Court records in Anne Arundel County, Maryland can be searched through several channels. AnneArundelCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also use official Maryland Judiciary online tools, visit the court clerks' offices in person, or use public access terminals at the courthouses. The Circuit Court and District Court each maintain their own records, so knowing which court handled a case is the first step toward locating the right docket.
Anne Arundel Court System & Jurisdictions
Anne Arundel County is served by two trial-level courts, each handling different case types. Understanding which court has jurisdiction over a matter determines where to search for docket information.
Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Major civil cases (claims exceeding $30,000)
- Family law matters — divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases
- Land records and property disputes
- Appeals from the District Court and administrative agencies
The Anne Arundel County courts directory provides contact details and directions for the Circuit Court, located in Annapolis.
District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel County
The District Court in Anne Arundel County handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases and certain felonies
- Traffic violations
- Civil cases up to $30,000
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
- Landlord/tenant disputes
- Replevin actions
- Peace orders
There is no separate small claims court in Maryland — small claims are a subset of District Court civil cases. Similarly, traffic matters are heard in the District Court rather than a standalone traffic court.
Orphans' Court / Register of Wills
Probate and estate matters in Anne Arundel County are handled by the Orphans' Court and the Register of Wills. Estate case records can be searched through the Register of Wills estate search portal. Probate forms are available on the Register of Wills forms page.
Anne Arundel Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Anne Arundel County are available through the Maryland Judiciary's online systems. To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or later in the week:
- Visit JPortal, the Maryland Judiciary's gateway to court records and scheduling information.
- Use Maryland Judiciary Case Search to look up a specific case number or party name — scheduled hearing dates appear in the case detail.
- For the Circuit Court, daily court calendars are typically posted at the courthouse and may be available through the clerk's office by phone.
- For the District Court, contact the Annapolis District Court clerk's office to confirm hearing schedules.
Public access terminals inside both courthouses also display current-day dockets. If you need to verify a specific hearing time, call the clerk's office directly — online calendars may not reflect last-minute changes or continuances.
How to Get a Copy of an Anne Arundel Court Document
Online Access
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides free public access to case information from both the District Court and Circuit Court. You can search by party name, case number, or other identifiers. Case Search shows docket entries, charges, and disposition information, but it generally does not provide downloadable copies of filed documents such as motions, orders, or pleadings.
To obtain actual document copies, you will usually need to contact the clerk's office.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court or the District Court clerk's office to request copies of specific filings. Bring the case number if possible — it speeds up the search significantly. Staff can provide either certified or uncertified copies.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
District Court — Annapolis:
By Mail
You can request copies by mail from the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Include:
- The full case number
- A description of the specific document(s) you need
- Your return mailing address
- A check or money order for the applicable fees (payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court")
Mail requests to the Circuit Court Clerk at the address above. Processing times vary; allow at least one to two weeks.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the court seal and clerk's signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, and official purposes.
Restricted Records
Certain records are shielded or sealed under Maryland law. Juvenile cases, some domestic violence filings, and expunged records are not available to the general public. If your record qualifies, you may petition for expungement through the court. Shielding request forms are available on the District Court forms page.
Anne Arundel Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record searches, copies, and certifications in Maryland are set by statute and court rule. The following table reflects standard fees for the Circuit Court Clerk's office. District Court fees are generally the same for copy and certification services.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 |
| Court record search (per name) | $10.00 |
| Authenticated copy (with seal) | $5.00 plus copy charges |
Payment methods:
- In person — cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (accepted at most clerk windows)
- By mail — check or money order payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court"
Fee amounts are based on Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article and the Maryland Rules. Confirm current fees with the clerk's office before submitting payment, as amounts may be updated by administrative order.
For background checks — which are separate from court record searches — the Maryland DPSCS Criminal Justice Information System handles criminal history requests statewide.