How To Find Court Records In Maryland

Finding court records in Maryland can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. These official documents are the backbone of the state's legal system, chronicling everything from civil lawsuits and criminal charges to family and traffic cases. They provide a clear, official record of all court activity.

Instead of navigating multiple court websites and systems, you can use CourtCaseFinder to simplify the process. The platform provides a single, easy-to-use search tool that gives you access to records across Maryland's judicial system.

With our Instant Court Case Lookup, you can quickly find key information like case numbers, filing dates, the parties involved, charges, current case status, and court ruling details, when available. Having this information helps you follow cases and understand how legal matters are handled across Maryland's Circuit Courts, the statewide District Court, and municipal courts.

How To Access Maryland Public Court Records

While CourtCaseFinder gives you a streamlined way to search Maryland court records across the state, you can also access information directly through official government services. These methods may take more time or require navigating separate systems, but they remain reliable options for obtaining public court records.

Online Access

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is the state's online tool for accessing district and circuit court records. Through this portal, you can look up details such as case numbers, party names, filing dates, case type, and case status.

The Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system is primarily used by attorneys to file and manage court documents electronically. While the public is not required to use MDEC, limited access may be granted under certain rules, and some courthouses have kiosks where electronic case records can be viewed.

Maryland also offers additional online services for specific record types. Estate Search lets you find information about probate matters through the Register of Wills. For property-related documents, MDLandRec.net provides access to land records such as deeds and mortgages. An account is required to use the site.

In-Person Requests

Court records are kept at the location where the case was heard. In most situations, members of the public are allowed to view them.

To request a file, you must provide the clerk with the case number. In the absence of a case number, the clerk may be able to locate the record by searching the names of the parties involved. Copies can be made upon request. While viewing records is usually free, there are fees for printed or certified copies.

If you're unsure whether a specific file is available at a courthouse, you can call ahead to confirm before making a visit. Addresses and contact information for Maryland courts are available through its official directory.

Records by Mail

If you can't visit the courthouse, you can mail your request to the clerk's office in the relevant court. The clerk's office in that jurisdiction will process your request, and you can request copies of documents for a fee. Mailing information is available through the court directory.

Maryland Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) makes most court records available to the public. Unless a case is sealed by law or court order, you can generally request and review these documents.

Court files often contain key details about a case, including:

• The case number and filing date
• Names of parties and attorneys
• The type of charges or claims involved
• Court location and assigned judge
• Filed motions, rulings, and orders
• Scheduled hearings and outcomes
• Current status of the case

Some records, however, are not open for public inspection. Files that have been expunged, sealed, or shielded by the court are restricted. In addition, certain case types are confidential unless you have a court order or special authorization. These include:

• Specific marriage license information
• Emergency mental health evaluations
• Physician reports about an alleged disabled adult's health
• The Guardian reports on the property of an alleged disabled adult
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Adoption matters
• Guardianship cases that end parental rights
• Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) cases
• Tax returns submitted as evidence
• Financial statements in support of or in custody disputes
• Cases involving judicial declaration of gender identity

A recent legal update also expanded protections. Starting in 2024, some Failure to Pay Rent cases are automatically shielded from public view. If no judgment for possession is issued, the court will restrict access to the record within 60 days of the final decision.

Who Oversees the Courts in Maryland?

Maryland's court system is managed by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). This central agency provides wide-ranging support to every court in the state and across both district and county levels.

The AOC is led by the State Court Administrator, who is appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland. The Chief Justice serves as the head of the state's judicial branch and provides overall direction, while the State Court Administrator manages the administrative side of the courts.

According to Maryland's judiciary, the administrator's responsibilities include:

• Administrative leadership across divisions such as operations, finance, human resources, information technology, legal affairs, and public affairs
• Budget and fiscal management, including planning, accounting, and resource allocation
• Planning, research, and policy implementation within the judicial branch
• Information systems and technology to support court services and case management systems

By handling these functions, the administrator ensures that judges and clerks can focus on the core work of deciding cases and serving the public.

What Types of Courts Exist in Maryland?

Courts in Maryland are organized into four main levels, each of which serves a specific role in the state's judicial system. Below is a concise breakdown of how each court functions and the types of cases you'll find in them:

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court of Maryland	The state's top court reviews selected appeals, interprets Maryland law, and establishes binding precedent for all lower courts.	Appeals on major legal or constitutional issues Death penalty reviews (where applicable) Redistricting and election disputes Removal of officials
Appellate Court of Maryland	The second-highest court in Maryland, it hears most appeals from the Circuit Courts and Orphans' Courts, usually through three-judge panels.	Appeals of final trial court decisions Review of errors in law or trial procedure
Circuit Courts	Trial courts of general jurisdiction are located in each of Maryland's 24 counties. They conduct jury trials and hear more complex cases.	Felony criminal cases Civil disputes over $30,000 Divorce, custody, and child support Juvenile matters Appeals from District or Orphans' Courts
District Court	Trial court of limited jurisdiction with statewide coverage. It does not hold jury trials and focuses on lower-level matters.	Misdemeanors and some lesser felonies Traffic and motor vehicle violations Landlord-tenant cases Small claims (up to $5,000) Civil claims up to $30,000 Protective and peace orders
Orphans' Court	A specialized probate court dealing with estates and guardianship matters.	Estate administration Probate of wills Appointment of guardians for property or individuals

What Federal Courts Are In Maryland?

