St. Mary's County Court Records

What Is St. Mary's County Court Records

Court records in St. Mary's County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and are maintained pursuant to Maryland Rules on Court Records Access. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
• Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
• Court orders and judicial decisions
• Judgments and decrees
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Marriage and divorce records
• Probate and estate documentation

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by other government agencies. According to Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101, court records fall under specific access provisions that balance transparency with privacy concerns.

In St. Mary's County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:

St. Mary's County Circuit Court
41605 Courthouse Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-7844
St. Mary's County Circuit Court

District Court of Maryland for St. Mary's County
23110 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-880-2700
District Court of Maryland

These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations, generating records for each proceeding.

Are Court Records Public In St. Mary's County

Court records in St. Mary's County are generally public pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), § 4-201, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, should be accessible to the public. Additionally, the Maryland Rules on Access to Court Records, specifically Rule 16-901, governs access to judicial records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
• Criminal case files after charges have been filed
• Court judgments and orders
• Docket sheets and case indices
• Court hearing schedules
• Property and probate records
• Marriage and divorce records

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. Maryland law and court rules establish several exceptions to protect privacy, safety, and other important interests. Records that may be restricted include:

• Juvenile court records (per Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27)
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health proceedings
• Certain family law matters
• Records sealed by court order
• Cases involving domestic violence or sexual assault victims
• Pre-sentence investigation reports
• Grand jury proceedings

It's important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are governed by federal rules and policies, which differ from state regulations. Access to these records is provided through the federal PACER system rather than county or state systems.

How To Find Court Records in St. Mary's County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in St. Mary's County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Maryland Judiciary has established multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
• Complete a record request form available at the clerk's office
• Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
• Present valid photo identification
• Pay applicable copy fees ($0.50 per page for standard copies)

Mail Requests:

• Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office
• Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
• Include payment for copy fees (check or money order)

Online Access:

• Use Maryland Judiciary Case Search for basic case information
• Access Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) for participating counties
• Register for subscription services for expanded access

Records Request Form: The Maryland Judiciary provides standardized request forms for court records. These forms can be obtained from the Maryland Courts website or in person at any courthouse.

For certified copies of court documents, additional fees apply, currently $5.00 per certification plus copy costs. Payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit cards at most locations.

Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-905, requests for court records must be responded to "within a reasonable time" after receipt. Complex requests may take longer to process than simple, single-document requests.

How To Look Up Court Records in St. Mary's County Online?

St. Mary's County residents and interested parties can access court records through several online portals maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. These digital resources provide convenient access to case information without requiring a courthouse visit:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This free public portal provides access to case information from all Maryland District and Circuit Courts, including St. Mary's County courts.

1. Navigate to Maryland Judiciary Case Search
2. Accept the terms and conditions
3. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
4. Review case summary information, including:
   • Case status and type
   • Party information
   • Scheduled hearings
   • Docket entries
   • Case disposition

Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC): MDEC provides registered users with expanded access to court documents:

1. Create an account at MDEC
2. Select appropriate user type (attorney, party, general public)
3. Pay applicable subscription fees if required
4. Search for cases using available criteria
5. View or download available documents

Maryland Land Records: For property-related court records:

1. Visit MDLandRec.net
2. Register for a free account
3. Search by property address, owner name, or document type
4. Access deeds, mortgages, liens, and related court documents

When using online systems, users should note that:

• Not all court documents are available electronically
• Some records may be restricted by law or court rule
• Older records may not be digitized
• Technical limitations may affect document quality
• User fees may apply for certain services or document types

For assistance with online record searches, contact the St. Mary's County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 301-475-7844 or the District Court at 301-880-2700 during regular business hours.

How To Search St. Mary's County Court Records for Free?

Maryland law provides for free public inspection of court records, with certain limitations. According to Maryland Rule 16-904, while inspection of records is generally free, courts may charge reasonable fees for copies or certified documents.

