Court records of St. Mary's County in the state of Maryland are available through several channels. StMarysCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the official Case Search by Maryland Courts, directly at the Clerk's Office, or through public terminals installed in court buildings in Leonardtown.
St. Mary's Court System & Jurisdictions
There are two main courts in the county — each with its own jurisdiction and separate building.
Circuit Court
This is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil claims over $30,000, divorce and child custody cases, adoptions, as well as appeals from the District Court. The Clerk's Office is headed by Clerk of Court — Debra J. "Debbie" Burch.
District Court
The District Court handles minor criminal cases (misdemeanors), traffic violations, civil claims up to $30,000, small claims cases (up to $5,000), and the issuance of peace orders. There is no separate Orphans' Court / Probate court in Maryland at the District Court level — inheritance cases in the county are handled by the Orphans' Court, which is part of the county's judicial branch.
The Orphans' Court meets in the Circuit Court building and handles wills, the appointment of personal representatives, and other estate management issues.
St. Mary's Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week can be viewed in several ways:
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search — on the main page of Maryland Courts, select "Case Search," enter the party's name or case number, and view the scheduled hearing dates.
- Directly at the court — the daily docket is usually posted near the courtrooms in the Circuit Court and District Court buildings in Leonardtown.
- Phone inquiry — call the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 301-475-7844 or the District Court to confirm the time of a specific hearing.
The Case Search system is updated regularly, but schedule changes (postponements, cancellations) sometimes appear with a slight delay. If you need accurate information for a specific day, it's better to confirm it by phone.
How to Get a Copy of a St. Mary's Court Document
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains civil, criminal, and juvenile cases, as well as land records, mortgages, and other documents. Copies can be obtained in three ways.
In Person
Visit the Clerk's Office at 41605 Courthouse Drive in Leonardtown during business hours (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM). You will need the case number or the full name of the party. Uncertified copies are issued immediately. Certified copies require the clerk's seal and additional payment.
By Mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, document type, and contact information. Include a check or money order payable to "Clerk of Court."
Online
Through Case Search, you can view basic case information — dates, parties, status — for free. However, downloading the full text of a document or obtaining a certified copy online is generally not possible. Land records (deeds, mortgages, plats) are available through the Maryland Land Records portal.
Some records have restricted access: juvenile cases, sealed criminal cases, and certain family proceedings are not released without a court order.
St. Mary's Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set in accordance with Maryland Rules and administrative orders. Below are typical fees in effect at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search fee | $20.00 per name |
| Uncertified copy, per page | $0.50 |
| Certified copy, per document | $5.00 |
| Exemplification with court seal | $10.00 |
| Land record copies, per page | $1.00 |
Payment is accepted in person or by mail. Check with the Clerk's Office for currently available payment methods — checks, money orders, or cards. Fees may change, so it's advisable to call 301-475-7844 before visiting or check information on the Clerk's Office website.