While Maryland's state courts handle matters under state law, federal courts deal with cases involving the U.S. Constitution, federal statutes, or disputes between parties in different states. These courts operate independently of Maryland's judiciary but serve residents within the state.

If your case involves federal statutes or constitutional rights, chances are it will appear in federal rather than state court records.

Here is a summary of the federal courts serving Maryland, along with their jurisdictions and locations.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact Information
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland	The state's primary federal trial court. It hears civil and criminal cases under federal law.	Baltimore Division: 101 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201 Clerk's Office: (410) 962-2600 Greenbelt Division: 6500 Cherrywood Ln., Greenbelt, MD 20770 Clerk's Office: (301) 344-0660 Salisbury Hearing Office: 129 E. Main St., Room 104, Salisbury, MD 21801 (hearings only)
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland	Handles all bankruptcy filings and related proceedings. This court exclusively manages bankruptcy cases.	Baltimore Office: 101 W. Lombard St., Suite 8530, Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone: (410) 962-2688 Greenbelt Office: 6500 Cherrywood Ln., Suite 300, Greenbelt, MD 20770 Phone: (301) 344-8018

Decisions from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, based in Richmond, Virginia. This appellate court oversees federal cases not only from Maryland but also from Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in Maryland Courts?

Every year, Maryland's courts manage hundreds of thousands of cases spanning a wide range of categories. Recent reports highlight a clear rebound in filings across both the circuit and district courts following the pandemic slowdown. According to the most recent data, the total annual filings for these courts were as follows:

• Supreme Court: ~560 cases
• Appellate Court: ~1,600 cases
• Circuit Court: ~169,500 cases
• District Courts: ~1,076,500 cases

Meanwhile, the following table summarizes the approximate number of cases filed annually in Maryland:

Case Type	Approximate Annual Volume
Motor Vehicle Cases	~363,100
Landlord-Tenant Cases	~401,800
Family Law Cases	~74,000
Juvenile Filings	~8,000
Criminal Filings	~98,300
Civil Case Filings	~213,300

How Do I File a Case in Maryland Courts?

Filing a case in Maryland requires a few steps, and the process depends on the type of case and the court to which it belongs. Below is a simple and general walkthrough of what to expect.

Determine the Right Court and Prepare Your Forms

Once you know the correct court, you'll need to complete the appropriate paperwork. Court forms are available on the Maryland Judiciary's website, and the Guide & File tool can walk you through filling them out step by step.

Some of the most commonly used forms include the Small Claims Complaint (DC-CV-001) for District Court or the Complaint for Absolute Divorce (CC-DR-020)for Circuit Court.

File Your Documents

You can file your documents either electronically or on paper. Attorneys are required to use the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system through Odyssey File & Serve, while self-represented individuals may also choose this option for convenience.

If you prefer, you can submit paper filings in person or by mail at the clerk's office of the courthouse where your case is being handled. Contact or mailing information is available on the Judicial Branch website.

Pay Filing Fees or Request a Waiver

When you file a case, you'll need to pay a filing fee before the courts can open the case. The fee varies depending on the type of case and the court.

For example, District Court fees include about $44 for small claims, $56 for larger civil claims, and around $50-$60 for failure-to-pay-rent cases (with the higher amount applying in Baltimore City). The branch has a cost schedule depending on where you intend to apply.

If paying these fees would cause financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver, which, if approved, allows your case to move forward without upfront payment.

Serve the Other Party

After filing, the court issues a summons. You are responsible for making sure the opposing party receives the summons and complaint, and for filing proof of service with the court.

Track Your Case

Once your case has been filed, you can keep up with its progress through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system. This free online tool allows you to look up case numbers, party names, filing dates, upcoming hearing schedules, and case status updates when available. You can also contact the clerk's office for updated information.

How Is the Maryland Court System Unique?

Maryland's judiciary is recognized for its wide use of specialty and problem-solving courts, which set it apart from many other states. Across most counties, the judiciary operates a variety of courts that go beyond the traditional trial model. These include:

• Adult Drug Courts
• Mental Health Courts
• Veterans Treatment Courts
• Truancy Courts
• Reentry Courts
• Family Recovery Courts
• Juvenile Drug Courts

These courts take a collaborative, therapeutic approach, bringing together judges, treatment providers, attorneys, and community service professionals, to address underlying issues rather than focusing on punishment.

Another notable innovation is Maryland's Business and Technology Case Management Program (BTCMP), one of the first of its kind in the U.S. It provides a specialized track for complex commercial and tech-related disputes and assigns experienced judges and tailored case management systems for efficient resolution.

Maryland Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Allegany
• Anne Arundel
• Baltimore
• Baltimore City
• Calvert
• Caroline
• Carroll
• Cecil
• Charles
• Dorchester
• Frederick
• Garrett
• Harford
• Howard
• Kent
• Montgomery
• Prince Georges
• Queen Annes
• Saint Marys
• Somerset
• Talbot
• Washington
• Wicomico
• Worcester

Where to Find Additional Information About Maryland Courts?

• Maryland Courts
• MD Courts
• Maryland's Judicial System
• Maryland Manual Online
• United States District Court of Maryland
• Maryland Court of Appeals
• District Judges of Maryland
• Office of Administrative Hearings

FAQs