Baltimore County Public Records /Baltimore County Court Records

Baltimore County Court Records

What Is Baltimore County Court Records

Court records in Baltimore County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities and decisions as maintained by the courts of Baltimore County, Maryland. Pursuant to Maryland Rules 16-901, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Business records (licenses, permits, incorporations)
Tax records (assessments, payments)

In Baltimore County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

Circuit Court for Baltimore County
District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County
Orphans' Court (probate matters)

These courts generate and maintain records for various case types including:

Civil litigation (contract disputes, personal injury, property disputes)
Criminal proceedings (felonies, misdemeanors)
Family law matters (divorce, custody, domestic violence)
Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
Traffic violations
Small claims

The Maryland Public Information Act, codified under §4-101 of the General Provisions Article, establishes the framework for public access to government records, including court records, while the Maryland Rules provide specific guidelines for court record access.

Are Court Records Public In Baltimore County

Court records in Baltimore County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Maryland's commitment to judicial transparency. The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), under §4-103 of the General Provisions Article, establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to inspection by the public.

Additionally, the Maryland Rules, specifically Title 16, Chapter 900, governs access to court records. Under Rule 16-903, the following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Most civil case files
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and orders
Docket sheets
Hearing schedules
Court transcripts

However, certain records may be shielded from public access. According to Maryland Rule 16-907, restricted records include:

Certain family law matters
Juvenile proceedings
Mental health cases
Adoption records
Some criminal investigative information
Records sealed by court order
Records containing sensitive personal information

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are governed by federal rules and policies, which differ from state regulations. The Maryland Judiciary has established comprehensive rules balancing the public's right to information with privacy concerns and the effective administration of justice.

How To Find Court Records in Baltimore County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Baltimore County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Maryland Judiciary provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
Complete a record request form at the Clerk's Office
Provide case number or party names for record identification
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)

Circuit Court for Baltimore County
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County
120 E. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21286
410-512-2000
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
Include case number or sufficient identifying information
Specify documents requested
Provide return address and contact information
Enclose payment for applicable fees

Online Access:

Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
Enter search criteria (name, case number)
Review case information
Note that full document images are not available online
Follow instructions for requesting complete records

For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement when making their request and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-905, courts may charge reasonable fees for copies of records, and these fees are established by the State Court Administrator.

How To Look Up Court Records in Baltimore County Online?

Baltimore County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online portals maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. The primary online resources include:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This comprehensive database provides public access to case records from both District and Circuit Courts throughout Maryland, including Baltimore County. Users may:

Navigate to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
Accept the terms and conditions
Search by party name, case number, or citation number
View case status, hearing dates, charges, dispositions, and judgment information
Access attorney information and scheduled court dates

Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC): For cases filed after the implementation of MDEC in Baltimore County:

Register for an account on Maryland Electronic Courts
Log in with credentials
Search for cases by number or party name
View docket entries and case information
Access electronically filed documents (attorney access only)

Baltimore County Land Records: For property-related court documents:

Visit mdlandrec.net
Create a free account
Search by name, property address, or document type
View and download deed records, mortgages, liens, and related court documents

Register of Wills Estate Search: For probate and estate cases:

Access the Estate Search portal
Enter decedent name or estate number
Select Baltimore County from jurisdiction dropdown
View estate status, filings, and related documents

While these online systems provide substantial case information, certain limitations exist:

Complete document images are not available to the general public online
Some sensitive cases may be excluded from online search results
Historical records may have limited online availability
Technical issues may occasionally affect system accessibility

The Maryland Judiciary continuously enhances its online services to improve public access while maintaining appropriate privacy protections in accordance with Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-912.

How To Search Baltimore County Court Records for Free?

Baltimore County residents and members of the public may access court records without charge through several methods established under Maryland law. Pursuant to §4-206 of the General Provisions Article, the public has the right to inspect records without charge, though fees may apply for copies.

Free Online Search Options:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search - Provides free access to case information from District and Circuit Courts
Maryland Land Records - Offers free registration and searching of property-related court documents
Register of Wills Estate Search - Provides free access to probate case information

Free In-Person Inspection:

Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
Request to inspect specific records at the Clerk's Office
Present identification if required
View records in designated public access areas
Take notes without charge

Circuit Court for Baltimore County
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County
120 E. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21286
410-512-2000
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Public Access Terminals: Both the Circuit Court and District Court provide free public access computer terminals where visitors can:

Search case information
View electronic case records
Access court schedules
Print information for a nominal fee

While inspection of records is free, the following fees may apply:

Photocopies: $0.50 per page
Certified copies: $5.00 plus copy fees
Electronic media: Varies by format and size
Research assistance: $30 per hour (for requests requiring extensive research)

Maryland Rules 16-904 ensures that inability to pay fees shall not be a barrier to access, and fee waivers may be available for individuals with demonstrated financial hardship.

