Howard County Court Records Lookup

The following is for information purposes only

Howard County, founded in 1838 as a District of Anne Arundel County, become its own county in 1851, spans a total area of 251.0 square miles by land mass. It was named after John Eager Howard, a Maryland statesman and Revolutionary War officer. Ellicott City, the county seat of Howard County, is an incorporated community. The population of the county is approximately 332,3172. Howard County is served by the Circuit courts and District Court. These courts have either a general or limited jurisdiction over different kinds of legal proceedings, including civil and criminal cases.

Howard Circuit Court, located at Court Avenue in Ellicott City, is the highest trial court in the county, with general jurisdiction over more serious criminal and civil cases. It typically hears cases beyond the purview of other courts, such as general civil claims exceeding $5,000 in dispute, cases of domestic violence, and protective and peace orders. It also handles felony criminal cases as well as appeals from the District Court and Administrative Agencies. It has Divisions for Family Court and Orphans' Court. The Family Court handles family-related cases such as child custody, child protection, child support, divorce, termination of parental rights, and most cases that request equitable relief. On the other hand, the Orphans' Court is the County's Probate Court which presides over the administration of the decedent's estates, testamentary trusts, will contest, and guardianship of the property of minors. Howard County District Court, located at Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, has limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases. It handles landlord-tenant disputes, domestic violence, protective orders, some juvenile cases, replevin actions, and general civil matters in which the amount in disputes does not exceed $25,000. Its criminal jurisdiction covers felony preliminary hearings, most misdemeanors, most ordinances, and traffic violations. A jury trial is not part of its jurisdiction. The court also hears criminal cases such as misdemeanors and certain felonies. In addition, the court shares jurisdiction with the Circuit Court for certain civil claims where the amount in dispute is more than $5,000 but less than $25,000. Moreover, the Small Claims division of the court hears civil claims involving monetary disputes not exceeding $5,000.

Howard County's annual crime report for 2022 shows 527 violent crimes and 4,511 property crime incidents. Likewise, the Circuit Court filed an average of 1,449 criminal cases annually, while the District Court filed a total of 152,548 criminal and civil cases during the fiscal year 2018-2020.  Anyone can visit the Office of the Circuit Court's Clerks to view public court records or use the statewide online case search portal. Also, court case documents may be viewed at the courthouse where the case is heard. However, records of juvenile delinquency, guardianships terminating parental rights, emergency mental health evaluations, financial statements filed in a case of spousal or child support, and other confidential court records are not open to the public without court orders or other special provisions of the law.

In summary, Howard County's court system is dedicated to applying the law promptly and equitably in the administration of justice. It renders efficient and respectful services with integrity, dignity, and a commitment to excellence. In addition, it facilitates access to case documents for interested members of the public and enforces the implementation of judgments to resolve disputes and protect the rights of the county's residents.