Baltimore County Court Records Search
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Baltimore County, situated just north of Baltimore City in central Maryland, is one of the state’s most populated jurisdictions and generates a substantial volume of court filings each year. The county’s judicial system is anchored by two trial-level courts — the Circuit Court for Baltimore County (a court of general jurisdiction) and the District Court of Maryland (handling lower-level matters) — along with the Orphans’ Court, which serves as Maryland’s probate tribunal. The Clerk of the Circuit Court, currently Julie L. Ensor, maintains the official repository of circuit-level case records, including civil lawsuits, felony criminal proceedings, family law actions, and land records. The District Court Clerk’s offices separately maintain records for misdemeanors, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims.
Individuals seeking court records in Maryland can take advantage of the statewide Maryland Judiciary Case Search system, which provides free online access to case information from both Circuit and District Courts across the state. The broader Maryland courts website at MarylandCourts.us offers court directories, form libraries, fee schedules, and guidance on access policies. Within Baltimore County, records may also be obtained by visiting the appropriate clerk’s office in person, submitting a written mail request, or using public-access terminals available at the courthouse in Towson.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Baltimore County?
There are several ways to search for case records in Baltimore County, depending on the type of case and the level of detail needed.
Online Search via Maryland Case Search
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal is the primary free tool for locating court records statewide, including all Baltimore County Circuit Court and District Court cases. To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Case Search website.
- Enter the party’s name (last name, first name) in the search fields. A date of birth can narrow results.
- Click the search button to generate a list of matching cases.
- Select a specific case to view its docket entries, hearing dates, charges (in criminal matters), and disposition information.
Case Search displays summary-level data — docket entries, party names, attorneys, and case status — but does not provide downloadable copies of filed documents. For actual document copies, a request to the appropriate clerk’s office is necessary.
In-Person Requests
Individuals can visit the Clerk’s office during business hours to search records using public terminals or to request copies of specific documents. A valid case number expedites the process. The main courthouse location is:
Baltimore County Circuit Court — Clerk’s Office
Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, 2nd Floor, Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-2601
Toll-Free (Maryland): (800) 938-5802
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Mail Requests
Written requests for court records can be sent to:
Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County
P.O. Box 6754
Towson, MD 21285-6754
Include the case number (if known), the full names of the parties involved, the specific documents requested, and payment for any applicable copy fees. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “Clerk of the Court”.
Additional Online Resources
Land records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk can be searched for free through MDLandRec.net, the digital repository operated by the Maryland State Archives. Users must create a free account to view deed images and indices. Historical records and archived materials may also be available through the Maryland State Archives.
Are Court Records Public in Baltimore County?
Maryland law establishes a strong presumption that judicial records are open to public inspection. Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-914 govern access to court records and set forth both the right of public access and the categories of information that must be shielded or restricted. Under Rule 16-903(b), judicial records are presumed open unless a specific constitutional provision, statute, or court rule requires otherwise.
Despite this broad presumption, several categories of information are either redacted or withheld from public access:
- Personal identifiers: Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account numbers, and certain contact details are routinely redacted before records are made available to the public.
- Juvenile records: Cases involving minors in delinquency or child welfare proceedings are generally not accessible to the public.
- Sealed records: Any case or document that a judge has ordered sealed — whether in criminal, civil, or family matters — remains inaccessible without a court order.
- Domestic violence protective order records: Certain information within these filings is restricted to protect victim safety.
- Expunged records: Criminal records that have been expunged under Maryland law are removed from public databases.
The Maryland Judiciary publishes frequently asked questions about judicial record access that detail how to request restrictions, how to challenge denials of access, and how confidential information is handled across both Circuit and District Courts.
For District Court records specifically, the Maryland Courts website provides a dedicated page on access to judicial records explaining the scope of public availability and the procedures for obtaining copies.
