May 6, 2016

Media Advisory:
Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., Courthouse Remains Closed;
Fire Damage Restoration Efforts Continue;
Services Available at Courthouse East

(BALTIMORE – May 6, 2016) The Clarence Mitchell Courthouse will remain closed to allow the Baltimore City Department of General Services to complete fire restoration work.  Significant progress has been made, including restoration of power and remediation of smoke damage.  However, DGS needs additional time to ensure that all necessary preconditions for full re-occupancy of the building are met.  It is expected that the building will reopen during the week of May 9, but it is, at this time, premature to set a specific date.  More information will be provided as soon as it is available.

“The work of DGS and its contractors in effecting the restoration of the Mitchell Courthouse has been truly extraordinary, and we are grateful for their recognition of the crucial nature of this task” said Baltimore City Administrative Judge W. Michel Pierson.  “I also commend the performance of the court’s personnel -- judges, clerks and staff; their dedication and flexibility has enabled the court to continue to conduct proceedings and provide services with minimal disruption to operations while many of our essential facilities are unavailable.  We are also grateful to jurors and other participants in the judicial process for their patience.”

Court proceedings and services, including licensure and weddings, have been moved to the Courthouse East building located across the street at 111 N. Calvert Street.

Until further notice, individuals who receive notices to appear for jury service should instead report to The War Memorial Building, 101 North Gay Street, Baltimore, Maryland.  Jurors currently serving in ongoing trials must continue to report as instructed by the trial judge.

Services Relocated from the Mitchell Courthouse to Courthouse East:

The Criminal Division has been relocated to Room 451, Courthouse East.  The Criminal Division, is able to receive motions, expungements, and new cases.

The Land Records and Licensing Divisions have been relocated to Room 462, Courthouse East, and is able to provide the following services:
Notary commissions
Marriage licenses
Business licenses – new and renewals
Certified copies of marriage licenses from 2001 to the present
Scanning and indexing of land record documents
Indexing of liens

The Criminal Assignment Office has been relocated to Room 403, Courthouse East.  The Assignment Division is scheduling cases.

The Courtroom Clerks Division is located in Room 510, Courthouse East.

The Jury Division has been relocated to the first floor in Room 110, Courthouse East.  Jurors who need special accommodations may report to Room 110.

The Paternity Division and the Jury Call Center are on the first floor of Courthouse East in Room 111.

Baltimore City Circuit Court telephone numbers while the Mitchell Courthouse is being restored:
Jury Division, 410-209-6363
Land Records and Licensing, 410-209-6360
Criminal Division, 410-333-3745
Criminal Assignment, 410-333-3755
Courtroom Clerk Division, 410-396-3825

Updates will be posted under “Latest News” on the Maryland Judiciary website, www.mdcourts.gov, and on the Baltimore City Circuit Court website, www.baltimorecitycourt.org.

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