Free options for accessing St. Mary's County court records include:

In-Person Inspection:

• Visit the courthouse during public hours
• Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
• Examine documents on-site at no charge
• Take notes from records without cost
• Self-service computer terminals are available for free searches

Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This comprehensive online database provides free access to case information:

• Available at Maryland Judiciary Case Search
• No registration or fees required
• Provides case status, party information, and docket entries
• Updated regularly with new case information
• Available 24/7 except during maintenance periods

Public Law Library: The St. Mary's County Law Library provides free access to:

• Legal research materials
• Public computer terminals
• Assistance with locating court records
• Reference services for legal information

Maryland Land Records: Property-related court documents are available at:

• MDLandRec.net
• Free registration required
• No search or viewing fees

While inspection is free, copy fees still apply when requesting physical or electronic copies of documents. Current fees include:

• Regular copies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 certification fee plus copy costs
• Electronic copies (where available): Varies by court and document type

What's Included in a St. Mary's County Court Record?

Court records in St. Mary's County contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A comprehensive court record typically includes:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the case
• Summons and proof of service
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Court orders and rulings
• Exhibits and evidence admitted
• Transcripts of hearings (if ordered)
• Final judgment or dismissal
• Post-judgment motions and orders
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (indictment or information)
• Arrest warrant or summons
• Bail or bond information
• Defendant's plea
• Motions filed by prosecution or defense
• Evidence lists and chain of custody documents
• Court orders on evidence suppression or admissibility
• Verdict or plea agreement
• Sentencing information
• Probation terms and conditions
• Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Family Law Records:

• Divorce or separation petitions
• Child custody and support documents
• Parenting plans
• Financial statements and affidavits
• Property division agreements
• Domestic violence protective orders
• Adoption petitions and decrees
• Name change petitions and orders

Probate Records:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Personal representative appointments
• Distribution plans
• Final accountings
• Estate closing documents

Each document within a court record contains specific information relevant to the case proceedings, creating a chronological history of the legal matter from filing through resolution.

How Long Does St. Mary's County Keep Court Records?

St. Mary's County courts maintain records according to the Maryland Judiciary Records Retention Schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for preserving different types of court documents. These retention periods are mandated by state law and court administrative rules.

Circuit Court Record Retention:

• Civil case files: 12 years after case closure
• Criminal felony cases: Permanent retention
• Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
• Domestic relations cases: 80 years after case closure
• Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
• Adoption records: Permanent retention
• Probate records: Permanent retention
• Land records: Permanent retention
• Marriage licenses: Permanent retention
• Divorce decrees: Permanent retention

District Court Record Retention:

• Civil cases: 3 years after case closure
• Criminal cases: 3 years after case closure for minor offenses
• DUI/DWI cases: 10 years after case closure
• Domestic violence cases: 5 years after case closure
• Traffic citations: 3 years after disposition

Records scheduled for destruction after their retention period may be transferred to the Maryland State Archives for historical preservation if deemed to have significant historical or research value. Additionally, pursuant to Maryland Code, State Government § 9-1015, certain records must be reviewed by the state archivist before destruction.

Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The Maryland Judiciary continues to digitize older paper records to improve accessibility while maintaining compliance with retention requirements.

Individuals seeking older records that may have been transferred to the Maryland State Archives should contact:

Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-6400
Maryland State Archives

Types of Courts In St. Mary's County

St. Mary's County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities within Maryland's unified court system:

St. Mary's County Circuit Court
41605 Courthouse Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-7844
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
St. Mary's County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, serious criminal matters, family law cases, and appeals from the District Court. It conducts jury trials and maintains land records, marriage licenses, and other permanent records.

District Court of Maryland for St. Mary's County
23110 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-880-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
District Court of Maryland

The District Court handles misdemeanors, minor civil cases (under $30,000), traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and protective orders. It operates without juries, with appeals going to the Circuit Court.

Orphans' Court for St. Mary's County
41605 Courthouse Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-5574
Hours: Tuesday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Maryland Orphans' Court

Despite its name, the Orphans' Court handles probate matters and estate administration, not cases involving children. It oversees will validation, executor appointments, and estate distribution.

Maryland's court hierarchy continues above the county level with:

Court of Special Appeals
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1450
Maryland Court of Special Appeals

This intermediate appellate court hears appeals from Circuit Courts throughout Maryland.

