Howard County District Court cases in Howard County, Ellicott City, MD
Howard County District Court in Ellicott City, MD, is a Maryland District Court (limited-jurisdiction trial court). It provides first-level, non-jury adjudication for Howard County and handles initial proceedings in more serious criminal matters. Its docket includes civil cases such as small claims (up to $5,000), other civil claims up to $30,000, landlord-tenant actions, replevin and detinue; criminal matters including all misdemeanors and certain felonies (with preliminary hearings for felony charges); and motor-vehicle/traffic cases, from payable citations to must-appear offenses like DUI. The court also issues and hears peace orders and domestic violence protective orders. It does not hear divorce, custody, or other family law cases, which are handled by the Circuit Court.
Howard County District Court Contact and Location Information
Court Type: | District Court |
County: | Howard |
Street Address: | 3451 Courthouse Drive |
City: | Ellicott City |
Zip Code: | 21043 |
Phone: | 410-480-7700 |
Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
Website URL: | https://www.courts.state.md.us/district/directories/courtmap#WABASH |
Parking: | Parking: Next To Building |
Directions: | From 695 Take Exit 15, Ellicott City. Follow Rt 40 West To Route 99, Rogers Ave. Make Left Onto Rogers. Courthouse Is On Left |
Public Transportation: | Bus Information: Howard Transit Buses, Yellow Route Https://Www.Howardcountymd.Gov/Departments/County-Administration/Transportation |
Forms & Filing: | https://www.mdcourts.gov/forms |
Languages: | Multiple |
Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Howard-County-District-Court/157421960955099 |
ADA: | Mary K Smith |
ADA Phone: | 410-480-7710 |
ADA Fax / Email: | 410-480-7726 Mary.k.smith@mdcourts.gov |
Services and Case Types Handled in Howard County District Court
Howard County District Court serves the public by providing:
- Case filings, scheduling, records, and payments for limited-jurisdiction matters (no jury trials).
- Civil: small claims (- Criminal/Traffic: misdemeanors, certain felonies, violations of probation, preliminary hearings for felonies, payable and must-appear traffic (e.g., DUI); commissioner charging and initial bail determinations; bail/bond reviews.
- Protective measures: domestic violence protective orders and peace orders (filings; interim, temporary, and final hearings).
- Court hearings: arraignments, trials, motions, preliminary hearings; interpreters and ADA accommodations available.
- Ancillary services: expungement petitions, certified copies of records, citation and fine payments.
Jury services are not provided in District Court; jury trials occur in the Circuit Court.