Prince George's County Public Records /Prince George's County Court Records

Prince George's County Court Records

What Is Prince George's County Court Records

Court records in Prince George's County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. Pursuant to Maryland Rules 16-901, 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.

Court records are distinct from other public records such as:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
Business records (licenses, permits, corporate filings)
Tax records (assessments, payments)

In Prince George's County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

Circuit Court (major civil cases, felonies, family law)
District Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $30,000, traffic violations)
Orphans' Court (probate matters)

The Maryland Judiciary maintains these records in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act, which establishes the public's right to access government records while protecting certain confidential information.

Are Court Records Public In Prince George's County

Court records in Prince George's County are generally accessible to the public under Maryland's commitment to judicial transparency. The Maryland Public Information Act, codified in § 4-101 through § 4-601 of the General Provisions Article, establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection.

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

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to Maryland Rules 16-934 and 16-935, including:

Juvenile records
Mental health proceedings
Adoption records
Certain family law matters
Records sealed by judicial order
Cases involving victims of domestic violence or sexual assault

Access to court records in Prince George's County is further governed by the Maryland Judiciary's Rules on Access to Court Records, which balance the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice. These rules apply to all courts within the Maryland state court system, including those in Prince George's County.

How To Find Court Records in Prince George's County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Prince George's 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 record identification
Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $0.50 per page)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

Circuit Court Records:

Prince George's County Circuit Court
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Prince George's County Circuit Court

District Court Records:

Prince George's County District Court - Upper Marlboro
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-298-4000
Maryland District Court

Prince George's County District Court - Hyattsville
4990 Rhode Island Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-298-4200
Maryland District Court

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Include payment for applicable fees

Attorney or Legal Service Requests: Individuals may authorize an attorney or legal service to obtain records on their behalf. The representative must provide:

Written authorization from the requesting party
Identification
Payment for applicable fees

For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specifically request certification and pay additional fees (currently $5.00 per document plus copy fees).

How To Look Up Court Records in Prince George's County Online?

Prince George's County residents and interested parties can access many court records through several online portals maintained by the Maryland Judiciary:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search:

Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
Accept the terms and conditions
Enter search criteria (name, case number, or citation number)
Review search results showing case status, parties, and scheduled events
Note that complete case documents are not available through this system

Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC):

Access the MDEC system
Register for an account (attorneys and registered users only)
Search for cases using party names or case numbers
View dockets and, in some instances, filed documents
Pay applicable fees for document access

Register of Wills Estate Search:

Navigate to the Register of Wills Estate Search portal
Select Prince George's County from the dropdown menu
Enter the name of the deceased or estate number
Review basic case information
Request copies of specific documents if needed

When using these online systems, users should note:

Not all court records are available electronically
Some sensitive or sealed records are excluded from online access
Document images may require in-person requests
Records before certain dates may not be digitized

The Maryland Judiciary continues to expand its electronic records system, with additional documents becoming available online as digitization efforts progress.

How To Search Prince George's County Court Records for Free?

Prince George's County residents have several options for accessing court records without payment, as provided under Maryland Rules 16-904, which establishes the right to inspect public judicial records:

Free In-Person Inspection:

Visit the appropriate courthouse during regular business hours
Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
Present identification and complete any required forms
Use designated public terminals or viewing areas
Return records to court staff when finished

Free Online Resources:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides basic case information at no cost
Prince George's County Circuit Court website offers free access to court calendars and general information
Maryland Courts website provides free access to court forms, rules, and procedures

Public Access Terminals:

Use computer terminals available at courthouse locations
Access more detailed case information than available on public websites
View certain documents that may not be available online
Print documents for standard copy fees ($0.50 per page)

Law Libraries:

The Prince George's County Law Library provides free access to legal research tools and assistance with court record searches
Located within the Circuit Court building at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

While inspection of records is generally free, fees apply for:

Printed or electronic copies of documents
Certified copies of court records
Records requiring extensive staff research time
Specialized searches or reports

What's Included in a Prince George's County Court Record?

Court records in Prince George's County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:

Civil Case Records:

Complaint or petition initiating the case
Summons and proof of service
Answers and counterclaims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Orders and judgments
Post-judgment filings and enforcement documents

Criminal Case Records:

Charging documents (indictments, informations)
Bail and pretrial release information
Motions and responses
Evidence lists and exhibits
Plea agreements
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation reports (may be restricted)
Appeal notices and documents

Family Law Records:

Petitions for divorce, custody, or support
Financial statements and property disclosures
Parenting plans
Custody evaluations (may be restricted)
Domestic violence protective orders
Adoption petitions and home studies (typically sealed)
Child support worksheets and orders

Probate Records:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Accountings of estate administration
Distribution plans
Orders closing estates

Case Docket:

Chronological list of all filings and court actions
Hearing dates and outcomes
Names of attorneys or parties
Filing dates and document descriptions
Judge assignments
Case status information

Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-903, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children in certain cases.

How Long Does Prince George's County Keep Court Records?

