How do I change the outcome of my case?
Learn about appealing court cases to decide if that is right for you. You can read about appeals on the People’s Law Library of Maryland or speak to an attorney for free at the Maryland Court Help Center.
How do I remove my court records from public view?
If you have a criminal case, learn about expungement laws and processes. Watch the series of videos on expungement in Maryland, or read about expungement on the People’s Law Library of Maryland.
If you have a civil case, learn about sealing and shielding civil cases. View the Court Help page on Access to Court Records and the Public Access to Court Records Brochures. Visit the People’s Law Library of Maryland for additional information.
Talk to a lawyer for free at the Maryland Court Help Center.
Where can I learn about jury service?
You can learn about jury service on the Maryland Courts website. Contact your local jury office if you have a question about your jury service, if you need to change the date of your jury service, or if you have an emergency and are unable to report for jury service on the scheduled date. Most jury service questions can be answered by your local jury office.
Read the FAQs page for more information on serving on a jury. Read the law in Title 8 of Courts and Judicial Proceedings of the Maryland Code, the Declaration of Rights in the Maryland Constitution, and the Maryland Rules.
How do I file criminal charges?
File a report with your local police department or submit an application for statement of charges at the commissioner’s office. Read more about criminal cases.
I am the victim of a crime. What do I need to do in the criminal case?
As the victim of the crime, you are not a party to the case. This means that you are not the Plaintiff or the Defendant. The state and the accused are the parties to the case.
You may need to appear as a witness to the case. If you receive a subpoena to appear in court, make sure to attend the trial on the specified date.
Read about the rights of crime victims on the People’s Law Library of Maryland.
Myself or a loved one was a victim of a crime. I need help finding support.
The Maryland Crime Victims’ Resource Center, Inc. may be able to assist. View additional resources in the Crime Victims Rights and Services brochure.
Where can I get legal assistance?
For civil cases and expungements, you can speak to a lawyer for free at the Maryland Court Help Center. Visit the legal services directory to find an attorney to represent you.
Read more about the types of legal resources in Maryland on the People’s Law Library.
I don’t like how a judge acted. What can I do?
The Maryland rules govern the ethical standards for Maryland judges. You can read those standards under Title 18 of the Maryland rules. If you believe a judge violated one of the ethical standards under Title 18, you can file a complaint with the Commission on Judicial Disabilities.
I don’t like how an attorney acted. What can I do?
The Maryland rules govern the ethical standards for attorneys. You can read those standards under Title 19 of the Maryland rules. If you believe an attorney violated one of the ethical standards under Title 19, you can file a complaint with the Attorney Grievance Commission.