Charles County
Located north of the Wicomico River, Charles County has a land area of about 458 square miles, making it Maryland's largest county by land. It was established in 1658 and named in honor of Charles Calvert, the third Baron Baltimore. About 167,000 persons reside in Charles County, while its government seat is La Plata.
Charles County's trial courts include the Circuit, District, and Orphans Courts. The Circuit Court is the general jurisdiction court in Charles County. It has exclusive jurisdiction over major criminal and civil cases. Other legal matters handled by the Circuit Court in Charles County include divorces, child custody disputes, domestic violence cases, juvenile delinquencies, and all other jury trials. The Circuit Court also has appellate jurisdiction over decisions from the county's District Court. Meanwhile, the Charles County District Court hears minor cases, including misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil claims for $30,000 or less. The District Court also handles replevin actions as well as landlord-tenant cases. The county's Orphans' Court addresses all probate matters such as disputed wills, estates administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships.
In Charles County, the Circuit Court Clerk typically creates and maintains the public court records, including the following.
- Criminal records
- Probate records
- Traffic records
- Land records
- Juvenile records
- Civil records
- Family law records
These documents contain docket information, court transcripts, case filings, dispositions, and court orders. According to the Maryland Public Information Act, members of the public can view or get copies of Charles County court records. Public access to case files usually promotes public trust and transparency in Charles County's judiciary. Therefore, anyone can send written requests by mail, email, or in-person to:
Charles County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
200 Charles Street
LaPlata, MD 20646
Phone: (301) 932-3202
Email: joyce.tippett@mdcourts.gov
The Clerk typically restricts access to confidential court records like juvenile and adoption case files. However, the Circuit Court may grant special permissions allowing certain persons access to the restricted court records. Note that court records are also accessible online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