Maryland Court of Appeals
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1500
Maryland Court of Appeals

As Maryland's highest court, it hears select appeals from the Court of Special Appeals and cases involving important legal questions.

What Types of Cases Do St. Mary's County Courts Hear?

St. Mary's County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Maryland law:

Circuit Court Case Types:

• Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $30,000)
• Serious criminal cases (felonies and major misdemeanors)
• Family law matters:
  • Divorce and annulment proceedings
  • Child custody and visitation disputes
  • Child support establishment and modification
  • Adoption and guardianship
  • Name changes
• Equity cases
• Real property disputes
• Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
• Jury trials for both civil and criminal matters
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Child welfare cases (CINA - Children in Need of Assistance)

District Court Case Types:

• Civil claims up to $30,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes and eviction proceedings
• Small claims (up to $5,000)
• Minor criminal cases (misdemeanors)
• Traffic violations
• Peace and protective orders
• Preliminary hearings for felony cases
• Bail hearings
• Municipal ordinance violations
• Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)

Orphans' Court Case Types:

• Probate of wills
• Appointment of personal representatives
• Oversight of estate administration
• Resolution of estate disputes
• Guardianship of minors' property (in some cases)
• Review of personal representative accounts
• Approval of estate distributions

Each court operates under specific rules of procedure established by the Maryland Judiciary. The jurisdiction of these courts is defined by Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 1-501 for Circuit Courts and § 4-301 for District Courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In St. Mary's County

Court dockets in St. Mary's County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case listings for the county's courts. These dockets are accessible through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

• Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides docket information for all cases

  1. Accept the terms and conditions
  2. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
  3. View docket entries showing all actions in chronological order
  4. Check upcoming hearing dates and times

• Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC)

  1. Register for an account
  2. Search for specific cases
  3. View detailed docket information
  4. Access available court documents

In-Person Docket Review:

• Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
• Request to view the daily or weekly docket
• Public terminals are available for searching case information
• Staff can assist with locating specific cases or proceedings

Telephone Information:

• Circuit Court: Call 301-475-7844 for docket information
• District Court: Call 301-880-2700 for hearing schedules
• Provide case number or party names when inquiring

Daily Court Calendars:

• Posted in courthouse lobbies each morning
• List cases scheduled for that day by courtroom
• Include hearing times and presiding judges
• Available for public viewing during court hours

For attorneys and frequent court users, subscription services are available that provide enhanced docket tracking and notification features. These services may include email alerts for case updates and calendar changes.

When searching for docket information, having the following details available will expedite the process:

• Full case number
• Complete names of parties involved
• Approximate filing date
• Case type or category
• Attorney names (if applicable)

Which Courts in St. Mary's County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Maryland's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains official verbatim transcripts of proceedings and whose actions are reviewable by an appellate court based on those records. According to Maryland Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 1-502, Circuit Courts are explicitly designated as courts of record.

In St. Mary's County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Orphans' Court: The Orphans' Court, which handles probate matters, is not a court of record. While it maintains files and documents related to estates and guardianships, it does not typically create verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from Orphans' Court decisions are heard de novo (anew) in Circuit Court rather than being reviewed based on a transcript record.

District Court (Limited Circumstances): While the District Court generally functions as a court of record for most proceedings, certain matters—particularly small claims cases under $5,000—may be conducted with simplified procedures that do not include creating a complete transcript. However, the District Court does maintain case files and docket entries for all matters.

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record affects several procedural aspects:

• Appeal Process: Appeals from non-record courts typically result in de novo trials in Circuit Court, meaning the case is heard completely anew rather than reviewed for legal errors.

• Evidence Preservation: Courts not of record may not preserve evidence in the same manner as courts of record, which maintain exhibits and create verbatim transcripts.

• Precedential Value: Decisions from courts not of record generally have limited precedential value in subsequent cases.

• Record Keeping: While all courts maintain some form of records, courts not of record may have less comprehensive documentation of proceedings.

Individuals with cases in these courts should be aware that if they wish to appeal a decision, the appeal will generally result in a completely new hearing rather than a review of the original proceeding.

Lookup Court Records in St. Mary's County