Harford County Court Records
What Is Harford County Court Records
Court records in Harford County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. Pursuant to Maryland Rules § 16-902, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. These documents provide a comprehensive account of legal proceedings and judicial decisions.
Harford County court records differ from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Business licenses
The following courts maintain records in Harford County:
- Circuit Court for Harford County (general jurisdiction)
- District Court of Maryland for Harford County (limited jurisdiction)
- Orphans' Court (probate matters)
Court records in Harford County encompass various case types including:
- Civil litigation (contract disputes, personal injury, property disputes)
- Criminal proceedings (felonies, misdemeanors)
- Family law matters (divorce, custody, child support)
- Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Traffic violations
- Juvenile proceedings (with special confidentiality provisions)
The Maryland Judiciary maintains these records according to established protocols and retention schedules as mandated by state law.
Are Court Records Public In Harford County
Court records in Harford County are generally accessible to the public under Maryland's Public Information Act (Md. Code Ann., General Provisions § 4-101) and the Maryland Rules on Access to Court Records (Maryland Rules § 16-901). These statutes establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed, including:
- Juvenile proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Certain domestic violence cases
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Cases involving minors as victims
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Grand jury proceedings
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are governed by federal access rules, which differ from state regulations. The Maryland Judiciary's Access to Court Records Policy provides comprehensive guidance on record accessibility and restrictions.
How To Find Court Records in Harford County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Harford County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
- Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names for more efficient searches
- Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.50 per page for standard copies)
- Allow time for staff to retrieve records from archives if older than 3 years
Online Access:
- Access the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, filing date)
- Review available case information
- Note that complete case files may not be available online
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include specific case information and documents needed
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
For Circuit Court Records:
Circuit Court for Harford County
20 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3426
Circuit Court for Harford County
For District Court Records:
District Court of Maryland for Harford County
2 South Bond Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-836-4545
District Court of Maryland
Pursuant to Maryland Rules § 16-904, requestors may be required to present identification when seeking certain restricted records or when requesting bulk data.
How To Look Up Court Records in Harford County Online?
Harford County residents and interested parties may access court records through several online portals maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. These electronic resources provide convenient access to case information without requiring a courthouse visit.
The primary online resource is the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, which provides access to:
- Circuit Court case information
- District Court case information
- Case status updates
- Party information
- Scheduled hearing dates
- Case disposition information
To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date)
- Review results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Note that document images are not available through this system
Additional online resources include:
Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC):
- Available for registered attorneys and parties
- Provides access to filed documents in electronic format
- Allows electronic filing of new cases and documents
Maryland Land Records:
- Provides access to property-related court records
- Requires free registration
- Includes deeds, mortgages, and liens
Business Entity Search:
- Maintained by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation
- Provides access to business-related court filings
Users should note that while basic case information is available online, complete case files with all documents typically require an in-person visit to the Harford County courthouse or a formal records request.
How To Search Harford County Court Records for Free?
Maryland law provides for free public inspection of court records at courthouse locations during regular business hours. Pursuant to Maryland Rules § 16-903, while copying fees may apply, viewing records in person incurs no charge.
Free resources for accessing Harford County court records include:
Maryland Judiciary Case Search:
- Completely free online access
- Available 24/7
- Provides case information for both Circuit and District Courts
- No registration required
- Access at http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/
Public Access Terminals:
- Located at courthouse facilities
- Provide free access to electronic court records
- May offer access to additional information not available on public websites
- Available during regular court hours
Court Docket Displays:
- Electronic displays in courthouse lobbies
- Show daily court schedules
- Free to view
Law Libraries:
- Harford County Law Library located in the Circuit Court building
- Provides free access to legal research tools
- Staff may assist with locating court records
While viewing records is free, fees apply for:
- Printed copies ($0.50 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 plus copy fees)
- Record searches conducted by court personnel ($10-30 depending on complexity)
- Electronic copies on removable media ($5-25 depending on size)
The Maryland Judiciary maintains these free access points as part of its commitment to transparency and public access to court proceedings.
What's Included in a Harford County Court Record?
Harford County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the case
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
- Final judgment or disposition
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Bail and pretrial release information
- Defendant's plea
- Motions filed by prosecution or defense
- Evidence lists
- Court orders
- Verdict or plea agreement
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
For Family Law Cases:
- Petition for divorce, custody, or support
- Financial statements
- Parenting plans
- Court orders regarding custody and support
- Final divorce decree
- Property settlement agreements
- Modifications to original orders
For Probate Cases:
- Will (if applicable)
- Petition for probate
- Inventory of assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accounting reports
- Distribution plans
- Final settlement documents
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This document provides a complete history of the case from filing to disposition.
Pursuant to Maryland Rules § 16-905, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers.
How Long Does Harford County Keep Court Records?
Harford County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Maryland Judiciary. These schedules vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance of the records.
