Carroll County, MD Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Circuit Court for Carroll County in Westminster is the county's trial court of general jurisdiction, handling felonies, major civil cases, family matters, and appeals from the District Court. The District Court of Maryland, a statewide court, handles misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, landlord-tenant, and smaller civil cases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Circuit Court for Carroll County (Clerk of the Circuit Court), with the District Court of Maryland |
| Main Address | 55 N. Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157 |
| Main Phone | 410-386-8710 |
| Website | Clerk of the Circuit Court page on mdcourts.gov |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Westminster) |
| Handles | Circuit Court: felonies, major civil cases, family matters, and appeals from the District Court. District Court: misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, landlord-tenant, and smaller civil cases |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland), estate and guardianship matters (Orphans' Court), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Maryland Judiciary Case Search (statewide) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of the Circuit Court, 410-386-8710 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Maryland Judiciary, mdcourts.gov (statewide) |
How to Search Carroll County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Carroll County Circuit Court records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Westminster.
Online
Go to Maryland Judiciary Case Search to look up statewide court cases.
Search by name or case number, then open the case details.
Check with the court for any documents that are not shown online.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to 55 N. Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk for the division that handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 410-386-8710 to ask the Clerk of the Circuit Court what your request needs.
Confirm the case number and party names before you call.
Ask the clerk about the next step for a records request.
Best for: Questions about a specific case
Search by Name on MarylandCourts.org
Go to MarylandCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Carroll County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
Carroll County District Court received 25,632 filings in FY 2025, up 18.0% from 21,725 in FY 2024. Adding estimated Circuit Court family, juvenile, probate and mental health filings gives about 28,616 filings across both courts.
~28,616
Total filings in FY 2025
~26,414
Total dispositions in FY 2025
~2,862
Filings per judicial position (10 estimated positions)
~+18.0%
Change in total filings vs FY 2024
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~28,616 | ~24,254 | ~+18.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~26,414 | ~22,388 | ~+18.0% |
| Criminal Filings | 21,923 | 18,814 | +16.5% |
| Civil Filings | 3,264 | 2,410 | +35.4% |
| Family Law Filings | ~2,971 | ~2,642 | ~+12.5% |
| Probate Filings | ~114 | ~97 | ~+17.5% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~96 | ~81 | ~+18.5% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~248 | ~210 | ~+18.1% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~10 | ~10 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Carroll County?
Estimated total filings in Carroll County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2025 | ~28,616 | ~26,414 | ~+18.0% |
| FY 2024 | ~24,254 | ~22,388 | ~-1.0% |
| FY 2023 | ~24,499 | ~22,614 | ~-1.0% |
| FY 2022 | ~24,746 | ~22,842 | ~-1.0% |
| FY 2021 | ~24,996 | ~23,073 | ~-28.1% |
Estimated filings changed +14.5% between FY 2021 and FY 2025, from 24,996 to 28,616. The largest annual change was +18.0% in FY 2025. The latest change of +18.0% was driven mainly by criminal filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Carroll County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Carroll County, at about 76.6% of filings in FY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 21,923 | ~76.6% | +16.5% |
| Civil | 3,264 | ~11.4% | +35.4% |
| Family law | ~2,971 | ~10.4% | ~+12.5% |
| Juvenile | ~248 | ~0.9% | ~+18.1% |
| Probate | ~114 | ~0.4% | ~+17.5% |
| Mental health | ~96 | ~0.3% | ~+18.5% |
Civil cases grew fastest and family law cases grew slowest.
How Does Carroll County Compare With Maryland Overall?
Carroll County is estimated to account for about 2.50% of the 1,146,192 cases filed in Maryland courts in FY 2025.
| Metric | Carroll County | Maryland | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~28,616 | ~1,146,192 | ~2.50% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+18.0% | ~+10.6% | Above state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~2,862 | ~3,846 | Below state (estimate) |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~2,641 | ~3,550 | Below state (estimate) |
| Criminal share of filings | ~76.6% | ~67.5% | Above state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~11.4% | ~19.4% | Below state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~10.4% | ~2.6% | Above state (estimate) |
Compared with the state, Carroll County has a higher share of criminal filings and a lower share of civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates.
Carroll County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Maryland statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Carroll County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 11.4% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 100% of Maryland's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
22,870
Violent crimes, Maryland statewide, 2025
116,078
Property crimes, Maryland statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
365.0
Violent crime rate per 100K, Maryland statewide, 2025 (population 6,265,347)
-11.4%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Maryland statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (138,948 vs 156,738)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 337 | 5.4 | 464 | -27.4% |
| Rape | 2,056 | 32.8 | 2,213 | -7.1% |
| Robbery | 5,396 | 86.1 | 7,764 | -30.5% |
| Aggravated assault | 15,081 | 240.7 | 16,237 | -7.1% |
| Violent crimes total | 22,870 | 365.0 | 26,678 | -14.3% |
| Burglary | 10,511 | 167.8 | 12,054 | -12.8% |
| Larceny-theft | 85,160 | 1359.2 | 91,466 | -6.9% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 20,025 | 319.6 | 26,041 | -23.1% |
| Property crimes total (includes arson) | 116,078 | 1852.7 | 130,060 | -10.8% |
Rates use the Maryland 2025 population of 6,265,347. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Carroll County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Carroll County Courthouse Locations
Carroll County has 1 Circuit Court courthouse location, in Westminster. Check your notice or case papers for the courthouse and courtroom assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court for Carroll County (Westminster) | 55 N. Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157 | 410-386-8710 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Carroll County?