Baltimore County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Baltimore County are divided between the Circuit Court, which handles felonies and more serious offenses, and the District Court, which adjudicates misdemeanors, certain felonies, and traffic violations. The District Court does not conduct jury trials; defendants charged with jury-triable offenses may have their cases transferred to the Circuit Court.
Searching Criminal Cases
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search includes criminal case data from both courts. Users can search by defendant name and date of birth to retrieve case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. The Circuit Court also publishes a daily docket listing scheduled criminal proceedings, assigned judges, and case numbers.
Criminal Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court (felonies, jury trials) | 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 | (410) 887-2601 |
| District Court — Towson | 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286 | (410) 512-2000 |
| District Court — Catonsville | 1 Rolling Cross Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 | (410) 512-2500 |
| District Court — Essex | 8914 Kelso Drive, Essex, MD 21221 | (410) 512-2300 |
All locations operate Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Baltimore County Police Department provides copies of crime and accident reports by mail. There is a $15 fee per report (free for crime victims). Requests should include the report number, incident date and location, names of individuals involved, and a check or money order payable to “Baltimore County, Maryland”. Mail requests to:
Baltimore County Police Department
Information & Records Management Unit — Records Requests
700 East Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286-5501
Reports involving juvenile suspects are not released under Maryland law, and reports are only available once the investigation is complete. For more details, call (410) 887-2390 or visit the Police Department’s report request page.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository, operated by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, processes fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Key fees include:
- State-only background check (mail-in): $18
- State-only with Gold Seal letter (mail-in): $19
- Full state and FBI background check — authorized agencies only (mail-in): $30
In-person fingerprinting adds a $20 CJIS service fee. Maryland residents can use any authorized fingerprinting location. Out-of-state individuals must request a fingerprint card from CJIS at P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708, or by calling (410) 764-4501 (toll-free: (888) 795-0011). Third parties cannot obtain another individual’s criminal history without proper authorization.
Baltimore County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Baltimore County is split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy.
Jurisdictional Thresholds
The District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over civil claims of $5,000 or less and shares concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court for claims between $5,000 and $30,000. The Circuit Court handles all cases exceeding $30,000. Small claims actions — which follow simplified procedures — are limited to $5,000 and are heard exclusively in the District Court.
Filing Fees
The Circuit Court Fee Schedule and the District Court Cost Schedule (Form DCA-109) list the current charges. Representative fees include:
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court civil filing (individual without attorney) | $165 (includes $80 filing fee, $55 MLSC surcharge, $30 Records Improvement Fund) |
| District Court small claims complaint | $44 |
| District Court service by sheriff/constable | $60 per defendant |
| District Court service by clerk (mailing) | $20 per defendant |
Searching Civil Records
Civil case summaries are available through Case Search. For copies of pleadings, orders, or judgments, contact the Clerk’s office at (410) 887-2601 or submit a written request to the mailing address listed above. Copy fees are typically $0.50 per page, with an additional charge for certification.
Land Records
The Clerk of the Circuit Court also records deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. These records are searchable online through MDLandRec.net or in person at the Land Records Division of the Clerk’s office. For phone inquiries about land records, call (410) 887-2650. Property assessment and ownership data can be cross-referenced through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation’s real property search.
Baltimore County Family Court Records
Baltimore County does not operate a separate family court. Instead, family law cases are heard within the Circuit Court, which handles divorce and annulment proceedings, child custody and visitation disputes, child support actions, adoption petitions, guardianship of minors, and domestic violence protective orders.
Accessing Family Case Records
Family law case information appears in Case Search alongside other Circuit Court filings. To obtain copies of specific documents — such as divorce decrees, custody orders, or support agreements — contact the Clerk’s office at (410) 887-2601 or submit a written request by mail.
