Anne Arundel County Court Records
What Is Anne Arundel County Court Records
Court records in Anne Arundel County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records are maintained pursuant to Maryland Rules on Access to Court Records and include a comprehensive array of legal documents.
Court records typically consist of:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These judicial records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. According to Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101, court records are specifically defined as "all official papers filed in connection with litigation."
In Anne Arundel County, court records are maintained by several courts:
- Circuit Court (handling major civil cases, felonies, family law)
- District Court (handling misdemeanors, minor civil matters, traffic cases)
- Orphans' Court (handling probate and estate matters)
The Maryland Judiciary maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and access policies established under Maryland Rules Title 16, Chapter 900, which governs public access to judicial records.
Are Court Records Public In Anne Arundel County
Court records in Anne Arundel County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Maryland's commitment to judicial transparency. The Maryland Public Information Act and Maryland Rules Title 16, Chapter 900 establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule.
Under Maryland Rule 16-902, the public has a right to inspect judicial records with certain limitations. Records typically available for public access include:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files (post-charging documents)
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket entries and case indices
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
However, Maryland law establishes important exceptions to public access. Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-934, certain records are automatically shielded from public inspection, including:
- Adoption records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Mental health case records
- Certain family law matters involving child custody evaluations
- Records containing specific personal identifier information
- Records sealed by court order
The Maryland Judiciary balances the public's right to access information with individual privacy concerns and the administration of justice. Court administrators may redact sensitive information from otherwise public records before releasing them for inspection.
How To Find Court Records in Anne Arundel County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Anne Arundel County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Maryland Judiciary provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:
Online Access:
- Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal to search for case information
- Access the JPortal system for electronic court records
- Search the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system for cases filed electronically
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Clerk's Office at the appropriate courthouse during business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
- Present valid identification when requesting records
- Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)
Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County
8 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1397
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
251 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1370
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
- Include payment for copy fees (check or money order)
For certified copies of court documents, additional fees apply. The Maryland Judiciary currently charges $5.00 for each certification in addition to copy fees. Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-905, courts may waive fees for indigent requesters who complete a fee waiver application.
How To Look Up Court Records in Anne Arundel County Online?
Anne Arundel County residents and interested parties can access court records through several official online portals maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. These digital resources provide convenient access to case information without requiring a visit to the courthouse.
The primary online resources include:
Maryland Judiciary Case Search This comprehensive database provides public access to case records from both the District and Circuit Courts. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney name
- Filing date range
The system displays case status, hearing dates, party information, charge details for criminal cases, and docket entries. To access this resource, visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal.
JPortal The JPortal system serves as the gateway to multiple Maryland Judiciary applications, including:
- MDEC File & Serve (for attorneys and self-represented litigants)
- Digital court records access
- Case document viewing (for registered users)
Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) For cases filed electronically, the MDEC system provides access to:
- Case documents (for registered users)
- Filing status information
- Electronic service of documents
When searching online records, users should note that:
- Some sensitive case types may not appear in public searches
- Document images may require registration and fees
- Older cases may have limited information available online
- Case information is updated nightly, not in real-time
The Maryland Judiciary continually enhances its online services to improve public access while maintaining appropriate privacy protections for sensitive information contained in court records.
How To Search Anne Arundel County Court Records for Free?
Anne Arundel County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records, in accordance with Maryland's commitment to public access to judicial information. The Maryland Public Information Act and court rules establish the right to inspect records without charge, though fees may apply for copies.
Free Online Resources:
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search - This comprehensive database offers free searches of case information, including party names, case types, filing dates, and docket entries. No registration or fees are required for basic case information searches.
-
Maryland Judiciary ePortal - This portal provides free access to court schedules, case status information, and limited document information without requiring registration.
Free In-Person Access:
- Public Access Terminals - Both the Circuit Court and District Court in Anne Arundel County maintain computer terminals for public use during regular business hours. These terminals provide more comprehensive access than online systems.
Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County
8 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1397
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
251 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1370
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
- Record Review - Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-904, members of the public may inspect non-restricted court records at no charge during normal business hours.
While inspection of records is free, the following fees currently apply for copies:
- Standard copies: $0.50 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs
- Electronic copies (where available): Varies by document type and size
Individuals with limited financial resources may apply for a fee waiver using the official court form available from the District Court Forms page.
