1. What is Case Search?
Case Search provides public Internet access to information from case records maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. In January 2006 Phase I of Case Search was introduced to satisfy information requests commonly received in the court clerks’ offices. This information included defendant name, city and state, case number, date of birth, plaintiff name (civil cases only), trial date, charge, and case disposition. Today Case Search includes detail case information for all Maryland Circuit and District Court Case Management Systems.

2. What cases are available on Case Search?
Maryland District Court traffic, criminal, and civil cases and Maryland Circuit Court criminal and civil cases are available. The amount of historical data may vary by jurisdiction based on when an automated case management system was deployed in that jurisdiction and how the system has evolved. See FAQ 13 for dates.

3. How current is the data on Case Search?
Updates to the information in the circuit courts will be reflected almost immediately with the exception of Montgomery County Circuit Court which will be one day behind and Prince George's County Circuit Court which will be one day behind with new case entries. District Court data is current as of the date and time indicated on the “Case Display” screen.

4. I want to verify a trial date, but I am not the defendant and do not remember the defendant’s name.
Case Search allows you to search for a case by related party names (attorney-plaintiff-etc.). However, the “Case Detail” screen will not show information pertaining to victim or witness, with the exception of civil cases.

7. I believe some information is inaccurate. Whom do I notify?
If you believe information provided is inaccurate, please send written notice to the court where the original record was created or filed. For court locations and contact information, see
Circuit courts - http://mdcourts.gov/circuit/directory.html
District Court -  http://mdcourts.gov/district/directories/courtmap.html

8. How do I obtain additional case information?
You can obtain additional case information at the courthouse in which the case resides. For court locations, see
Circuit courts - http://mdcourts.gov/circuit/directory.html
District Court -  http://mdcourts.gov/district/directories/courtmap.html

9. I keep getting the message: "The result set exceeds the limit of 500 records. Please narrow your search.”
Case Search only provides the first 500 cases from a search. Narrow your search (e.g. date range, first name, etc.) to be certain you obtain the case information you want.

10. I don’t understand some of the legal words written in the case results. Where can I get help?
The Journalist's Guide to Maryland's Legal System includes a comprehensive glossary of legal terms. You may also find helpful information on the Judiciary's FAQ page or you may wish to consult someone with a legal background.

11. Are there plans to provide additional information, and if so, is there a timeframe?
Case availability and improved timeliness of information updates are some of the features expected in the near future. See Case Search News for more information on future services.

12. Will Case Search displace existing access methods? Will I be notified?
After November 3, 2006, Dial-up access will remain for Maryland Land Records Misc Index, Bailbondsmen System and District Court Civil for existing dial-up customers only.   The Judiciary also maintains Public access courthouse terminals, and allow visits in person at court locations throughout the state).  The dial-up system will be discontinued as Case Search functionality expands. Advance notice will be provided prior to terminating any system or method.

13. How far back can you inquire about cases in Case Search?