Divorce Records
To request a divorce decree or annulment by mail or email, provide the case number (if available) or the full names of both parties, specify which document is needed, and enclose payment. Copy fees are $0.50 per page, with an additional $5 for a certified copy. Checks or money orders should be made payable to “Clerk of the Court”. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) and cash are also accepted in person. Mail requests to:
Baltimore County Clerk’s Office
P.O. Box 6754
Towson, MD 21285-6754
The Maryland Vital Statistics Administration can issue a divorce verification letter for $12 plus processing fees. This verification confirms the names of the parties, the type of action, the county, and the date of the decree, but it is not the official court document.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk’s License Division. The fee is $35 in Baltimore County, payable by cash, credit card, check, or money order. Key requirements:
- At least one applicant must appear in person at 401 Bosley Avenue, 2nd Floor, Towson, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Each applicant must provide proof of age (birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport) and a Social Security number.
- If either party was previously married, details of all prior divorce dates and locations are required.
- The license is not effective for 48 hours after application and remains valid for six months.
- Non-residents may use the Non-Resident Marriage License Application-Affidavit form.
Civil marriage ceremonies are performed at the courthouse for an additional $25, by appointment only. To schedule, call (410) 887-2607 or book online at picktime.com/ccbaltcoclerk.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Division of Vital Records of the Maryland Department of Health, not by the courts. The state fee for a birth certificate is $10; a death certificate costs $10 for the first copy and $12 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Requests can be submitted by appointment, by mail, or through local health departments. Eligibility is restricted — birth certificates are available to the individual, parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or authorized representatives; death certificates are limited to surviving relatives, authorized representatives, or funeral directors.
Baltimore County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Baltimore County are administered by the Orphans’ Court and the Register of Wills, both located in the County Courts Building in Towson. The Orphans’ Court is Maryland’s dedicated probate court, overseeing the administration of decedents’ estates, the appointment and supervision of personal representatives, and the approval of attorney fees and commissions from estate assets. The Register of Wills serves as the filing office and administrative arm for all probate proceedings.
Register of Wills — Baltimore County
Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-6680
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (no walk-in customers after 4:00 p.m.)
Orphans’ Court
Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, Suite 3507, Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-6516
Fax: (410) 296-5480
Searching Probate Records
The Register of Wills maintains an online search system for estate records. Copies of probate documents can be requested by phone at (410) 887-6688 (Records Division) or ordered through the online system. In-person requests are also accepted at the office. Visitors must pass through security scanners at the courthouse entrance.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate fees are based on the total gross value of the estate. The current fee schedule, effective for estates opened on or after October 1, 2022, is published on the Register of Wills fee page:
| Estate Value | Probate Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $50,000 | $0 |
| $50,000–$99,999 | $100 |
| $100,000–$499,999 | $200 |
| $500,000–$999,999 | $1,000 |
| $1,000,000–$2,499,999 | $2,000 |
| $2,500,000–$4,999,999 | $5,000 |
| $5,000,000–$7,499,999 | $7,500 |
| $7,500,000–$9,999,999 | $10,000 |
| $10,000,000 and above | $10,000 plus 0.02% of amount over $10,000,000 |
Small estates (valued at $50,000 or less, or up to $100,000 when a surviving spouse is the sole heir) incur no probate fee.
Other Register of Wills Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing a will for safekeeping | $5 |
| Plain copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies | $0.50 per page plus $2 |
| Exemplified copies (for out-of-state use) | $0.50 per page plus $6 |
| Letters of Administration | $1 |
| Claims fee | $3 |
| Caveat/contested matters | $20 |
| Copy of court hearing recording | $25 |
Opening an Estate
Before visiting the office, the Register strongly encourages calling (410) 887-6680 to review the required documents checklist and confirm that all necessary paperwork is in order. Helpful publications include the Administration of Estates pamphlet, information on small estates (up to $50,000), and guidance on regular estates (over $50,000). Wills may also be filed for safekeeping by mailing the original document with a $5 fee via certified mail, including the last four digits of the testator’s Social Security number for proper indexing.
Guardianship
The Register of Wills office provides resources for individuals seeking guardianship of a minor, including a guardianship manual, a guardian checklist, and a training video. The Maryland Judiciary also offers a formal guardian of a minor training program.