Court records in Dorchester County, Maryland can be searched through several channels. DorchesterMDCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Maryland Judiciary's online Case Search tool, visit the Clerk's Office at the Dorchester County Courthouse in person, or use public terminals available at the courthouse during business hours.
Dorchester Court System & Jurisdictions
Two primary courts operate in Dorchester County. Understanding which court handles your case type determines where to search for docket information.
Circuit Court for Dorchester County
The Circuit Court is Maryland's trial court of general jurisdiction. In Dorchester County it hears:
- Felony criminal cases
- Major civil cases (claims exceeding $30,000)
- Family law matters — divorce, custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases
- Land records and property disputes
- Appeals from the District Court and administrative agencies
The Criminal Department of the Circuit Court Clerk's Office manages criminal case files, while the Records Department handles civil filings, public official commissions, and other recorded documents.
District Court of Maryland – Dorchester County
The District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations and payable citations
- Civil cases with claims of $30,000 or less (including small claims up to $5,000)
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Replevin actions
- Peace orders
Orphans' Court / Register of Wills
Probate and estate matters — including wills, estate administration, and guardianships of property — are handled by the Dorchester County Orphans' Court and the Register of Wills. Estate case records can be searched through the Maryland Register of Wills estate search.
Dorchester Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Circuit Court for Dorchester County publishes its daily docket information online. Dockets are posted each weekday afternoon between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and list the cases scheduled for the following business day.
To check today's or this week's hearings:
- Visit the daily docket page linked above.
- Look for the PDF or listing corresponding to the date you need.
- Each entry typically includes the case number, party names, case type, courtroom assignment, and scheduled time.
For District Court scheduling, use the Maryland Judiciary's Case Search tool. Enter a party name or case number to view upcoming hearing dates, case status, and disposition information for both District Court and Circuit Court cases statewide.
If you cannot find a scheduled hearing online, call the appropriate court clerk's office directly. The Circuit Court can be reached at 410-228-0481 and the District Court at 410-901-1460.
How to Get a Copy of a Dorchester Court Document
Online
Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides free public access to basic case information — party names, charges, filing dates, and dispositions. However, it does not provide downloadable copies of actual documents. Some criminal case information may no longer appear on Case Search; the Access to Court Records page explains what is available online versus what must be obtained in person.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's Office at the Dorchester County Courthouse to request copies of court documents. You will need to provide:
- The case number (if known)
- Full names of the parties involved
- The approximate filing date or year
The clerk can provide either certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies bear an official seal and are typically required for legal proceedings, employment verification, or filings in another court. Uncertified copies are sufficient for personal reference.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk of the Circuit Court specifying the case number, party names, document type, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court."
Land Records
Deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents connected to real estate in Dorchester County are maintained by the Land Records Department. Digital images of land records can also be accessed through MDLandRec.net, the statewide digital repository maintained by the Maryland State Archives and the Circuit Court clerks. A subscription is required for remote access, though free access is available at the courthouse.
Dorchester Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Maryland are set by statute and court rules. The following table reflects standard fees charged by Circuit Court clerks' offices. Contact the Clerk's Office at 410-228-0481 to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 |
| Court record search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Authenticated copy (with seal) | $6.00 |
| Land record copy (per page, at courthouse) | $1.00 |
| MDLandRec.net subscription (remote access) | Varies by plan |
Payment methods: The Clerk's Office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. For mail requests, make checks payable to "Clerk of the Circuit Court." Contact the office to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted for in-person transactions.
Important notes:
- Some records — including certain juvenile cases, sealed records, and expunged cases — are not available to the public regardless of the request method.
- Historical Dorchester County government records in microfilm and original formats may be available through the Maryland State Archives.
- Criminal background checks through official state channels are handled by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Maryland State Police Central Records Division, not by the court clerk.