Circuit Court Retention Periods:
- Civil cases: 12 years after case closure
- Criminal felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Domestic relations cases: 80 years after final disposition
- Juvenile cases: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
- Adoption cases: Permanently maintained
- Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
- Land records: Permanently maintained
District Court Retention Periods:
- Civil cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Criminal cases: 3 years after final disposition for minor offenses; 10 years for more serious offenses
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Domestic violence cases: 5 years after expiration of protective order
Special Considerations:
- Cases of historical significance may be preserved permanently
- Records may be transferred to the Maryland State Archives after their active retention period
- Electronic records are subject to the same retention schedules as paper records
The Maryland Judiciary Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, authorized under Maryland Rules § 16-505, governs these retention periods. After the designated retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures, though many historical records are transferred to the Maryland State Archives for permanent preservation.
Types of Courts In Harford County
Harford County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Maryland's unified court system.
Circuit Court for Harford County
20 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3426
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Circuit Court for Harford County
The Circuit Court is Harford County's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, serious criminal matters, family law cases, and appeals from the District Court.
District Court of Maryland for Harford County
2 South Bond Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-836-4545
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
District Court of Maryland
The District Court handles minor civil cases (under $30,000), landlord-tenant disputes, minor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
Orphans' Court for Harford County
20 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Orphans' Court
The Orphans' Court handles probate matters, including wills, estates, and guardianships of minors' property.
Court Hierarchy:
- District Court (limited jurisdiction)
- Circuit Court (general jurisdiction)
- Court of Special Appeals (intermediate appellate court)
- Court of Appeals (Maryland's highest court)
Federal cases arising in Harford County are heard in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, Northern Division, located in Baltimore.
What Types of Cases Do Harford County Courts Hear?
Harford County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Maryland law.
Circuit Court for Harford County handles:
- Major civil cases (claims exceeding $30,000)
- Serious criminal cases (felonies and major misdemeanors)
- Family law matters (divorce, custody, child support, adoption)
- Juvenile cases (delinquency and child welfare)
- Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
- Equity matters (injunctions, specific performance)
- Complex business and commercial litigation
- Land use and zoning appeals
- Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
District Court of Maryland for Harford County handles:
- Civil claims up to $30,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Protective orders in domestic violence cases
- Minor criminal cases (misdemeanors and violations with penalties less than 3 years)
- Traffic violations
- Peace order proceedings
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Small claims (civil matters under $5,000)
Orphans' Court for Harford County handles:
- Probate of wills
- Administration of estates
- Appointment of personal representatives
- Guardianship of minors' property
- Disputes regarding estate assets
- Review of personal representative accounts
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 1-501 through § 1-603, which define the authority of each court within the state's judicial system.
How To Find a Court Docket In Harford County
Court dockets in Harford County provide a chronological listing of all cases scheduled for hearing on a particular day. These schedules are accessible through multiple channels to facilitate public awareness of court proceedings.
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Search by case number, party name, or hearing date
- Review scheduled hearing information
- Note that dockets are typically posted 1-2 weeks in advance
In-Person Docket Access:
- Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
- Request to view the daily docket
- Electronic displays in courthouse lobbies also show daily schedules
- Printed dockets may be available for public review
Telephone Information:
- Circuit Court: Call 410-638-3426 for docket information
- District Court: Call 410-836-4545 for scheduled cases
For Attorneys and Registered Users:
- Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system provides docket access
- Registered attorneys receive electronic notifications of scheduled hearings
- Case management tools allow tracking of multiple cases
Docket information typically includes:
- Case number
- Party names
- Hearing type
- Scheduled time
- Assigned courtroom
- Presiding judge
Pursuant to Maryland Rules § 16-902(c), court dockets are considered administrative records and are generally available for public inspection. The Harford County courts update docket information regularly, though last-minute changes may occur due to settlements, continuances, or other procedural developments.
Which Courts in Harford County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Maryland's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a verbatim transcript or recording of its proceedings and has the authority to punish for contempt. Pursuant to Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 1-605, courts not of record typically have simplified procedures and limited jurisdiction.
In Harford County, the following are not courts of record:
Orphans' Court for Harford County
20 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Orphans' Court
The Orphans' Court handles probate matters but does not maintain verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. Appeals from this court are heard de novo (anew) in the Circuit Court, which is characteristic of courts not of record.
Administrative Hearing Bodies:
- Harford County Board of Appeals
- Harford County Liquor Control Board
- Various administrative hearing officers
These administrative tribunals conduct hearings on specific matters but are not courts of record under Maryland law.
Key characteristics of courts not of record include:
- Proceedings are not typically recorded verbatim
- Appeals are heard de novo rather than on the record
- More informal procedures may be followed
- Limited contempt powers
- Judges may not need to be attorneys (in some instances)
By contrast, the following Harford County courts are courts of record:
- Circuit Court for Harford County
- District Court of Maryland for Harford County
These courts maintain official transcripts or recordings of all proceedings, and appeals from these courts are based on the record created during the original proceeding.
Lookup Court Records in Harford County
Harford County court directory
Circuit Court for Harford County information