When you have a legal matter to address in Maryland, your case will be heard at one of the numerous Maryland courthouse locations scattered throughout the state. Since there are so many types of courthouses, you might be wondering where to go and what to expect when you get there. Here’s what you need to know about courthouses in Maryland.
What Types of Courts Are There in Maryland?
Like other states, Maryland has different types of courts that serve specific purposes. These include state and federal courts. State courts hear a wide variety of cases, including criminal, family law, and probate matters. There are also state-level appellate courts that review decisions made by other judges.
Maryland has several federal courthouses. Federal courts do not hear the same variety of cases that state courts do. For example, they are not typically involved in child custody disputes, divorces, probate matters, and minor cases involving the interpretation of state laws.
There are far more state courthouses in Maryland than federal courthouses. This makes it even more important that you find the court at which your case will be heard. Traveling to the wrong courthouse can result in you missing your hearing. This can put you in serious legal trouble.
Where to Find Federal Courthouses in Maryland
The United States District Court for the District of Maryland is the state’s trial-level federal court.
Cases are heard in one of three courthouses:
- Baltimore: 101 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Greenbelt: 6500 Cherrywood Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770
- Salisbury: 129 E. Main Street, Room 104, Salisbury, MD 21803
The Clerk’s Office is located at the district’s main office in Baltimore and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can contact the Baltimore courthouse by calling 410-962-2600 or the Greenbelt location by calling 301-344-0660.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals hears appeals from federal cases decided in Maryland. However, the Fourth Circuit’s courthouse is in Richmond, Virginia.
Where Maryland State Courts Are Located
Maryland’s state court system includes five different types of courts:
- The Supreme Court of Maryland, the state’s highest appellate court
- The Appellate Court of Maryland, the intermediate appellate court in the state
- Circuit Courts, which hear more serious criminal matters and civil issues
- District Courts, which hear minor criminal matters, traffic matters, and other issues that can be decided without a jury trial
- Orphans’ Courts, which hear probate and guardianship matters
These courts can be found at courthouses located throughout the state.
The Supreme Court of Maryland and the Appellate Court of Maryland
Both of Maryland’s appellate-level courts are located in Annapolis at the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building. This building is located at 361 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401. The courthouse is open each day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You should be aware that these courts have different contact numbers. To reach the Supreme Court of Maryland, you can call 410-260-1500 or 410-260-1554 (TTY). The Appellate Court of Maryland can be reached at 410-260-1450 or 888-200-7444.
State District Courts and Circuit Courts
All Maryland counties, along with the city of Baltimore, have a district court and circuit court located within their respective jurisdictions. This means that the state has 24 district courts and 24 circuit courts, each with its own courthouse location and phone number. The Maryland state courts’ webpage has links to these various courts and their contact information.
Generally, a county’s district or circuit court will have jurisdiction over your matter if the defendant in your case lives in that county. It may also exercise jurisdiction if the event that gave rise to the legal matter took place there. For example, Baltimore’s district court will have jurisdiction over a traffic case if you were caught speeding within the city’s limits.
State Orphans’ Courts
Most counties in Maryland, as well as the City of Baltimore, have an Orphans’ Court located within their jurisdictions. These courts oversee probate matters, and they may handle some issues regarding the guardianship of minors.
The only counties that do not have Orphans’ Courts are Harford County, Howard County, and Montgomery County. In each of these counties, a judge with that county’s Circuit Court presides over matters that would typically come before an Orphans’ Court.
Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Maryland
Getting to the right Maryland courthouse is just the first of many obstacles you must overcome when you face a criminal charge. If you have been charged with drug possession, homicide, domestic violence, or any other crime, Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys can help. Contact us immediately to discuss your case.