What's Included in a Anne Arundel County Court Record?
Court records in Anne Arundel County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but generally include the following components as outlined in the Maryland Rules on Court Records:
Civil Case Records typically include:
- Initial complaint or petition
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (if ordered)
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
Criminal Case Records typically include:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Bail and pretrial release information
- Defense motions and prosecution responses
- Evidence suppression hearing documentation
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and evidence logs
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing information
- Probation/parole documentation
- Appeal records (if applicable)
Family Law Case Records typically include:
- Divorce or custody petitions
- Financial statements and asset disclosures
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Domestic violence protective orders (if applicable)
- Mediation reports
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Final divorce decrees or custody orders
Probate Records typically include:
- Will and testament documents
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Personal representative appointments
- Distribution plans
- Final accounting documents
Each court record also contains a docket sheet or case summary that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, including filings, hearings, and judicial decisions. This serves as an index to the complete case file.
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-934, certain sensitive information may be redacted or shielded from public view, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers.
How Long Does Anne Arundel County Keep Court Records?
Anne Arundel County courts maintain records according to the Maryland Judiciary Records Retention Schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for preserving various types of court documents. These retention periods are mandated by Maryland Rule 16-505 and vary based on case type and document significance.
Circuit Court Retention Periods:
- Major felony cases (murder, rape): Permanent retention
- Other felony cases: 20 years after case closure
- Civil cases: 12 years after final judgment
- Domestic/family law cases: 30 years after final decree
- Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
- Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)
- Land records and property cases: Permanent retention
- Wills and estate matters: Permanent retention
District Court Retention Periods:
- Criminal misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after disposition
- Civil cases under $30,000: 10 years after judgment
- Landlord-tenant cases: 3 years after disposition
- Domestic violence protective orders: 10 years after expiration
The Maryland Judiciary has implemented a comprehensive electronic records management system that allows for longer retention of digital records than was previously possible with paper files. Many records that were once destroyed after their retention period are now maintained electronically for extended periods.
For historical cases predating electronic recordkeeping, researchers may need to contact the Maryland State Archives, which serves as the repository for older court records. The Archives maintains permanent collections of historically significant court documents from Anne Arundel County dating back to the colonial period.
Records scheduled for destruction undergo review to ensure compliance with retention requirements. Pursuant to Maryland Code, State Government § 10-633, records with permanent historical value are transferred to the Maryland State Archives rather than being destroyed.
Types of Courts In Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Maryland's unified court system. Each court handles specific types of cases as prescribed by state law.
Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County
8 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1397
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
The Circuit Court serves as the county's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, serious criminal matters, family law cases, and appeals from the District Court. It is divided into several specialized divisions including Civil, Criminal, Family, and Juvenile.
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County - Annapolis Location
251 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1370
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County - Glen Burnie Location
7500 Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
410-260-1800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
The District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases involving claims up to $30,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and protective orders.
Orphans' Court of Anne Arundel County
8 Church Circle, Room 207
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1430
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Register of Wills for Anne Arundel County
The Orphans' Court oversees probate matters, including will validation, estate administration, and guardianship of minors' property.
Maryland Appellate Courts (Located in Anne Arundel County)
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Maryland Appellate Courts
Anne Arundel County is unique in that it hosts Maryland's appellate courts:
- Supreme Court of Maryland (formerly Court of Appeals) - The state's highest court
- Appellate Court of Maryland (formerly Court of Special Appeals) - The intermediate appellate court
These courts hear appeals from Circuit Courts throughout Maryland and establish precedent for the entire state judicial system.
What Types of Cases Do Anne Arundel County Courts Hear?