Prince George's County courts maintain records according to the Maryland Judiciary Records Retention Schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for preserving different types of court documents. These retention periods are mandated by Maryland Rule 16-505 and vary based on case type and document significance:

Permanent Retention:

Circuit Court judgment records
Land records
Equity and civil case files involving real property
Criminal case files for capital offenses and life sentences
Adoption records
Wills and estate administration records
Naturalization records
Marriage records

Extended Retention (20+ years):

Felony criminal case files (20 years after case closure)
Civil judgment records (12 years after satisfaction)
Divorce and custody records (50 years)
Juvenile records (until subject reaches age 21, then sealed)

Moderate Retention (5-10 years):

Misdemeanor criminal cases (10 years after case closure)
Civil cases not involving real property (10 years)
Traffic violations (3-5 years depending on disposition)
Domestic violence protective orders (5 years)

Short-Term Retention (1-3 years):

Administrative records
Routine correspondence
Scheduling documents
Unserved warrants (3 years)

After the designated retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to the Maryland State Archives
Converted to microfilm or digital format
Destroyed according to approved procedures

Historically significant cases may be preserved beyond standard retention periods at the discretion of the court or state archivist. Individuals seeking older records that may have been transferred should contact:

Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-6400
Maryland State Archives

Types of Courts In Prince George's County

Prince George's County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Maryland's unified court system:

Circuit Court of Prince George's County
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3318
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Circuit Court of Prince George's County

The Circuit Court serves as the county's court of general jurisdiction, handling major civil cases, serious criminal matters, family law cases, and appeals from the District Court and administrative agencies.

District Court of Maryland - Prince George's County

Upper Marlboro Location:
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-298-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
District Court of Maryland

Hyattsville Location:
4990 Rhode Island Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-298-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
District Court of Maryland

The District Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases involving claims up to $30,000, landlord-tenant disputes, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.

Orphans' Court of Prince George's County
14735 Main Street, Room D4001
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3790
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Orphans' Court

The Orphans' Court oversees probate matters, including will validation, estate administration, and guardianship of minors' property.

Register of Wills for Prince George's County
14735 Main Street, Room D4001
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3250
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Register of Wills

The Register of Wills assists the Orphans' Court by maintaining probate records, issuing letters of administration, and collecting inheritance taxes.

Appeals from Prince George's County courts proceed to:

Court of Special Appeals of Maryland
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1450
Court of Special Appeals

Court of Appeals of Maryland
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1500
Court of Appeals

What Types of Cases Do Prince George's County Courts Hear?

Prince George's County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Maryland law:

Circuit Court Case Types:

Major civil litigation (claims exceeding $30,000)
Real property disputes and foreclosures
Felony criminal prosecutions
Jury trials (both civil and criminal)
Family law matters:
- Divorce and annulment
- Child custody and visitation
- Alimony and child support
- Adoption and guardianship
- Name changes
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Juvenile dependency (child welfare) cases
Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies
Equity matters
Complex business and commercial litigation

District Court Case Types:

Civil claims up to $30,000
Small claims (up to $5,000)
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Protective orders and peace orders
Misdemeanor criminal cases
Motor vehicle violations
Preliminary hearings for felony cases
Criminal bail reviews
Municipal ordinance violations
Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)

Orphans' Court Case Types:

Probate of wills
Appointment of personal representatives
Supervision of estate administration
Resolution of estate disputes
Guardianship of minors' property
Approval of estate accountings
Inheritance tax matters

Case assignment within Prince George's County follows jurisdictional rules established by Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 1-501 through § 1-603, which delineate the authority of each court level. The Circuit Court maintains concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court for certain civil matters, allowing plaintiffs to choose the forum in some instances.

How To Find a Court Docket In Prince George's County

Court dockets in Prince George's County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case and are accessible through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal
Accept the terms and conditions
Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
Review docket entries showing filings, hearings, and court actions
Note that this system provides docket information but not document images

Court Hearing Schedules:

Access the Prince George's County Circuit Court website
Navigate to the court calendar or daily docket section
Search by date, courtroom, or judge
View scheduled hearings and proceedings

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
Request to view the docket for a specific case
Provide case number or party names
Use public access terminals to view electronic dockets
Request assistance from clerk staff for older or paper dockets

Daily Court Calendars:

Check the bulletin boards or electronic displays at courthouse entrances
Review posted daily calendars showing courtroom assignments
Note that these typically show only current day proceedings

Attorney Access: Attorneys registered with the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system can access more detailed docket information through their secure accounts.

For specialized dockets, such as foreclosure or probate matters, users may need to:

Contact the specific division handling those cases
Complete specialized request forms
Pay any applicable fees for docket reports

Pursuant to Maryland Rule 16-902, court dockets are generally public records, though access to certain sensitive case types may be restricted.

Which Courts in Prince George's County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Prince George's County, the distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established by Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 1-605. A "court of record" officially preserves verbatim transcripts or recordings of proceedings, while courts not of record typically do not maintain such comprehensive documentation.

Courts Not of Record in Prince George's County:

The District Court of Maryland locations in Prince George's County are technically classified as courts not of record for certain proceedings. While these courts record their sessions and maintain case files, they do not automatically create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. In District Court:

Audio recordings are made of proceedings
Parties may request transcripts for a fee
Appeals from District Court proceed to Circuit Court as de novo trials (completely new proceedings)
The lack of required transcripts facilitates the de novo appeal process

Administrative Tribunals (Not Courts): The following administrative bodies hear cases but are not courts of record:

Office of Administrative Hearings
Motor Vehicle Administration hearings
Landlord-tenant dispute resolution forums
Local code enforcement boards

Courts of Record in Prince George's County:

Circuit Court of Prince George's County
Orphans' Court of Prince George's County

These courts maintain official transcripts or recordings that serve as the definitive account of proceedings. Appeals from courts of record are typically based on the existing record rather than de novo trials.

The practical significance of this distinction affects:

Appeal procedures
Availability of transcripts
Standards of review on appeal
Preservation of testimony

Individuals seeking transcripts from District Court proceedings must submit specific requests and pay applicable fees, as these are not automatically generated for all cases.