Saint Marys County

Saint Marys County is located in southern Maryland, forming part of the Western Shore region along the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Saint Marys County seat is Leonardtown, a historic town that has served as the governmental center since Saint Marys County's establishment in 1637, making it one of Maryland's oldest counties. Saint Marys County includes approximately 373 square miles of land and water, with a population of around 114,000 residents as of recent estimates. Saint Marys County is renowned as the birthplace of Maryland, as the first colonial settlement was established at St. Mary's City in 1634. Major landmarks include Historic St. Mary's City, a living history museum recreating Maryland's first capital; the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, one of the largest employers in Saint Marys County; and Point Lookout State Park, site of a Civil War prison camp. Saint Marys County's geography features extensive waterfront along the Chesapeake Bay, Patuxent River, and Potomac River, making it a hub for maritime activities and tourism. Saint Marys County Government Center is located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown, MD 20650, housing various administrative offices. The Land Records Office (Register of Deeds) operates within the Circuit Court building at 41605 Court House Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650. The Department of Land Use & Growth Management serves as Saint Marys County's assessment and planning authority, located at 23115 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. Saint Marys County maintains a blend of rural character with growing suburban development, particularly in areas near the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.

• The Land Records Office (Register of Deeds) operates within the Circuit Court building at 41605 Court House Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Saint Marys County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in Saint Marys County. It is responsible for patrolling the unincorporated areas, managing Saint Marys County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The office is also involved in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as narcotics enforcement and school resource officers.

Police Departments

In addition to Saint Marys County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Saint Marys County is also provided by municipal police departments. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations, making sure of full coverage and response across Saint Marys County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Saint Marys County Sheriff's Office, led by an elected Sheriff, is the primary law enforcement agency for Saint Marys County, headquartered at 23150 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (phone: 301-475-8008). The agency's website at www.firstsheriff.com provides extensive public information, including a Detention and Rehabilitation Center inmate locator accessible through their online portal. Saint Marys County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, located at 41780 Baldridge Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650, houses inmates awaiting trial and serving sentences.

• Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division, either in person or by mail, with a processing fee typically charged for copies.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the online inmate locator or by contacting the Detention Center directly at 301-475-4200, extension 3450.

Criminal Records

The criminal records ecosystem in Saint Marys County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run background checks through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which provides full criminal history information. The Maryland State Police supports local law enforcement with resources and expertise in handling complex criminal cases.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Saint Marys County are maintained by Saint Marys County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Maryland Public Information Act governs the access to these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and bond information.

Jail & Inmate Records

Saint Marys County Detention and Rehabilitation Center is the main jail facility in Saint Marys County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Saint Marys County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate lookup services are available through Saint Marys County's official website, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with set hours and regulations that visitors must follow.

• The bond and bail process in Maryland allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Saint Marys County are taken and retained by Saint Marys County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Maryland does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are acquitted. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification and public information purposes.

Saint Marys County's judicial system operates under the Maryland Unified Court System. The Circuit Court for Saint Marys County is located at 41605 Court House Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (phone: 301-475-4567), and has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil disputes exceeding $5,000, family law matters including divorce and child custody, juvenile cases, and appeals from the District Court.

• The Orphans' Court for Saint Marys County (phone: 301-475-4567) handles probate matters, estate administration, and guardianship cases, operating within the same courthouse complex.
• Fees for certified copies are typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.

Property and land records for Saint Marys County are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Land Records Division, at 41605 Court House Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (phone: 301-475-4567). The office maintains an extensive collection of documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, subdivisions, plat maps, and various property related instruments dating back to the 1600s. Saint Marys County offers free online access to land records through the Maryland State Archives' Land Records website at mdlandrec.net, which provides searchable images of recorded documents.

• Saint Marys County also maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) portal at gisweb.stmarysmd.com, which provides interactive mapping tools, parcel identification, zoning information, and property boundaries.
• Property tax records and assessments are managed by the Department of Finance, located at 23115 Leonard Hall Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (phone: 301-475-4200, extension 1600).
• Saint Marys County's tax assessment database is searchable online at www.stmarysmd.com/finance/propertytax, allowing searches by owner name, account number, or property address.
• Certified copies of land records can be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk's office for $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
• Recording fees for new documents are $80 for the first page and $10 for each additional page.

Vital records for Saint Marys County are handled through multiple offices depending on the record type. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 6550 Reisterstown Road Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21215 (phone: 410-764-3038). Birth certificates for births occurring in Saint Marys County can be requested through the state office with a fee of $24 for the first copy and $18 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $18 for additional copies.

• Processing time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
• Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
• Online ordering is available through the Maryland VitalChek service at www.vitalchek.com, though convenience fees apply.
• Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Saint Marys County at 41605 Court House Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (phone: 301-475-4567).
• The marriage license fee is $85, and couples must apply together in person, with no waiting period before the ceremony.

Business and licensing records in Saint Marys County are distributed across several offices depending on the type of business activity. The Circuit Court Clerk's office at 41605 Court House Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650 (phone: 301-475-4567) handles Trade Name (Doing Business As) filings for businesses operating under an assumed name in Saint Marys County. The filing fee is typically $25, and these records are maintained in the land records system and can be searched online through mdlandrec.net.

• County-level business licenses and permits are managed by the Department of Economic Development at 46940 South Shangri-La Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653 (phone: 301-863-6679).
• The office issues permits for new construction, renovations, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC installations, with all permits searchable through Saint Marys County's online permit tracking system.

Explore public records for 29 cities and communities in Saint Marys County, Maryland.