Expert: Michael Troy - 10/26/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Michael,  I have new neighbors, of which I am suspicious, and would like to know if they have any criminal background would it be obtainable.  Thanks.
Answer -
Criminal convictions are usually public record, but finding that information can be very difficult.  Many states now have sex offender registries available on the Internet, but only a few have information about general crimes.  If you tell me what State you live in, I can tell you what is available there.

- Mike

Mike - I live in Maryland.  We do have sex offender registries.  Anything on jail time?   - Thanks.  

Answer
Hi again,

Like the majority of States, Maryland has sex offender files online but does not have any sort of comprehensive public database of all criminal records.  Such records are legally available to the public, but the State makes no effort to make them easily accessable.  You can go to various courts and look at their records, but that will only show you convctions at that court.

If you really want to pursue this, you can have a professional search done by a private service like this one:

http://www.backgroundferret.com/catalog/maryland_criminal_records_background_che

(I only list them as an example.  I have no experience with them and don't necessarily recommend them over anyone else).

You might also be able to get the information for free from your local police station.  I'm just not familiar enough with Maryland laws to know exactly what their policy is in making such information available on request.

I hope this helps!
- Mike