Garrett County Court Records

What Is Garrett County Court Records

Garrett County court records are official documents created and maintained by the courts in Garrett County, Maryland. These records document various legal proceedings, including criminal cases, civil disputes, family matters, and probate cases. Court records typically include filings, motions, orders, judgments, and other documents related to court cases. They serve as the official history of legal proceedings and are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the District Court clerks.

The Circuit Court for Garrett County Clerk's Office (203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550) is responsible for maintaining most court records in the county, ensuring their accuracy, and providing public access as permitted by law.

Are Court Records Public In Garrett County

Yes, most court records in Garrett County are public under Maryland's Public Information Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect sensitive information, including:

• Juvenile records
• Adoption proceedings
• Mental health cases
• Certain family law matters
• Cases involving domestic violence
• Records containing personal identifying information

The Maryland Judiciary has established rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. The Maryland Courts website (361 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401) provides detailed information about which records are accessible and how to request them.

How To Find Court Records in Garrett County in 2025

To find court records in Garrett County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Visit in person: Go to the Clerk's Office at the Circuit Court for Garrett County (203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550) or the District Court (311 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD 21550).

2. Online access: Use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system, which provides information about cases from both the Circuit and District Courts.

3. Mail requests: Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk's office.

4. Phone inquiries: Contact the Clerk's Office for basic information about cases.

For records requests under the Maryland Public Information Act, you may need to submit a formal request form available on the Maryland Courts website.

How To Look Up Court Records in Garrett County Online?

To look up Garrett County court records online:

1. Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search website at casesearch.courts.state.md.us.

2. You can search by name, case number, or other identifiers.

3. The system provides basic case information, including party names, case type, filing date, and case status.

4. For more detailed documents, you may need to request copies from the Clerk's Office or use the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system if you're an attorney or registered user.

The Maryland Courts Administrative Office (187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401) oversees these online systems and can provide assistance with technical issues.

Can You Search Garrett County Court Records for Free?

Yes, you can search basic Garrett County court records for free through several methods:

1. Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This online database is free to use and provides basic case information.

2. In-person searches: Visiting the Clerk's Office at the Circuit Court (203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550) or District Court (311 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD 21550) allows you to search and view public records at no cost.

3. Public access terminals: Available at the courthouse for searching electronic records.

While searching is free, there are fees for obtaining copies of documents:

• Regular copies: $5 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
• Certified copies: Additional certification fee of $5 per document

Fee waivers may be available for those who demonstrate financial hardship.

What's Included in a Garrett County Court Record?

A typical Garrett County court record includes:

1. Case information: Case number, filing date, case type, and status
2. Party information: Names and contact information for plaintiffs, defendants, attorneys
3. Docket entries: Chronological list of all filings and court actions
4. Filed documents: Complaints, petitions, motions, responses, and exhibits
5. Court orders and judgments: Official decisions by the court
6. Hearing information: Dates, times, and outcomes of hearings
7. Financial information: Filing fees, fines, and payment records

The level of detail available to the public may vary based on case type and confidentiality rules established by the Maryland Judiciary (361 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401).

How Long Does Garrett County Keep Court Records?

Garrett County follows the Maryland Judiciary's records retention schedule:

• Criminal felony cases: Permanent retention
• Criminal misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
• Civil cases: 12 years after case closure
• Domestic/family cases: Varies by case type (some permanent)
• Juvenile records: Until the individual reaches age 21, then sealed
• Probate records: Permanent retention

The Maryland State Archives (350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401) eventually receives many court records for permanent historical preservation. Digital records retention policies continue to evolve as courts transition to electronic filing systems.

Types of Courts In Garrett County

Garrett County has two primary levels of courts:

1. Circuit Court for Garrett County Located at 203 South Fourth Street, Oakland, MD 21550

   • Handles major civil cases, serious criminal matters, family law, and juvenile cases
   • Court of general jurisdiction
   • Jury trials available
   • Appeals from District Court decisions

2. District Court of Maryland, District 12 Located at 311 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD 21550

   • Handles minor civil cases (under $30,000), landlord-tenant disputes, small claims
   • Criminal misdemeanors and some felony preliminary hearings
   • Traffic violations
   • Peace and protective orders

These courts operate under the authority of the Maryland Judiciary, with administrative oversight from the Administrative Office of the Courts (187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401).

What Types of Cases Do Garrett County Courts Hear?

Garrett County courts hear a wide range of cases:

Circuit Court cases include:

• Serious criminal felonies
• Civil cases with claims exceeding $30,000
• Family law matters (divorce, custody, child support)
• Juvenile proceedings
• Probate and estate administration
• Land records and property disputes
• Appeals from District Court and administrative agencies

District Court cases include:

• Criminal misdemeanors and some preliminary felony proceedings
• Civil cases with claims up to $30,000
• Small claims (up to $5,000)
• Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
• Traffic violations
• Peace and protective orders
• Certain environmental and natural resource violations

The Maryland Attorney General's Office (200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202) may provide guidance on which court has jurisdiction over specific types of cases.

How To Find a Court Docket In Garrett County

To find a court docket in Garrett County:

1. Online: Use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system to view basic docket information.

2. In person: Visit the Clerk's Office at the Circuit Court (203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550) or District Court (311 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD 21550) to review docket entries.

3. By phone: Contact the appropriate clerk's office to inquire about specific case docket information.

4. By mail: Submit a written request for docket information to the relevant court.

Court dockets are typically updated daily and provide a chronological listing of all actions taken in a case. The Administrative Office of the Courts (187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401) oversees the systems that maintain these records.

Which Courts in Garrett County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Garrett County, the following are not courts of record:

1. Orphans' Court: While this court handles probate matters, it is not technically a court of record in the same sense as the Circuit and District Courts. The Orphans' Court for Garrett County is located at 203 South Fourth Street, Oakland, MD 21550.

2. Administrative hearings: Various administrative bodies that conduct hearings (such as the Motor Vehicle Administration, Workers' Compensation Commission, etc.) are not courts of record.

3. Alternative dispute resolution proceedings: Mediation and arbitration sessions, even when court-ordered, are not courts of record.

"Court of record" refers to courts where proceedings are recorded verbatim and preserved as part of the official record. The Maryland State Court Administrator's Office (187 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401) can provide more information about the distinction between courts of record and other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies.

Lookup Court Records in Garrett County

• Circuit Court for Garrett County, MD - Clerk's Office - Provides details on the services offered by the Clerk's Office, including access to court records and other legal documents.

• Judicial Records Request - Maryland Courts - Information on how to request public records from the Garrett County Circuit Court under the Maryland Public Information Act.

• Garrett County Courts and Public Records - marylandcourts.org - Overview of the court system in Garrett County, including the types of courts and the public accessibility of court records.

• Court Records - Maryland Courts - General information on accessing court records in Maryland, including the use of the Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool.

• Garrett County District Court Case Records Search | Garrett, MD - Details on accessing case records from the Garrett County District Court, including contact information and court hours.

• Garrett County Circuit Court Case Records Search | Garrett, MD - Information on accessing case records from the Garrett County Circuit Court, including contact details and operational hours.