Harford County
Harford County was founded in 1773 as part of the Baltimore Metropolitan Area. It was named based on Henry Harford, whose father was Frederick Calvert the final Proprietary Governor in the state. The county is located in northern Maryland, with Bel Air serving as the county seat. Also, it is home to Aberdeen Proving Ground, a major U.S. Army installation that contributes significantly to the local economy. The county covers approximately 437.1 square miles and has a population of about 261,059 residents as of 2022.
Harford County's legal system operates as part of Maryland's Unified Court System, with a Circuit Court, District Court, and Orphans' Court. The Circuit Court handles most civil and criminal cases, including felony criminal cases, general civil claims for more than $5,000, excluding interest and costs, divorce, termination of parental rights, child support, and most cases that request equitable relief. On the other hand, the District Court deals with certain civil claims not exceeding $25,000, misdemeanors, some felony preliminary hearings, landlord-tenant disputes, replevin actions, juvenile cases, and traffic violations. The Orphans' Court handles probate and guardianship matters, particularly cases related to estates.
Public records in Harford County are official documents that provide information about legal proceedings within the county. They are generated from court filings, court rulings, minutes, orders, subpoenas, and pleas. Examples of court records are:
- Civil Records
- Criminal Records
- Family Records
- Traffic Records
- Probate Records
These records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and can be accessed online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search System. The county ensures transparency by providing public access to case details per the Maryland Public Information Act while protecting sensitive information. Anyone can also visit the Clerk's Office to request physical copies of public court records and docket information at:
20 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: (410) 638-3426