What's Included in a Baltimore County Court Record?

Court records in Baltimore County contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints or petitions
Summonses or warrants
Initial pleadings
Filing date and case number assignment
Court assignment information

Party Information:

Names of plaintiffs, defendants, petitioners, or respondents
Attorney information and appearances
Contact information (may be redacted in public versions)
Party type and status in the case

Docket Entries:

Chronological listing of all case events
Filing dates of all documents
Hearing dates and outcomes
Judicial assignments
Service of process information

Pleadings and Motions:

Answers and responses
Motions filed by parties
Oppositions and replies
Affidavits and declarations
Exhibits and attachments

Judicial Documents:

Court orders and opinions
Judgments and decrees
Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Sentencing information (in criminal cases)
Injunctions or other relief granted

Hearing and Trial Records:

Scheduling notices
Transcripts (when prepared)
Evidence logs
Witness lists
Jury information (in applicable cases)

Financial Information:

Filing fees paid
Monetary judgments
Restitution orders
Court costs assessment
Payment records

Case Disposition:

Final judgment or order
Settlement agreements (if filed with court)
Dismissal information
Appeal notices and status
Case closure documentation

In accordance with Maryland Rule 16-934, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of court records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Minor children's names (in certain cases)
Home addresses (in sensitive cases)
Medical information

The completeness of court records is mandated by §16-308 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, which requires courts to maintain accurate and comprehensive records of all proceedings.

How Long Does Baltimore County Keep Court Records?

Baltimore County courts retain records according to schedules established by the Maryland Judiciary. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance. These retention schedules are governed by §16-505 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article and implemented through administrative directives from the State Court Administrator.

Circuit Court Retention Periods:

Criminal Felony Cases: Permanent retention
Criminal Misdemeanor Cases: 10 years after disposition
Civil Cases (general): 12 years after disposition
Domestic Relations Cases: 80 years after disposition
Juvenile Cases: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
Adoption Cases: Permanent retention (sealed)
Land Records and Property Cases: Permanent retention
Wills and Estate Matters: Permanent retention

District Court Retention Periods:

Criminal Cases: 3 years after disposition for minor offenses; 10 years for serious misdemeanors
Traffic Citations: 3 years after disposition
Civil Cases: 3 years after disposition
Landlord-Tenant Cases: 3 years after disposition
Domestic Violence Cases: 5 years after disposition

Special Considerations:

Cases of historical significance may be designated for permanent retention
Records may be transferred to the Maryland State Archives after their active retention period
Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
Expunged records are destroyed according to court order and applicable statutes
Sealed records are retained but not publicly accessible

The Maryland Judiciary periodically reviews and updates retention schedules to ensure compliance with legal requirements and efficient records management. The State Court Administrator may issue special directives for retention of specific record types or in response to emergency situations.

Records that have met their retention period may be destroyed in accordance with approved procedures, though indexes and docket entries are typically retained permanently to maintain a historical record of case existence.

Types of Courts In Baltimore County

Baltimore County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Maryland's unified court system:

Circuit Court for Baltimore County
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction handling major civil cases, serious criminal matters, family law cases, and appeals from the District Court.

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County - Towson
120 E. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21286
410-512-2000
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County - Catonsville
900 Walker Avenue
Catonsville, MD 21228
410-512-2500
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The District Court handles minor civil cases (under $30,000), landlord-tenant disputes, minor criminal cases, traffic violations, and peace orders.

Orphans' Court for Baltimore County
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 501
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-6516
Orphans' Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The Orphans' Court handles probate matters, including wills, estates, and guardianships of minors' property.

Maryland Court of Special Appeals
Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1450
Court of Special Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

This intermediate appellate court hears appeals from Circuit Court decisions in Baltimore County and throughout Maryland.

Maryland Court of Appeals
Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1500
Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Maryland's highest court, the Court of Appeals, hears select cases from the Court of Special Appeals and certain direct appeals from Circuit Courts.

The court hierarchy in Maryland follows this progression: District Court/Orphans' Court → Circuit Court → Court of Special Appeals → Court of Appeals. Federal cases in Baltimore County are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, located in Baltimore City.

What Types of Cases Do Baltimore County Courts Hear?

