Before you run around to get a Howard County arrest warrant search done, it would help to know a few things about these arrest order and how they work. Active warrants for arrests are issued all over the state of MD to combat criminal offenses and detain offenders who pose a threat to the society or those who are on the run from the law.
These orders which are commonly referred to as arrest warrants come from the judiciary hence only the office of the magistrate can grant freedom to an accused who has been detained under such a directive. The police also have a role to play in the issue of warrants. After the investigation has been completed and the cops need a warrant to bring the accused in, they approach the local court with a probable cause affidavit.
This is the document that informs the judiciary of the role of the alleged offender in the criminal act, the results of the police investigation, the evidence available in the matter, why the incidents should be treated as a crime and the reasons for accusing the person of committing the criminal act.
The judiciary carefully studies this sworn and signed declaration and bases its decision on whether to issue an active warrant or not on this information. Sometimes, witness testimony might be required to further strengthen the case in favor of the sheriff’s office. If the judge requires this, people who witnessed the incident may be called in to depose under oath.
Through the entire procedure the county clerk’s office maintains its presence in the court room to record session details. This agency not only keeps information on outstanding warrants from Howard County but also on arrest records, case details and more. So, for your warrant search, you can go to:
- Law enforcement: 8360 Court Ave, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
- Judiciary: 3451 Court House Dr, Ellicott City, MD 21043
- County clerk: 8360 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
Is it possible to acquire information from Howard County on recent arrests and active warrants over the phone? (2021-data)
- To access information about warrants, contact the District Court at 410-480-7700.
- To get information about recent arrests, call the Howard County Jail 410-313-5200.
- To get arrest records or conduct a local criminal background check, contact the Sheriff’s Department at 410-313-2200.
- To reach Victim/Witness Services, please contact the Victim’s Advocate at 410-313-2108.
- To get a certified statement of criminal court records, contact the Court Clerk’s Office at 410-313-2111.
Crime statistics of Howard County
The annual crime rate of Howard County decreased by nearly 7% in 2019. The local police received approximately 5,191 complaints in 2018, while they registered 4,815 criminal cases in 2019. Property crimes led to the filing of 4,303 complaints, while almost 512 cases were filed against violent crimes.
Older crime statistics
The Howard County, MD police receive nearly 8000 criminal complaints every year. Of these incidents, 8% are violent criminal acts. On an average, one crime occurs in the area every hour. Although there has been a rise in the rate of violent and overall crime, the growth has been slow at just around 17%.