Maryland’s courts handle a wide range of cases. The district courts handle minor disputes. The circuit courts handle serious legal matters. Appeals are handled by the Appellate Court of Maryland and the state's Supreme Court. Whether you’re representing yourself or counting on experienced legal counsel, understanding Maryland’s court system is essential. This guide provides an overview of the Maryland judiciary system.
Maryland’s Court Structure
Maryland has a four-tiered court system. This means there are four main levels of courts, each serving a different function in the Maryland judiciary.
District Court
The district courts of Maryland are often the first stop for many legal matters. These courts handle cases ranging from minor civil disputes to traffic violations. The district court does not conduct jury trials; instead, a judge hears and decides cases. The goal of these courts is to provide quick and efficient resolution to everyday legal issues.
There are several district courts throughout Maryland. For example, Baltimore City has a district court. Towson, a city in Baltimore County, also has a district court. It’s part of the Baltimore County district court system. Another Maryland city, Bel Air, is part of the district court for Harford County.
District courts handle cases, including:
- Traffic Offenses
- Generally, all motor vehicle cases, including speeding tickets, driving without a license, driving without insurance, DUI and DWI cases.
- Misdemeanor Criminal Cases
- Petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, drug possession
- The court has concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit court over misdemeanor criminal cases and certain felonies in which the penalty may be confinement for three years or more or a fine of $2,500 or more.
- Small Claims
- Exclusive jurisdiction of civil disputes involving amounts up to $5,000. Common cases include property damage, unpaid bills, and contract issues.
- Civil Cases
- Concurrent jurisdiction with circuit courts of lawsuits involving amounts above $5,000 but less than $30,000. Examples include breach of contract and personal injury claims.
- Protective Orders
- Domestic violence protective orders and peace orders for harassment or threats.
Appealing a District Court Decision
If you disagree with the judge’s decision, you have the right to appeal to the circuit court within 30 days of the ruling. In some cases, you may request a new trial or have the case reviewed based on legal arguments.
The Circuit Court: Major Civil and Criminal Cases
The circuit courts are Maryland’s trial courts of general jurisdiction. Circuit courts handle more complex legal matters, including serious criminal cases, major civil disputes, and family law matters. It hears appeals from the district courts. Unlike the district court system, the circuit courts allow jury trials.
Each Maryland county and the city of Baltimore has a circuit court.
The circuit courts deal with cases, including:
- Serious Criminal Cases
- Felonies such as robbery, homicide, and drug trafficking
- Appeals from district courts in criminal cases
- Jury trials for misdemeanor cases (if requested by the defendant)
- Civil Cases Over $30,000
- Personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice, and wrongful death claims
- Contract disputes involving large sums of money
- Family Law Cases
- Divorce, child custody, child support, and alimony
- Adoption and guardianship proceedings
- Domestic violence-related family court matters
- Appeals from district courts and administrative agencies
- If you’re not happy with a district court decision, you can request a new trial or appeal to the circuit court.
- The circuit courts also hear appeals from state agencies, such as workers' compensation cases.
Like the district court system, there are circuit courts throughout Maryland. Each circuit court hears cases within its geographic region. For example, the Circuit Court for Arundel County hears cases arising from Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Cases arising from Towson are heard by the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
Appeals from the Circuit Court
If you disagree with a circuit court ruling, you can file an appeal with Maryland’s appeals court within 30 days of the decision. Appellate review is reviewed based on legal arguments rather than new evidence, which means the case isn’t tried again in the appellate courts.
The Appellate Court of Maryland
The Appellate Court of Maryland (formerly the Court of Special Appeals) handles appeals from the circuit courts. New evidence or witnesses are not provided. Attorneys submit written legal arguments (which are called briefs), and in some cases, the court may allow oral arguments where attorneys present their case before the judges.
A panel of three judges will review your claim.
Your case can have several possible outcomes. The court might uphold the lower court’s decision (affirm), reverse the ruling (overturn), or send the case back to the lower court for further legal proceedings (remand).
The Maryland Supreme Court: The State’s Highest Court
The Maryland Supreme Court (formerly the Court of Appeals) is the highest court in the state. Unlike the intermediate appellate court, which must hear most appeals, the Supreme Court selects the cases it will review.
Discretionary review includes cases involving significant legal or constitutional questions.
In certain instances, such as death penalty cases (before Maryland abolished capital punishment) or legislative redistricting challenges, the Supreme Court must hear the appeal.
The Supreme Court’s decisions are binding across Maryland, setting legal precedents for lower courts to follow. The court may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.
Each court plays a crucial role in Maryland’s legal system, ensuring outcomes based on state laws and legal principles. Understanding where your case falls within this system is the first step toward successfully navigating the judicial process.
Court Fees and Waivers
Courts charge filing fees for civil cases, appeals, and other legal actions. These fees vary depending on the type of case. Court filing fees are not the same as legal fees. Court fees are a separate expense from legal fees. If you cannot afford court fees, you may apply for a fee waiver by demonstrating financial hardship. Forms are available at courthouses and online.
Courtroom Etiquette and Procedures
Respecting courtroom rules helps your case. You should arrive on time. You should notify your attorney if you are running late so your legal representative can let the court know that you will not be on time. Be aware that late arrivals may result in rescheduling or even case dismissal.
- Dress appropriately. Wear business or courtroom-appropriate attire. Avoid casual or inappropriate clothing.
- Follow the judge’s instructions. The judge controls the proceedings, and all parties must follow the judge's instructions.
- Speak respectfully. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Avoid interrupting others.
The Importance of Legal Representation
You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you in all legal matters. Hiring an attorney is strongly recommended for complex cases, especially those involving criminal charges, major civil lawsuits, or appeals. An experienced lawyer can provide guidance, file motions and argue on your behalf, including looking for ways to get the charges dismissed or reduced.
If you’re unsure about your legal situation, seeking professional legal advice is always a wise decision. The attorneys at Maronick Law LLC have many years of experience handling a wide variety of Annapolis, Baltimore, Bel Air, Essex, Ocean City, Towson, and White Marsh cases, especially criminal defense matters such as drunk driving and sex crimes. Consultations are free.
Maronick Law LLC can meet with you remotely if you have access to Zoom. You can contact the law office at 443-551-2747 or use the website.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.