Court records in Baltimore County, Maryland can be found through several channels. BaltimoreCourt.us can help locate publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Towson, or use public terminals at the courthouse. Each method offers different levels of detail depending on the case type and record availability.
Baltimore Court System & Jurisdictions
Baltimore County is served by two main trial courts within the Maryland Judiciary, each handling distinct case types.
Circuit Court for Baltimore County
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Civil cases — lawsuits exceeding $30,000, contract disputes, equity matters
- Serious criminal cases — felonies and some misdemeanors
- Family law — divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile matters — delinquency and child in need of assistance (CINA) cases
- Land records — deeds, mortgages, liens recorded through the Department of Land Records
- Appeals from the District Court and some administrative agencies
District Court of Maryland — Baltimore County
The District Court handles a high volume of cases, including:
- Civil claims up to $30,000 (including small claims up to $5,000)
- Traffic violations — payable and must-appear citations
- Criminal misdemeanors — theft, DUI, assault, and similar charges
- Landlord-tenant disputes — rent escrow, evictions, repossession
- Peace and protective orders
District Court locations in Baltimore County include courthouses in Towson, Catonsville, and Essex. There is no jury trial in District Court; jury trial demands are transferred to Circuit Court.
Orphans' Court & Register of Wills
Probate and estate administration matters are handled by the Orphans' Court for Baltimore County. The Register of Wills estate search allows online lookup of estate case records.
Baltimore Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in Baltimore County courts:
- Go to Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
- Search by party name, case number, or attorney name.
- Select the relevant case to view scheduled hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and case status.
Case Search displays upcoming hearing information for both Circuit Court and District Court cases in Baltimore County. Some scheduling details — particularly for family and juvenile matters — may be restricted from public view.
For same-day courtroom assignments and judge calendars, contact the court directly or check bulletin boards at the courthouse. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office can confirm whether a specific hearing is still on the docket:
District Court daily schedules are typically posted at each courthouse location. You can also call the District Court clerk's office for the specific location where your case is assigned.
How to Get a Copy of a Baltimore Court Document
Baltimore County court documents can be obtained as either certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies carry the court seal and clerk's signature, which is usually required for legal proceedings or government filings. Uncertified copies are sufficient for personal reference.
Online
Basic case information — docket entries, filing dates, disposition — is available free through Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Full document images are generally not available online and must be requested from the clerk.
In Person
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the Baltimore County Courts Building in Towson.
- Provide the case number or party names.
- Request either a certified or uncertified copy.
- Pay the applicable fee at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk's Office with the case number, document description, and a check or money order for the fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing.
Divorce decrees: Use the Divorce Decree Request Form and mail it to the address above. The Maryland Division of Vital Records can verify divorces from January 1, 1992 onward.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible, including:
- Juvenile case files
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Adoption records
- Some domestic violence case details
Baltimore Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for Baltimore County court records are set by Maryland statute and court rules. The following table reflects commonly requested services at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Confirm current amounts with the clerk, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page, uncertified) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $6.00 |
| Court record search (per name) | $6.00 |
| Certified copy of a divorce decree | $6.00 certification + copy fees |
| Apostille or authentication | Contact clerk for current fee |
| Land record copies (per page) | $1.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk's Office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card acceptance may vary — call ahead to confirm. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court."
Fees are established under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article and the Maryland Rules. Online case search through the Maryland Judiciary is free, but obtaining physical or certified copies requires payment as listed above.
For criminal background checks, contact the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which maintains a separate fee schedule. The Incarcerated Individual Locator is available at no charge for searching current inmates in state facilities.