Maryland Court Records
Maryland Court Records refer to the various documents and information created and maintained by the courts in the state. These records document the legal proceedings, decisions, and actions in Maryland's courts in civil, criminal, and traffic cases.
These court records are essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and access to justice in the legal system. They provide valuable information for legal professionals, researchers, journalists, and public members, allowing them to understand how courts decide cases and interpret the law.
Additionally, court records help protect individual rights, support appeals, and preserve vital historical records for future generations to study and learn from.
The information available in these records varies depending on the type of case and the specific court involved. Typically, the documents include information such as the parties' names, legal claims, court decisions and orders, and other relevant information related to the case.
The Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) govern access to state court records, outlining the circumstances under which court records can be accessed and the types of information that can be obtained.
In general, court records are open to the public, but some may be restricted or sealed due to privacy concerns or the sensitivity of the information involved.
Which Maryland Courts Maintain Publicly Accessible Records?
Generally, the Maryland Judiciary maintains court records in the state, which oversees the state's courts and provides access to these records to the public.
But to efficiently locate and acquire vital Maryland Court Records, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the state's court system. It necessitates familiarizing oneself with the different tiers of Maryland courts and comprehending their respective jurisdictions.
Maryland's court system comprises the Court of Appeals, the Court of Special Appeals, and the Trial Courts. Most of the prevalent state's publicly available records are in the following Trial Courts:
Maryland Circuit Courts
The Circuit Courts in Maryland are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in the state but typically only hear cases that fall outside the jurisdiction of other courts.
They are the highest-level trial courts in Maryland and have the authority to hear various cases, including civil, criminal, and juvenile matters.
Some of the cases that Circuit Courts can hear may include the following:
- General civil cases for up to $5000
- Felony cases
- Child support
- Child custody
- Child protection
- Divorce
- Parental rights termination
- Protection and peace orders for domestic violence
- Equitable relief cases
Depending on court size, the Juvenile Court division may have Family Services Program or a Family Division. These divisions serve to address cases related to juvenile delinquency and family matters.
The Juvenile Court division is responsible for hearing cases involving minors who have violated the law or require protection and may provide a separate system of justice designed to meet the unique needs of juveniles.
The Family Services Program may offer supportive services such as mediation, counseling, and education, while the Family Division may handle a broader range of family-related cases in larger courts.
Maryland District Courts
Maryland District Courts are the state's trial courts of limited jurisdiction. They have jurisdiction over specific cases, including:
- Certain felonies
- preliminary hearings for felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Violations of the municipal and county ordinances
- Boating and driving offenses
- Protection and peace orders for domestic violence
- Landlord-tenant cases
- General civil claims under $25,000
- Actions for replevin
- Some juvenile cases
Each District Court in Maryland has a Small Claims Court division that hears most civil matters involving less than $5,000. In addition, the District Courts and Circuit Courts have concurrent jurisdiction over civil proceedings with a monetary value between $5,000 and $25,000.
It is important to note that District Courts have certain limitations on their jurisdiction. For example, they do not have the authority to hear cases that properly request a jury trial, most requests for equitable relief, requests for declaratory relief, and most cases involving disputes over land ownership.
Maryland Orphans' Courts
The Orphans' Courts in Maryland hold exclusive jurisdiction over specific probate and guardianship cases. Generally, the court handles probate matters, such as wills, trusts, and estates, along with tax issues and land ownership disputes that arise from probate cases.
There are three Orphans' Courts in Maryland, one for each county, and they have exclusive jurisdiction over certain probate matters. These courts share some jurisdiction with the Circuit Courts regarding guardianship cases for minors.
By exercising their limited jurisdiction, the Orphans' Courts in Maryland play a crucial role in resolving probate issues and overseeing the well-being of minors under guardianship. It ensures the deceased's wishes are carried out effectively while protecting the vulnerable parties involved.
What are the Common Public Court Records in Maryland?
Maryland offers the general public access to various court records that provide valuable insights into legal proceedings. Below are some of the most commonly available Maryland Court Records and a brief overview of their information.
Maryland Civil and Small Claims Records
Maryland Civil Records from courts document legal disputes involving larger monetary values and more complex legal issues, such as personal injury claims, contract disputes, property disputes, etc. The value of money in a Maryland civil case conflict can range from $5,000 to $25,000. Some cases have money in dispute of over $25,000.
These records cover broader legal disputes and may involve more formal court procedures and legal representation. District and Circuit Courts in Maryland hear and determine these civil matters.
The District Court and Circuit Courts have concurrent jurisdiction over civil claims between $5,000 and $25,000. Except for landlord-tenant disputes and replevin, Circuit Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over claims above $25,000.
On the other hand, Maryland Small Claims Records form courts document legal disputes that have smaller monetary values, typically less than $5,000, and involve less complex legal issues.
