Located in the northern part of Maryland, Baltimore County has a land area of 598.36 square miles, making it the third largest county in the state by land area. The county is home to 854,535 residents, including 328,611 households, according to the 2020 census. The county’s seat is Towson.

Courts in Baltimore County

Baltimore County’s court system is made up of the Maryland Circuit Court, District Court, and Orphans’ Court.

The Circuit Court is the highest court in Baltimore County. The court has a wide jurisdiction which covers all jury trials, major felony cases, family and juvenile matters, domestic violence petitions, and major civil claims of over $30,000. In addition to these, the court shares jurisdiction with the District Court over civil claims in which a plaintiff sues for a sum between $10,000 and $20,000.

The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil matters in which a plaintiff claims $5,000 or less, while it shares authority with the Circuit Court in matters over claims of $30,000 or less. It also shares criminal jurisdiction with the Circuit Court in misdemeanor cases and certain felonies punishable with imprisonment for three years or more or a fine of $2,500 or more. The District also has jurisdiction over landlord-tenant cases, replevin actions, and motor vehicle violations.

The Orphans’ Court exercises jurisdiction over all kinds of probate matters arising from Baltimore County, including trusts and wills, guardianships, and administration of a deceased estate.

Where to Find Public Court Records in Baltimore County

Each court has a clerk who keeps records of its cases. Baltimore County residents can access and obtain copies of these records by visiting the clerk of the court where the case was heard. Case summaries are also available electronically on the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. The online portal provides general information about cases which can be used to locate physical records in the relevant court.

Types of Public Court Records in Baltimore County

Court records refer to details of cases handled by a court. Baltimore County court records are generally considered public except when prevented from public access by law or by court order. Court records include:

• Documents
• Case information
• Exhibits
• Parties pleadings
• Case judgment

Confidential Court Records in Baltimore County

Confidential court records in Baltimore County are case records that are shielded from public access. They include records pertaining to

• Adoption
• Guardianship terminating parental rights
• Juvenile delinquency
• Mental health cases
• Financial statements filed in a case about spousal or child support.
• Judicial declaration of gender identity

Juvenile Delinquency in Baltimore, MD

Unfortunately, in many areas of the Baltimore County, juvenile delinquency issues are on the rise. There are many reasons for the rise in youth offenders. The juvenile sentence in Maryland often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of crimes, and other family matters.

In 2017, a total of 2 juvenile cases were reported for every 100,000 people age 10 to adulthood in the jurisdiction of Baltimore County. Of that total, 100% of those proceedings were delinquencies which equaled 2 court cases. Another 0% were dependency cases that accounted for 0 of the juvenile cases.

A lot of counties, including, Baltimore County, are focusing on family therapy and relationships rather than punishment for juvenile crimes. Future Baltimore County juvenile delinquency numbers will show whether or not this approach is working.

Government of Baltimore County, MD

https://www.maryland.gov/

County Seat:	Towson
Government Type:	County
Authority:	Home Rule
Year Organized:	1659
Total Square Miles:	682
2019 Population:	832,468
Persons/Square Mile:	0.00
County Contact:	400 Washington Ave County Courthouse Towson , MD 21204-4606 https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov

Baltimore County, MD Courts