Court records in Charles County, Maryland can be searched through several channels. CharlesCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also use official state court resources such as the Maryland Judiciary's Case Search system, visit the clerk's office in person, or use public access terminals at the courthouse. These tools cover both Circuit Court and District Court case records filed in Charles County.
Charles County Court System & Jurisdictions
Two trial-level courts operate in Charles County, each handling distinct case types.
Circuit Court for Charles County
The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Major civil cases — contract disputes, tort claims, and civil matters exceeding the District Court's monetary limit
- Serious criminal cases — felonies and certain misdemeanors
- Family law — divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, and adoption
- Juvenile matters — delinquency and child in need of assistance (CINA) cases
- Land records — deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats are recorded by the Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Appeals — from District Court and certain administrative agencies
District Court of Maryland — Charles County
The District Court handles:
- Civil cases up to $30,000 (small claims up to $5,000 follow a simplified process)
- Traffic violations — payable and must-appear citations
- Misdemeanors and certain criminal cases
- Landlord-tenant disputes — rent escrow, failure to pay rent, and tenant holding over
- Peace orders and protective orders
District Court forms are available on the Maryland District Court forms page.
Orphans' Court / Register of Wills
Probate and estate matters — including wills, estates, guardianships of the person and property, and small estate proceedings — are handled by the Charles County Orphans' Court and the Register of Wills. You can search estate records through the Maryland Register of Wills Estate Search.
Charles County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find scheduled hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week in Charles County:
- Circuit Court calendar — Contact the Clerk's office or visit the courthouse to view posted schedules. The Charles County courts directory lists contact information and hours for both courts.
- District Court calendar — Daily dockets are typically posted at the courthouse. You can also call the District Court clerk's office to confirm a hearing date.
- Maryland Case Search — The statewide Case Search tool shows scheduled trial dates and next event dates for many case types. Search by party name, case number, or company name.
Note that some criminal case information may no longer appear on Case Search but is still accessible at the courthouse. If you cannot find a hearing date online, call the appropriate clerk's office directly.
Court Locations & Contact
Circuit Court for Charles County
District Court of Maryland — Charles County
How to Get a Copy of a Charles County Court Document
The method depends on the document type and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Online
- Use Maryland Case Search to view basic case information (docket entries, charges, hearing dates). Full document images are generally not available online for court filings.
- Maryland Land Records (mdlandrec.net) provides online access to recorded deeds, mortgages, and other land instruments filed with the Charles County Circuit Court Clerk.
In Person
- Visit the Clerk's Office records department at the Circuit Court.
- Provide the case number or party names to the clerk.
- Request either a certified or uncertified copy. Certified copies bear the court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings; uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference.
- Pay the applicable fee at the time of the request.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk's Office with:
- Full case number (if known) or party names and approximate filing date
- Description of the document(s) needed
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the estimated fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail requests to:
Restricted Records
Juvenile cases, certain sealed criminal records, and adoption files are not available to the general public. Some criminal case details that were previously on Case Search have been shielded and must now be viewed at the courthouse.
Charles County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set by Maryland statute and court rules. The following table reflects standard charges at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Confirm current amounts with the clerk, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page, uncertified) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $6.00 |
| Search fee (per name searched) | $20.00 |
| Apostille or authentication | $10.00 |
| Land record copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Plat copy | $5.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk's Office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court." Credit and debit card acceptance varies — confirm before visiting. For mail requests, include a check or money order.
These fees are established under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article and the Maryland Rules. For divorce verification records, the Maryland Division of Vital Records handles requests separately and charges its own fees. Background check requests go through the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which also maintains its own fee schedule.