Search Charles County, MD Jail & Inmate Records
Table of Contents
- Charles County Inmate Search and Records
- How to Find an Inmate in Charles County, MD
- Booking Process & Common Charges in Charles County
- Visitation Rules at Charles County Jail
- How to Contact an Inmate at Charles County Jail
- Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Charles County
- Charles Incarceration Statistics
- How Many Inmates Are Currently in Charles County?
- Charles County Facility Directory
- Charles Prisons and Jails
- Useful Links
To find inmate records in Charles County, Maryland, you have several options. For online searches, start by visiting the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) Inmate Locator at https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/inmate/, which provides information on individuals incarcerated statewide, including those in Charles County. You can search by name or identification number. For local inquiries, you may contact the Charles County Detention Center directly; the facility is located at 6905 Crain Highway, La Plata, MD 20646, and their phone number is (301) 932-3100. The Sheriff’s Office also serves as a resource for inmate and arrest information, and its records division can be visited in person at 6915 Crain Highway, La Plata, MD 20646. Be prepared to provide identifying information about the inmate, and note that some records may require a formal records request or may be restricted for privacy reasons.
How to Find an Inmate in Charles County, MD
Inmate records for Charles County, MD are accessible online or in person, depending on whether the person is in the county jail, a Maryland state prison, or in federal custody. The correct search tool depends on the jurisdiction in which the individual is being held.
| Search Tool | Records Available | Access Method | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles County Detention Center / Sheriff's Office | Local jail inmates | Charles County Inmate Search Information or call (301) 932-3100 | Holds pretrial and sentenced inmates locally. Call for specific inmate lookup; in-person visits by appointment. |
| Maryland DOC Inmate Locator | State prison inmates | MD Inmate Locator | Search all Maryland state correctional facilities; requires name or inmate number. |
| VINE Inmate Search | Local & state inmates, custody status | Maryland VINE | Register for custody status updates via phone/email; search statewide including Charles County. |
| Federal BOP Inmate Locator | Federal offenders (BOP custody) | BOP Locator | No federal prison located in Maryland; federal offenders from MD usually held at facilities in nearby states (e.g., FCI Cumberland, WV). |
| In-Person Records Request | Local jail or recent arrest info | Visit: 6905 Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD 20646; Phone: (301) 932-3100 | Requests accepted at the Detention Center; photo ID required; hours vary, call to confirm. |
Booking Process & Common Charges in Charles County
When an individual is arrested in Charles County, they are typically transported to the detention center, fingerprinted, photographed, undergo a medical screening, and then assigned housing. The entire booking process usually takes between 4 and 8 hours.
| Charge Category | Common Examples | Frequency | Typical Hold Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUI / Traffic | Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Suspended | High | 8–24 hours or until sobering/arraignment |
| Drug Offenses | Possession, Distribution, Paraphernalia | High | 1–3 days, or until bond/first appearance |
| Assault / Domestic Violence | Simple Assault, Domestic Assault | High | 1–7 days or until bond/first appearance |
| Property Crimes | Theft, Burglary, Vandalism | Moderate | 1–7 days or until bond/first appearance |
| Failure to Appear | Missed Court Date | Moderate | Until court date or bond |
| Outstanding Warrants | Probation Violation, Unpaid Fines | Moderate | Until resolved or transferred |
| Felony (Pre-Trial) | Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Major Theft | Low | Until trial or transfer; sentenced are sent to state facility |
Visitation Rules at Charles County Jail
Before planning your visit, always verify the most current visitation rules directly with Charles County Jail and ensure you are listed on the inmate's approved visitor roster.
Visitation Schedule
| Day | Visiting Hours | Visit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Adult General | Confirm with facility |
| Tuesday | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Adult General | Confirm with facility |
| Wednesday | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Adult General | Confirm with facility |
| Thursday | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Adult General | Confirm with facility |
| Friday | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Adult General | Confirm with facility |
| Saturday | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | Adult General | Confirm with facility |
| Sunday | 9:00 am – 11:00 am | Adult General | Confirm with facility |
Visitation Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ID | Valid government-issued photo ID required for all visitors. |
| Dress Code | Conservative attire; no revealing or offensive clothing permitted. |
| Prohibited Items | No electronic devices, weapons, food, or bags allowed. |
| Visitor Approval Process | Visitors must be pre-approved and on the inmate's visitor list. |
| Children Policy | Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian; some age restrictions may apply. |
| Attorney / Clergy Visits | Permitted outside normal hours; must be scheduled and approved in advance. |
How to Contact an Inmate at Charles County Jail
Inmates at Charles County Jail can be contacted by phone, physical mail, and digital messaging; all communications are subject to monitoring and recording by jail staff.