Anne Arundel County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as established by Maryland law. The following breakdown details the types of cases heard by each court:
Circuit Court Case Types:
- Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $30,000)
- Real property disputes and foreclosures
- Serious criminal cases (felonies)
- Family law matters:
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and visitation
- Alimony and marital property division
- Adoption and guardianship
- Name changes
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Juvenile dependency (child welfare) cases
- Appeals from District Court decisions
- Administrative agency appeals
The Circuit Court also maintains specialized dockets including:
- Business and Technology Case Management Program
- Drug Treatment Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
- Mental Health Court
District Court Case Types:
- Civil claims up to $30,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
- Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)
- Small claims (civil matters under $5,000)
- Criminal misdemeanors
- Motor vehicle violations
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Domestic violence and peace order petitions
- Bail reviews
Orphans' Court Case Types:
- Probate of wills
- Appointment of personal representatives
- Supervision of estate administration
- Resolution of estate disputes
- Guardianship of minors' property
Maryland Appellate Courts: The appellate courts located in Anne Arundel County hear appeals from throughout Maryland:
-
Supreme Court of Maryland:
- Reviews select cases from the Appellate Court
- Addresses significant constitutional questions
- Resolves conflicts in legal interpretation
-
Appellate Court of Maryland:
- Reviews appeals from Circuit Court decisions
- Examines legal errors in trial proceedings
- Reviews administrative agency decisions
According to the Maryland Courts Annual Statistical Report, Anne Arundel County courts process thousands of cases annually, with the District Court handling the highest volume, particularly in traffic and landlord-tenant matters.
How To Find a Court Docket In Anne Arundel County
Court dockets in Anne Arundel County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. These valuable records help track case progress and upcoming court dates. Several methods exist for accessing docket information:
Online Docket Access:
-
Maryland Judiciary Case Search - This free online portal allows users to search for case information by name, case number, or filing date. Docket entries show the history of filings, hearings, and judicial actions.
-
JPortal - Registered users can access more detailed docket information and document images through this portal, which serves as the gateway to Maryland's electronic court system.
In-Person Docket Review:
- Court Clerk's Office - Visitors may request to view docket information at public terminals located in the clerk's offices at both the Circuit and District Courts.
Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County
8 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1397
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
251 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1370
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
Court Calendar Information:
- Daily court calendars listing scheduled hearings are posted in courthouse lobbies
- The Maryland Judiciary website provides searchable court schedules
Requesting Docket Information: To request specific docket information:
- Identify the court where the case is filed
- Provide the case number (if known) or party names
- Specify the docket information needed
- Submit request to the appropriate clerk's office
For historical dockets predating electronic records, researchers may need to submit a written request to the clerk's office. Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-904, the public has the right to inspect docket information during normal business hours.
Attorneys and registered parties to a case may receive electronic notifications of docket updates through the MDEC system, providing real-time alerts when new entries are made in their cases.
Which Courts in Anne Arundel County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Maryland judicial system, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" is established by Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 1-501. This distinction determines whether proceedings are formally recorded and transcribed, creating an official verbatim record that can be used in appeals.
In Anne Arundel County, the following are classified as courts not of record:
Orphans' Court of Anne Arundel County
8 Church Circle, Room 207
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1430
Register of Wills for Anne Arundel County
The Orphans' Court is technically classified as a court not of record under Maryland law. While it maintains written documentation of its proceedings and decisions, it does not routinely create verbatim transcripts of hearings. When appeals are taken from Orphans' Court decisions, they proceed to the Circuit Court for a de novo hearing (completely new proceeding) rather than a review of a transcript.
Administrative Hearing Bodies: Various administrative tribunals that operate in Anne Arundel County are not courts of record, including:
- Office of Administrative Hearings (for various state agency matters)
- Local zoning appeals boards
- Tax assessment appeal hearings
- School board disciplinary hearings
These administrative bodies maintain written records of their proceedings but typically do not create court reporter transcripts unless specifically requested.
By contrast, the following Anne Arundel County courts are courts of record:
Circuit Court of Anne Arundel County
All proceedings are recorded, and verbatim transcripts can be produced for appeals or other purposes. Appeals from Circuit Court decisions go directly to the Appellate Court of Maryland based on the record created at trial.
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
While technically a court of record as it records all proceedings, appeals from District Court decisions to the Circuit Court are heard de novo (new trials) rather than on the record. However, the District Court can produce transcripts of proceedings when needed.
Maryland Appellate Courts
Both the Supreme Court of Maryland and the Appellate Court of Maryland are courts of record, with all oral arguments and proceedings recorded and transcribed.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record impacts how appeals are handled and the nature of appellate review.
Lookup Court Records in Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County Court Directory