The Maryland Small Claims Courts, a component of the state's District Court, handle matters involving small claims. The parties involved in these cases may represent themselves instead of hiring an attorney. However, claims involving the return of services or property are not permitted in Small Claims Court.
What Information Do Maryland Civil and Small Claims Records Contain?
Maryland Civil and Small Claims Records typically contain information related to legal disputes between two parties, such as individuals, businesses, or organizations. These records can include the following:
- Case details such as the case number, the names of the parties involved, the type of case, the case filing date, and the name of the presiding judge
- Copies of the pleadings and motions filed by the parties, such as complaints, answers, and motions to dismiss
- Any physical evidence presented during the trial, such as documents or photographs
- The outcome of the case, which could include a verdict, settlement, or dismissal
- Other documents, such as witness statements or expert reports
Maryland Criminal Records
Maryland Criminal Records refer to a collection of documents and information about an individual's involvement in the criminal justice system within the state.
It includes criminal charges, convictions, arrest details, sentencing information, and other relevant information related to the individual's criminal history in Maryland.
These records are essential for employers seeking to make informed hiring decisions. By conducting background checks on potential employees, employers can gain insight into an individual's criminal history and make informed decisions about their fitness for a particular job.
Also, landlords and property managers can use criminal records to screen tenants, helping protect their property and ensure the safety of other tenants.
Furthermore, individuals can use criminal records to demonstrate their innocence or seek justice. People may also need to access their criminal records for personal reasons, such as for immigration or adoption purposes.
Acquiring Maryland Criminal Records is a straightforward process that involves following a set of appropriate steps.
Though Maryland Criminal Records are accessible from the state courts and local police stations, the best way to obtain such records is through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
The CJIS system is authorized to provide criminal history records to individuals and organizations that require them for licensing, employment, or other official purposes. However, access to this system is restricted and requires proper authorization from the DPSCS.
To access criminal records through CJIS, the requester must send the necessary fingerprint card and a completed request form, which can be filled out by a government agency or a private entity, along with the appropriate service fee.
Maryland Traffic Records
Maryland Traffic Records are public documents containing information about traffic-related incidents within the state.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) maintains these records and makes them available to the public upon request.
These records aim to promote safe driving practices and provide accurate and reliable information to government agencies, insurance companies, and the general public.
Maryland Traffic Records comprise both personal and public information. Personal information contained in the records is only accessible to authorized individuals, such as the record holder, their legal representative, or certain government agencies. On the other hand, other information is available to the general public.
Typically, Maryland traffic records include the following:
- Names
- Birthdate
- Residential address
- Driver's license number
- Social security number
- Vehicle title number and identification number
- Traffic violations
- Citations
- Vehicular accidents
- Fines and sentences
- Information about license suspensions or revocations
You can request Maryland Traffic Records by utilizing the MDOT MVA online services, submitting a request in person, or sending a request by mail.
You can create an account through the MDOT MVA website and access driving records and vehicle information.
For requests made in person, you must complete a Request for Motor Vehicle Administration Records form, provide a valid form of identification, and pay the appropriate fee at any MDOT MVA branch office. You can also send the completed form by mail together with a money order or check for the applicable fees.
Maryland Probate Records
Maryland Probate Records are legal documents that record the administration of an individual's estate after their death. The probate process involves identifying the deceased's assets, paying off any taxes or debts owed, and distributing the remaining property to the heirs or beneficiaries.
The Orphans' Court manages probate records in Maryland and is responsible for handling estate matters. The court oversees the distribution of property according to the deceased person's will or state laws if there is no will. The probate process typically takes several months to a year to complete, depending on the complexity of the estate.
Probate records are an essential source of information for genealogists, historians, and legal professionals. They provide details about the deceased person's life, such as family members, property ownership, and debts. These records can also reveal information about the social and economic conditions of the time, including property values and inheritance laws.
One of the primary documents in Maryland Probate Records is the will, which outlines the deceased person's wishes to distribute their assets. The will can also provide information about the decedent's relationships with family and friends. Maryland's intestate laws will allocate a person's property if they die without a will.
Other documents in these records include the inventory of the deceased person's assets and liabilities and the accounting of the estate's administration. These records provide an accurate account of the decedent's financial situation at their death and can help identify any discrepancies or missing assets.
Generally, you can access Maryland Probate Records through the local Orphans' Court or the Maryland State Archives. But some estate case records are in the Maryland Register of Wills Offices. You can use the Estate Search tool of the office to find the relevant probate records.
Maryland Family Records
Maryland Family Records from courts are essential to the state's legal system. These records contain information about court proceedings related to family matters, such as divorce, child custody, and domestic violence. They are crucial in helping individuals and agencies make informed decisions regarding family matters.
