Maryland Public Records /Maryland Court Records Online

Maryland Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Maryland Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Maryland are accessible to the public under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA). The Act, established in 1970, ensures that citizens can access court records while balancing privacy rights and governmental interests. Court records include documents, exhibits, and other case-related information maintained by the courts. However, access to certain records may be restricted and can only be granted if permitted by a court order or specific legal provisions.

To receive court records, requesters must provide the case number or the names of the parties involved. In some cases, additional information such as the filing date or the type of document requested may be required. Expunged records or those sealed by the court will not be accessible to the public.

What Information Appears in a Maryland Court Records Search?

A Maryland court records search typically includes:

Court judgments and orders
Charges and claims
Case information and docket entries
Exhibits and court proceedings recordings
Attachments related to the case

How To Find Court Records in Maryland

To find court records in Maryland, the initial step is to submit a request to the courthouse where the records are stored. The court clerk's office in the relevant courthouse maintains these records. Requests can be made in person or electronically. For in-person requests, visit the Office of the Clerk of the Court where the case was filed.

Alternatively, requesters can send a mail request to the courthouse. Details like the case number and the names of the parties involved are typically required. Some court records can also be accessed online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool. The cost for obtaining copies of court records may vary, but viewing records in person is generally free of charge.

Public Access to Maryland Court Records

Maryland court records can be viewed or copied by anyone at the clerk's office unless restricted by law. Requesters must provide the case number or the names of the parties involved. Viewing records is free, but copying them may incur a "reasonable fee." If the search takes less than two hours, no fee is charged. Remote access to court records is available through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool, which provides information on various case types, including traffic, criminal, and civil cases.

Searching Maryland Court Records by Name

To search court records by name, visit the clerk's office in the court where the case was filed. Provide the names of the parties involved and the case number. While viewing records is free, obtaining copies may incur a fee. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search website also allows name-based searches. Users can input the parties' names, case numbers, court location, charges, and other relevant details to find records. This tool provides access to a wide range of case information, from traffic offenses to felonies.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Maryland

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search website offers free online access to court records. Researchers can use this tool to look up records from any state in the U.S. Third-party websites also provide court record searches, but they may differ from official sources. Another low-cost option is PACER (Public Access to Electronic Records), which charges $0.10 per page and a maximum of $3 per document.

Both traditional government sources and third-party websites offer access to court records. While third-party sites may provide easier searches, they are not government-sponsored, and record availability may vary. To access these records, requesters typically need the name and last known location of the person listed in the record.

Exemptions for Maryland Court Case Lookup

Certain court records in Maryland are exempt from public disclosure to protect confidentiality:

Adoption and Welfare Records
Juvenile records
Sealed or Expunged Records
Mental health records
Domestic violence records
Guardianship terminating parental rights
Child in need of assistance cases (CINA)
Certain marriage license information
Tax records
Financial statements in spousal or child support cases
Medical reports on alleged disabled adults
Judicial declaration of gender identity

Authorized individuals with a legal interest in the case may access restricted records. These may include plaintiffs, defendants, their attorneys, adult adoptees, birth and adoptive parents, patients, legal guardians, healthcare providers, judges, court clerks, government officials, and legitimate researchers.

Finding a Court Docket in Maryland

A Maryland court docket details the history of court proceedings in chronological order. It includes information such as the court's name, case number, parties and attorneys' names, and a summary of the case facts. Dockets also list future court dates and filing requirements.

Researchers can find court dockets by conducting a regular court record search and clicking on the case number to view the docket. Maryland District courts also provide weekly docket information to the public. To access this, visit the District Court Locations Directory, select the county or city of interest, and click the weekly docket button to open the PDF document.

What Information Is Found in Maryland Judgment Records?

Maryland judgment records contain:

Litigants' names
Judge's name
Judgment date
Specific claims or charges
Issued judgment

These records are accessible to the public under the Maryland Public Information Act. To obtain them, visit the clerk's office, submit a request, and provide necessary details like the case number and litigants' names. Regular copies or certified copies can be requested, and associated fees must be paid.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Maryland Publicly Accessible?

Yes, Maryland bankruptcy records are publicly accessible. Requesters must provide the debtor's name, court district, and case ID number. Bankruptcy records include financial information of individuals or businesses that have filed for bankruptcy. These records are available through the court clerk's office and can be accessed by submitting a request in person or via mail.

Employees of the United States Bankruptcy Court cannot provide legal advice or recommend attorneys. However, numerous legal aid programs in Maryland offer low- or no-cost legal assistance to those who cannot afford an attorney.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Maryland

To find bankruptcy records in Maryland, determine if the Southern (Greenbelt) District or Northern (Baltimore) District holds jurisdiction. Visit the clerk's office at the relevant location to access the records. Paper documents cost $0.50 per page, while electronic documents cost $0.10 per page.

Alternatively, use PACER, an electronic repository for federal court records. To search on PACER, provide the debtor's name, court district, and case ID number. While searching is free, obtaining records costs $0.10 per page, with a maximum fee of $3 per document.

Different Types of Courts in Maryland

The judicial system in Maryland includes:

Circuit Court: Handles severe criminal and civil cases, including juvenile, domestic violence, divorce, child custody, and appeals from lower courts.
District Courts: Address criminal and civil cases without juries; judges hear all cases.
Maryland Court of Appeals: The state's highest court, reviewing lower court judgments.
Court of Special Appeals: Intermediate appellate court, reviewing appeals from Circuit Courts and Orphans' Court.

Other judicial bodies include the Orphans Court, Office of Administrative Hearings, and Federal Courts.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Maryland

Civil cases involve disputes between private entities and are heard by District and Circuit Courts. The District Court handles claims up to $5,000 exclusively and shares jurisdiction with the Circuit Courts for claims between $5,000 and $25,000. Claims over $25,000 are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Circuit Courts, except for landlord-tenant matters.

Small claims cases, handled by Maryland Small Claims Courts (a division of the District Court), involve disputes with claims under $5,000. These cases are treated with less formality, and simpler rules of procedure apply. Parties may choose whether or not to be represented by an attorney, and a judge decides the case without a jury. Only individuals 18 years or older can file a small claims case.

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