Baltimore County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Maryland law. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific case types:

Circuit Court for Baltimore County:

Major Civil Cases: Claims exceeding $30,000
Serious Criminal Cases: Felonies and major misdemeanors
Family Law Matters: Divorce, child custody, child support, adoption
Juvenile Cases: Delinquency proceedings, child welfare matters
Appeals: From District Court and administrative agencies
Equity Cases: Injunctions, specific performance, complex remedies
Complex Litigation: Class actions, multi-party disputes
Land Records: Property disputes, foreclosures, quiet title actions

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County:

Minor Civil Cases: Claims up to $30,000
Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Evictions, rent escrow, lease violations
Minor Criminal Cases: Misdemeanors with penalties under 3 years
Traffic Violations: Moving violations, DUI/DWI cases
Peace and Protective Orders: Domestic violence, harassment
Replevin Actions: Recovery of personal property
Small Claims: Civil matters under $5,000
Preliminary Hearings: For felony cases before Circuit Court trial

Orphans' Court for Baltimore County:

Probate Matters: Administration of estates
Will Contests: Disputes over validity of wills
Guardianship of Minors' Property: Management of assets
Interpretation of Will Provisions: Clarification of testamentary intent
Executor/Personal Representative Oversight: Ensuring proper estate administration

Maryland Court of Special Appeals:

Appeals from Circuit Court Decisions: Civil and criminal
Administrative Agency Appeals: After Circuit Court review
Interlocutory Appeals: Appeals of certain pre-final judgments

Maryland Court of Appeals:

Appeals from Court of Special Appeals: By certiorari (discretionary)
Direct Appeals: Death penalty cases (historical), attorney discipline
Certified Questions: Legal questions from federal courts
Constitutional Issues: Significant questions of state constitutional law

Case assignment within these courts follows jurisdictional rules established by §1-501 through §1-603 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, which delineates the specific authority of each court within Maryland's judicial system.

How To Find a Court Docket In Baltimore County

Court dockets in Baltimore County provide a chronological listing of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
Accept the terms and conditions
Enter search criteria (case number, party name)
View the docket entries listed chronologically
Note scheduled hearings and filing information

Court Schedule Access:

Navigate to the Maryland Judiciary Court Calendar page
Select Baltimore County from the jurisdiction dropdown
Choose the appropriate court (Circuit or District)
Select the date of interest
View scheduled hearings by courtroom or judge

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the Clerk's Office at the appropriate courthouse
Request to view the docket for a specific case
Provide case number or party names
Review docket information on public access terminals
Request printed copies if needed (fees apply)

Circuit Court for Baltimore County
401 Bosley Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-2601
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County
120 E. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21286
410-512-2000
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Telephone Docket Information:

Call the appropriate court clerk's office
Provide case number or party information
Request docket status or hearing information
Note that detailed docket information may require in-person or online access

Attorney Access to Dockets: Attorneys registered with the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system have enhanced access to docket information through:

The File & Serve portal
Case management dashboards
Electronic notification of docket updates in their cases

Docket information is updated regularly but may experience delays between court action and system updates. For the most current information, direct contact with the clerk's office is recommended. Access to certain docket information may be restricted for sealed or confidential cases in accordance with Maryland Rule 16-907.

Which Courts in Baltimore County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Baltimore County's judicial system, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings. These "courts not of record" operate under different procedural rules regarding the documentation of hearings and trials. According to §1-501 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, the distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appellate procedures.

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County: The District Court is classified as a court not of record. This designation means:

No automatic verbatim transcript is created for proceedings
Appeals from District Court decisions receive de novo review in Circuit Court
Parties must arrange and pay for recording services if they desire a transcript
The official case record consists of docket entries, filed documents, and judgment records

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County - Towson
120 E. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21286
410-512-2000
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County - Catonsville
900 Walker Avenue
Catonsville, MD 21228
410-512-2500
District Court of Maryland
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Orphans' Court for Baltimore County: The Orphans' Court is also classified as a court not of record. This means:

Proceedings are not automatically recorded verbatim
Appeals from Orphans' Court decisions receive de novo review in Circuit Court
The court maintains written orders and decisions but not full transcripts
Parties must request recording services if a transcript is desired

Orphans' Court for Baltimore County
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 501
Towson, MD 21204
410-887-6516
Orphans' Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

In contrast, the following are courts of record in Baltimore County:

Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Maryland Court of Special Appeals
Maryland Court of Appeals

These courts maintain official verbatim records of all proceedings, and appeals from these courts are based on the official record rather than de novo review.

The practical implications of a court being "not of record" include: