Anne Arundel County Court Records Search

Anne Arundel County sits along the Chesapeake Bay in central Maryland and is home to the state capital, Annapolis. The county’s court system operates within Maryland’s Fifth Judicial Circuit and processes tens of thousands of cases annually across criminal, civil, domestic, and probate matters. Three separate courts serve the county: the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, two District Court locations, and the Orphans’ Court. Each maintains its own clerk’s office, filing procedures, and record-keeping practices. Whether you need a copy of a civil judgment, a criminal case docket, a divorce decree, or probate estate documentation, understanding which office holds the record and how to submit a proper request will save considerable time.

Residents and researchers in Maryland can locate court case information through several official channels, including clerk’s offices, courthouse public-access terminals, and web-based search tools. The Maryland Judiciary operates a statewide case-lookup system, and MarylandStateCourts.us may also help users find publicly available court case data. The guidance below covers every major record type maintained in Anne Arundel County, along with the specific offices, fees, forms, and online systems involved.

How to Look Up a Court Case in Anne Arundel County?

There are three primary ways to search for a court case in Anne Arundel County: online through the Maryland Judiciary’s electronic portal, in person at the appropriate clerk’s office, or by written request sent to the court.

Online Search — Maryland Judiciary Case Search

The fastest method is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal, which provides free, 24-hour access to case information from both the Circuit Court and the District Court. To search Anne Arundel County cases:

Navigate to the Case Search portal.
Select Party Search or enter a case number directly.
To narrow results, expand Advanced Search and choose the court type (Circuit or District) and select “Anne Arundel County”.
Enter the party’s name, a date range, or specific case type.
Click Search to view matching results.

Results display case numbers, party names, charges or case types, hearing dates, and disposition information. The portal does not provide downloadable copies of filed documents — those must be obtained from the clerk’s office.

In-Person Access

Walk-in visitors can review case files during regular business hours at any of the following locations:

Court	Address	Phone	Hours
Circuit Court (Clerk’s Office)	8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401	(410) 222-1397	Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
District Court – Annapolis	251 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD 21401	(410) 260-1370	Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
District Court – Glen Burnie	7500 Gov. Ritchie Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21061	(410) 260-1800	Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Public-access computer terminals are available in both the Circuit Court and the District Court lobbies for on-site case lookups. Photo identification is generally required to review physical case files.

Written Requests

You may also request case records by mail or in person at the Clerk of the Circuit Court office. Include the full case number (if known), the parties’ names, and a description of the documents you need. District Court record requests can be directed to either District Court location by mail or by contacting the clerk by phone. The Maryland Judiciary also provides an overview of how to access court records statewide, including guidance on written requests.

Are Court Records Public in Anne Arundel County?

Most court records generated in Anne Arundel County are presumptively open to the public. Maryland’s legal framework for court-record access draws from two sources: the Maryland Public Information Act (Md. Code, General Provisions § 4-101 et seq.) and the Maryland Rules on Access to Court Records (Title 16, Chapter 1000).

Records That Are Public

The following record types are generally available for inspection or copying by any member of the public:

Civil complaints, answers, and motions
Criminal charging documents and docket entries
Judgments, orders, and opinions
Land records and liens
Marriage license applications (after issuance)
Probate filings, including wills admitted to probate
Case-level data on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal

Records That Are Restricted or Sealed

Certain categories of records are shielded from public access either by statute or by court order:

Juvenile proceedings — sealed under Maryland Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27
Adoption records — confidential under Family Law Article § 5-3A-35
Mental health commitments — restricted under Health-General Article § 10-630
Child abuse and neglect investigations — restricted under Family Law Article § 5-707
Grand jury proceedings
Trade secrets and proprietary business information protected by court order
Certain personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are subject to redaction under Maryland Rule 1-322.1
Gender-identity and medical records shielded by statute or protective order

A party may file a motion to seal otherwise public records if there is a compelling interest in confidentiality. The court weighs the public’s right of access against privacy, safety, or other concerns before granting such motions. Expunged criminal records are removed from public databases entirely, and the Case Search portal is updated to reflect expungements after processing.

Anne Arundel County Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases in Anne Arundel County are heard in both the Circuit Court and the District Court, depending on the severity of the charge. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felonies and serious misdemeanors, while the District Court handles most misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and preliminary hearings.

Searching Criminal Case Records

Online: Use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal. Select the criminal case type and Anne Arundel County to filter results. Docket entries, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions are displayed.
In person: Visit the Clerk’s Office at the Circuit Court or either District Court location during business hours. Public terminals are available.
By phone: Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (410) 222-1397 or the District Court at (410) 260-1370 (Annapolis) or (410) 260-1800 (Glen Burnie) for case-status inquiries.

Arrest Records and Law Enforcement Reports

The Anne Arundel County Sheriff’s Office maintains records of arrests carried out by sheriff’s deputies. The office is located at 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401, and can be reached at (410) 222-1571.

For police incident reports, contact the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Central Records Division:

Address: 8495 Veterans Highway, Millersville, MD 21108
Request method: Submit a Public Information Request online, or contact the division by phone.

Reports involving open or active investigations may be withheld under the Maryland Public Information Act’s law-enforcement exemption.

Criminal History Background Checks

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is not an official criminal-history report. For a certified background check, applicants must contact the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository, operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Requests typically require fingerprinting and a processing fee.

Expungement

Individuals who qualify under Maryland Criminal Procedure § 10-105 may petition the court to expunge certain criminal records. Once granted, the case is removed from public databases, including Case Search.

Anne Arundel County Civil Court Records

Civil matters are divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.

Jurisdictional Overview

Court	Civil Jurisdiction
Circuit Court	Claims exceeding $30,000; equity matters; real property disputes; appeals from District Court
District Court	Claims up to $30,000; landlord-tenant; replevin; certain injunctions

How to Obtain Civil Case Records

Identify the court. Determine whether the case was filed in Circuit Court or District Court. If uncertain, search both using the Case Search portal.
Search online. The Case Search portal shows party names, case numbers, filing dates, and dispositions for civil cases in both courts.
Request copies. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at (410) 222-1397 or the appropriate District Court location. Provide the case number and specify which documents you need (e.g., complaint, judgment, settlement).
Pay applicable fees. Standard copy fees apply. Certified copies carry an additional certification charge. Fee schedules are maintained by each clerk’s office and can be confirmed by phone.

Small Claims

Small claims cases (amounts up to $5,000) are filed and heard in the District Court. Filings are straightforward and self-represented parties are common. Docket information for small claims cases appears on Case Search.

Land Records

Real property records — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements — are maintained by the Land Records Department of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office at 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401, Phone: (410) 222-1425 Online access to recorded land documents is available through MDLandRec.net, which requires a free registration. Plat records can be viewed through the Maryland State Archives’ Plats.net system. Property assessment data is separately maintained by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation and can be searched using the Real Property Search Tool.

Anne Arundel County Family Court Records

Family law cases in Anne Arundel County are handled primarily by the Circuit Court’s Family and Civil Department. This division manages divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, and guardianship matters. Certain family-related proceedings, including peace orders and temporary protective orders, may also originate in the District Court.

Searching Family Case Records

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal includes family case types. Use the Advanced Search to filter by “Family” under case category and select Anne Arundel County.
For in-person inquiries, visit the Family Division at 8 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401, or call (410) 222-1431.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Divorce Records

Divorce decrees, settlement agreements, custody orders, and related filings are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, submit a written request to the Clerk’s Office with the case number and parties’ names. You may also need to present identification if the record contains sensitive information.

Marriage Licenses and Certificates

Marriage license applications are filed with and issued by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be requested using the Marriage License Certified Copy Application Form. Alternatively, copies may be obtained from the Maryland Division of Vital Records, located at P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215-0036.

Birth and Death Records

While birth and death certificates are not court records, they frequently arise in family law proceedings. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issues certified copies of birth and death certificates at the following location:

Address: 3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 222-4462
Fax: (death records): (410) 222-4424
Birth certificate fee: $20

Applicants must demonstrate a qualifying relationship to the individual named on the certificate (e.g., self, parent, legal representative). Statewide vital records can also be ordered through the Maryland Division of Vital Records.

Confidential Family Records

Adoption files, juvenile dependency proceedings, and child abuse or neglect investigation records are not available to the general public. Access is limited to parties, their attorneys, and individuals with a court order authorizing disclosure.

Anne Arundel County Probate Court Records

Probate and estate matters in Anne Arundel County are administered by two bodies: the Orphans’ Court and the Register of Wills. The Orphans’ Court is a constitutionally established court with jurisdiction over the administration of decedents’ estates, will contests, and certain guardianship proceedings. The Register of Wills serves as the court’s administrative arm, receiving filings, issuing letters of administration, and maintaining estate case files.

Register of Wills — Contact Information

Address: 2011 Commerce Park Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 222-1430
Fax: (410) 222-1467
Email: row.aacounty@registers.maryland.gov
Website:Anne Arundel County Register of Wills

Orphans’ Court

The Orphans’ Court sits at 8 Church Circle, P.O. Box 2368, Annapolis, MD 21401, and can be reached at (410) 222-1430. Hearings are scheduled on specific days; contact the court for the current calendar.

Searching Probate Records

The Maryland Register of Wills maintains a statewide Estate Search tool. Users can search by decedent name or estate number to find basic case information, including the date of filing, personal representative, and attorney of record. For copies of filed documents — such as wills, inventories, accountings, and distribution orders — submit a request to the Register of Wills office by phone, email, fax, or in person.

Common Probate Filings

Probate records maintained by the Register of Wills typically include:

Petitions for probate (regular and small estate)
Last wills and testaments
Letters of administration or letters testamentary
Inventories and appraisals
Accountings filed by the personal representative
Orders of court (distribution, final settlement, etc.)
Guardianship of the property of minors

Fees and Processing

Filing fees for probate matters in Maryland are set by statute and vary based on the value of the estate. The Register of Wills office can provide current fee amounts upon request. Copy fees and certification fees are also assessed when obtaining duplicate documents. Requests are typically processed within a few business days, though complex or older files may take longer if retrieval from off-site storage is necessary.

Historical Probate Records

For estates that predate the electronic filing system, paper files may be stored at the Register of Wills office or at the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis. The Archives maintains historical probate indexes and original estate documents for Anne Arundel County dating back to the colonial period. Researchers can contact the Archives or visit in person to access these materials.