225. Email: rhoward@somersetmd.us. The Sheriff's Office maintains police reports and can receive Public Information Act requests for arrest records related to DUI cases. Somerset County also has two municipal police departments: Princess Anne Police at 11780 Beckford Avenue, phone 410-651-1822, and Crisfield Police at 319 W Main Street, phone 410-968-1323.

Somerset County DUI Court Records: What They Show

A DUI court file in Somerset County includes everything that was filed or entered in the case from the first charging document through the final order. This covers the charging statement, docket entries for every court event, any bail or bond orders, motions and responses, trial transcripts if they were prepared, the verdict, and the sentencing order. These records are public and open to anyone who requests them.

The District Court directory for Somerset County has location details, phone numbers, and hours for the court that handles most first-time DUI filings.

Arrest records are kept by the Somerset County Sheriff's Office and the municipal police departments, not the courts. An arrest record includes the incident report, the arrest report, and any booking documentation from the night of the DUI stop. To get arrest records, you submit a Maryland Public Information Act request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Processing takes up to 30 days. If the arrest was made by Princess Anne Police, contact them directly. Crisfield Police handles their own records too.

The Somerset County Sheriff's Office maintains DUI arrest records and handles Public Information Act requests for police reports tied to DUI cases.

How to Get Copies of DUI Records in Somerset County

To request copies in person, go to the Circuit Court at 30512 Prince William Street in Princess Anne. Complete the records request form at the front desk. You will need to provide the subject's full name and date of birth and show a valid government-issued photo ID. Let staff know which documents you need from the file. Copy fees are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 in addition to the per-page fee.

For criminal file requests or questions about a specific DUI case, the Criminal Department Supervisor Melinda L. Sterling can assist directly at 410-845-4850. This is useful when you know the case involves certain document types or need guidance on what is in the file. Warrant records for Somerset County are also available at both the Circuit Court and the Sheriff's Office.

Mail requests go to: Somerset County Circuit Court, 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853. Include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate case date, a description of the documents you need, and whether certification is required. Enclose a check or money order payable to Clerk of the Circuit Court. Allow additional time for mail processing beyond the standard business days for in-person requests.

Maryland DUI Law and Somerset County Cases

Every DUI case filed in Somerset County is governed by Maryland Transportation Article §21-902. This statute defines DUI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or above. Driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI) applies at a BAC of .07. The law also covers drug impairment and combined drug-alcohol impairment, which appear as separate subsections on the charging document.

First-time DUI offenders in Maryland face up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. The court assesses 12 points on the driver's license, often triggering a six-month revocation. A second DUI offense brings a mandatory minimum of five days in jail, up to two years in prison, and fines reaching $2,000. Two convictions within five years require 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. Enhanced penalties apply if a minor was in the vehicle at the time of the DUI arrest.

People in Somerset County who want to understand these laws more fully can consult the Maryland People's Law Library DUI/DWI section. It explains the full court process in plain terms, from arrest through sentencing.

Somerset County Adult Recovery Court

Somerset County operates an Adult Recovery Court for people who face criminal charges tied to substance use, which can include DUI-related cases. The program provides structured treatment, regular court check-ins, and drug testing. The goal is to address the underlying issues that led to the charge rather than relying on incarceration alone. Participants who complete the program can see better outcomes in their cases.

The Adult Recovery Court is part of the Circuit Court in Somerset County. Enrollment is not automatic; it requires review and acceptance. Participants must meet eligibility criteria. Enrollment and progress in the program become part of the court record and are visible in Case Search docket entries. If you are researching a DUI case in Somerset County and see drug court entries on the docket, that indicates the person participated in the recovery program. Contact the Somerset County Circuit Court at 410-845-4840 for more information on how the program works.

Expungement of Somerset County DUI Records

Somerset County DUI records may be expunged in certain situations under Maryland Criminal Procedure §10-105. Cases that ended in dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi are generally eligible. Cases that ended with probation before judgment became eligible for expungement after 15 years under a Maryland law change effective October 1, 2024. A DUI conviction on record cannot be expunged under current law.

To file for expungement in Somerset County, submit a Petition for Expungement to the Circuit Court at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne. The State's Attorney is notified and has a period to object. If approved, the case is removed from public records and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services updates the statewide criminal history file. Call the Circuit Court at 410-845-4840 to ask about forms and current timelines for expungement petitions in Somerset County.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Somerset County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. DUI records are filed in the county where the stop and arrest occurred.