Mailing Address Format:
[Inmate Full Name, Booking ID]
Charles County Jail
6905 Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD 20646
| Method | How It Works | Setup | Rules / Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Calls | Inmates make outgoing calls using the facility phone system via [Provider]. | Friends/family set up and fund an account with [Provider]. | Calls are monitored; no incoming calls permitted; time limits apply. |
| Physical Mail | Letters and approved items are delivered to inmates. | Address mail using the format above; no packages unless approved. | All mail is inspected; no contraband or inappropriate content. |
| Digital Messaging | Send and receive secure messages through [Provider]'s online portal. | Register and fund an account with [Provider]. | Messages are monitored; prohibited content not allowed. |
| Video Calls | Remote video visitation through [Provider]'s platform. | Schedule and pay for sessions through [Provider]. | Sessions are monitored; must comply with all visitation rules. |
Parole, Release & Reentry Resources in Charles County
The Maryland Parole Commission oversees parole decisions for state-sentenced offenders, with parole supervision and reentry support available through both state and local community-based programs in Charles County.
| Program / Resource | Description | Who It Serves | Contact / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland Parole Commission | State agency responsible for parole decisions and hearings. | State-sentenced offenders seeking parole | Maryland Parole Commission 410-585-3200 |
| Good Time / Sentence Reduction | Allows for reduced incarceration time based on good behavior and program participation. | Eligible incarcerated individuals | DPSCS Good Conduct Credits |
| Parole Supervision – Charles County | Local supervision, drug testing, and offender support during parole. | Parolees residing in Charles County | Division of Parole & Probation – La Plata Office 120 Washington Ave, La Plata, MD 20646 301-934-3120 |
| Reentry Housing – Project Reconnect | State-supported housing assistance for returning citizens in Southern Maryland. | Recently released individuals | Project Reconnect 301-609-9900 |
| Employment Assistance | Job search support, training, and placement through local Workforce Centers and Maryland Reentry Resource Center. | Returning citizens and parolees | Tri-County American Job Center 301-645-8712 |
| Benefits Restoration | Support with reinstating Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits post-release. | Formerly incarcerated individuals | Maryland Health Connection Charles Co. DSS: 301-392-6400 |
| VINE Victim Notification | Online and phone notification system for victims regarding offender custody status changes. | Victims and concerned individuals | VINE 1-866-634-8463 |
Charles Incarceration Statistics
Charles County experiences moderate crime rates compared to the Maryland state average, with property and violent crime trending stable in recent years. The county does not operate a dedicated jail; inmates are held at the Charles County Detention Center, a regional facility serving local jurisdictions.
Crime Statistics
| Crime Category | Reported Incidents | Rate per 100,000 | % of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | 441 (2022) | 484.8 | 15% | → Stable |
| — Assault | 375 (2022) | 412.0 | 12.8% | → Stable |
| — Robbery | 53 (2022) | 58.2 | 1.8% | ↓ Decreasing |
| — Homicide | 13 (2022) | 14.3 | 0.4% | ↑ Increasing |
| Property Crime (total) | 1,306 (2022) | 1,435.9 | 44% | → Stable |
| — Theft / Larceny | 877 (2022) | 964.7 | 29.5% | → Stable |
| — Burglary | 335 (2022) | 368.4 | 11.3% | → Stable |
| — Vehicle Theft | 94 (2022) | 103.3 | 3.2% | ↑ Increasing |
| Drug Offenses | 642 (statewide) | 126.9 (statewide) | 21% (statewide) | ↓ Decreasing |
| DUI / Traffic | 524 (statewide) | 103.5 (statewide) | 17% (statewide) | → Stable |
| Domestic Violence | 320 (statewide) | 63.3 (statewide) | 10% (statewide) | ↑ Increasing |
Inmate Demographics
| Demographic Category | Breakdown | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | 82% Male, 18% Female | Statewide average used |
| Age Groups | 18–24: 15%, 25–34: 34%, 35–44: 28%, 45+: 23% | Statewide average used |
| Race / Ethnicity | 64% Black, 32% White, 4% Other | Statewide average used |
| Top Offense Types | Drug-related, assault, theft/larceny | Statewide average used |
| Avg. Sentence Length | 2.9 years | Statewide average used |
| Recidivism Rate | 39% (3-year) | Statewide average used |
How Many Inmates Are Currently in Charles County?
As of the latest estimate, there are approximately 250 individuals held in local custody in Charles County. Sentenced offenders requiring longer incarceration terms may be transferred to a state facility based on their sentence length.
| Facility Type | Population | % of Total | Avg. Daily Cost | Capacity Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| County Jail (Pre-Trial) | 170 | 68% | $85 | 80% |
| Sentenced Offenders (local, short-term) | 40 | 16% | $80 | 90% |
| Transferred to State Facility | 25 | 10% | N/A | N/A |
| Federal Holds | 10 | 4% | $90 | 60% |
| Juvenile / Youth | 5 | 2% | $150 | 50% |
| Total | 250 | 100% | — | — |
Charles County Facility Directory
Charles County operates one main correctional facility: the Charles County Detention Center, which serves as the county jail. There are no standalone community jails, youth facilities, work release centers, or specialty facilities; some detainees may also be held at the Southern Maryland Pre-Release Unit, a regional facility.
| Facility Name | Type | Location | Capacity | Population | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles County Detention Center | County Jail | 6905 Crain Hwy, La Plata, MD | 454 | ~350 | Medium |
| Southern Maryland Pre-Release Unit | Regional Facility | 14391 Oaks Rd, Charlotte Hall, MD | 124 | ~110 | Minimum |
Charles County Prisons and Jails
Useful Links
- Inmate Search
- Visitation Guidelines
- Bail Information
- Prison Policies
- Legal Aid
- Re-entry Programs
- Legal Rights
- Family & Community Support