One of the primary purposes of these records is to provide information about custody and visitation arrangements. In cases of divorce or separation, these records contain details about child custody and visitation schedules, as well as any child support agreements.
This information is critical in ensuring that the child's best interests are protected and that both parents have equal access to their children.
Maryland Family Records also contain information about domestic violence proceedings that can help victims of domestic violence obtain restraining orders and protect themselves from their abusers. Additionally, they can be used as evidence in criminal trials and assist prosecutors in building a case against an abuser.
Moreover, people can use these records to track trends in family law cases, identify areas that require additional resources, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws and programs.
The Circuit Court in each county of Maryland maintains family court records, which are generally open to the public, but with exceptions for sensitive information such as social security numbers, medical records, and adoption records. Anyone can access these records by visiting the appropriate courthouse and submitting a request.
Maryland Bankruptcy Records
One of the most prevalent Maryland Court Records is bankruptcy records. The Maryland Bankruptcy Records provide an official record of all cases filed with the state's Federal Bankruptcy Courts.
In Maryland, bankruptcy cases are typically under federal jurisdiction unless there is direct involvement with state authorities. The Federal Bankruptcy Court in the state is the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. It manages clerical operations and maintains court dockets exclusively for bankruptcy cases.
The court administers debtor parties' estates and hears petitions from parties seeking relief from bankruptcy. The most common bankruptcy petitions filed in Maryland are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidating a debtor's non-exempt assets to generate proceeds distributed to their creditors to satisfy outstanding debts. In other words, the bankruptcy trustee may sell off the debtor's non-exempt property, such as real estate, vehicles, and investments, to raise cash to pay off creditors.
In Maryland, Chapter 7 bankruptcy accounts for the majority of bankruptcy filings.
On the other hand, Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a form of debt reorganization that allows the debtor to propose a manageable repayment plan to pay off their outstanding debts over three to five years.
Under this type of bankruptcy, the debtor can keep their assets, such as a home or car, while making regular payments to their creditors based on their income and expenses.
In addition to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, some individuals and businesses may also file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a form of reorganization typically used by companies, and Chapter 12 bankruptcy, designed for family farmers or fishermen.
However, these types of bankruptcies are less common in Maryland than in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
How To Obtain Bankruptcy Records in Maryland?
One way to obtain Maryland Bankruptcy Records is through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. PACER is an online database of federal court documents, including bankruptcy records. To access these records through PACER, you must create an account and pay a fee for each page of records you view or download.
Another way to obtain bankruptcy records in Maryland is by visiting or contacting the bankruptcy court. You can visit or contact the Court Clerk's Office of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland during regular business hours to request copies of bankruptcy records.
Depending on the nature of your request, fees may be associated with obtaining copies of documents.
In addition, you can obtain Maryland Bankruptcy Records by contacting or visiting the appropriate courthouse. The U.S Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland has two divisions or courthouses that maintain bankruptcy records in the state: the Baltimore Division and the Greenbelt Division.
The Baltimore Division has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed in the 14 counties. In contrast, the Greenbelt Division has authority over cases filed in 9 counties. Check the link above for the list of counties.
Once you obtain a Maryland Bankruptcy Records, it will typically give you the following information:
- Personal information about the debtor, such as their date of birth, employment history, and marital status
- Documents that list the debtor's assets and liabilities
- Statements of financial affairs, including any recent financial transactions or changes in income
- A list of creditors with names and contact information
- The total amount owed by the debtor to each creditor
- Court orders for debt repayment, asset sales, or other actions related to the bankruptcy case
- Documents that formally release the debtor from their obligation to pay certain debts
Does Maryland Have a Case Search?
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system enables the public to access information about court cases filed in the state. It provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to search for cases using various search criteria, such as case number, party name, filing date, and case type.
The Case Search provides access to traffic, criminal, and civil court documents from the Maryland District Courts and Circuit Courts. It also lets you look at appeals and other cases from the Maryland Court of Appeals and the Court of Special Appeals.
Aside from the Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool, you can access case documents through the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC), a statewide Case Management System. Although primarily intended for use by lawyers, the MDEC may grant access to the general public under specific conditions.
Another way to obtain Maryland Court Records is to visit the courthouse that filed the case. This method may be necessary if the record you seek is unavailable online or need a certified copy.
To obtain a certified copy of a Maryland Court Record, you must visit the courthouse and fill out a request form. To find the address and contact information of the appropriate court, you can use this directory.
If you cannot obtain the record you need online or in person, you can also request it by mail. To request a document by mail, you must send a written request to the courthouse where the case occurred. Your request must include the case number, party names, and other relevant information.
Be aware that if you request a court record in Maryland, whether in person or via mail, there will be a fee for obtaining a copy. The cost of the document varies depending on the record type and the courthouse.
Counties in Maryland
- 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