Maryland's Circuit Court and District Court hear different types of cases. Use the table to find where a matter is heard in Carroll County. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court of Maryland | Traffic matters are heard in the District Court. |
| Parking ticket | Issuing agency, not a court | Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued the ticket. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court of Maryland | Misdemeanor cases are generally heard in the District Court. |
| Felony | Circuit Court for Carroll County | Felonies are handled by the Circuit Court. |
| DUI | District Court of Maryland | DUI charges are generally heard in the District Court. |
| Domestic violence | District Court of Maryland | Protective order requests can be filed in the District Court. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court for Carroll County | Major civil cases go to the Circuit Court; smaller civil claims go to the District Court. |
| Small claims | District Court of Maryland | Small claims are heard in the District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court of Maryland | Landlord-tenant cases are heard in the District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court for Carroll County | Family matters, including divorce, are heard in the Circuit Court. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court for Carroll County | Family matters, including custody, are heard in the Circuit Court. |
| Probate or estate | Orphans' Court | The Orphans' Court handles estates and guardianship in each county. |
| Juvenile case | Circuit Court for Carroll County | Juvenile causes are heard in the Circuit Court and are confidential. |
| Appeal | Appellate Court of Maryland | Most appeals go to the Appellate Court of Maryland; the Supreme Court of Maryland is the highest court. |
Are Carroll County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Carroll County court records are public, with exceptions set by Maryland court rules. Access to court records is governed by Maryland Rules Title 16, Chapter 1000 (Access to Court Records).
Public records
Most Circuit Court and District Court case records are open, including dockets and orders, unless a law or court rule restricts them. The Maryland Public Information Act (General Provisions Article, Title 4) covers public agency records.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available. Other records protected by law are also restricted.
Online access
Search case information in Maryland Judiciary Case Search, a statewide tool. It shows case information, not every document. The statewide Access to Court Records page on mdcourts.gov explains how to request records.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 55 N. Court Street, Westminster, MD 21157 to view or request records. Call 410-386-8710 to confirm where your case is held.
Fees
No fees are listed here. Ask the Clerk of the Circuit Court about copy fees before you request records.
How to Search Carroll County Court Records Online
Search Carroll County court cases online by identifying the case type, then using the official portal for that type.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, family, or probate.
- Pick the official portal: Maryland Judiciary Case Search covers most Circuit Court and District Court cases statewide.
- Search by name or case number, then open the case details.
- Review the case details, including case status and docket entries.
- Request documents that are not online from the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-386-8710.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Maryland Judiciary Case Search (Circuit and District Court) | Case status and docket entries | Documents are not all online; confidential records are restricted |
| Traffic | Maryland Judiciary Case Search (District Court) | Citation status and docket entries | Parking tickets are not handled by the court |
| Civil | Maryland Judiciary Case Search | Case parties, filings, and status | Some documents require a request to the clerk |
| Small claims | Maryland Judiciary Case Search (District Court) | Case parties and status | Some documents require a request to the clerk |
| Family law | Maryland Judiciary Case Search (Circuit Court) | Case status and docket entries | Sealed and confidential family records are restricted |
| Probate | Orphans' Court for Carroll County (contact the court directly) | Estate and guardianship matters | Not covered by the general case search |
| Juvenile | Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-386-8710 | No public case details | Juvenile records are confidential |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Carroll County
Traffic tickets for Carroll County can be paid through the Maryland Judiciary, online or in person at the District Court.
- Online: Traffic tickets can be paid online through the Maryland Judiciary at mdcourts.gov.
- In person: Traffic citations can be paid at a District Court location. Bring your citation and check it for the court listed.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued the ticket, not by the court. For questions about a Circuit Court matter, call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-386-8710.
Carroll County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Carroll County court records?
Use Maryland Judiciary Case Search to look up Circuit and District Court cases by name or case number, or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-386-8710.
Are Carroll County court records public?
Most are, under Maryland court access rules, but sealed, juvenile, expunged, and other confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name in Maryland Judiciary Case Search, or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-386-8710 for Circuit Court matters.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation, notice, or summons, or search the case in Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Traffic tickets can be paid online through the Maryland Judiciary at mdcourts.gov or in person at a District Court location.
What is the population of Carroll County?
Carroll County had 176,677 residents in 2025, down from 176,790 in 2024, according to Census Bureau estimates.
What share of Maryland's population lives in Carroll County?
Carroll County's 176,677 residents were 2.82% of Maryland's 6,265,347 people in 2025.
How did reported crime change in Maryland in 2024?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 14.3% to 22,870 in 2025 from 26,678 in 2024, and property crimes fell 10.8% to 116,078 from 130,060, as reported to the FBI. These are Maryland statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Carroll County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 101 North Court Street, Westminster, MD, 21157 |
| Phone Number: | 410-871-3500 |
| Website: | https://www.courts.state.md.us/district/directories/courtmap#WABASH |
Useful Links
- Carroll County Circuit Court - Maryland Courts Find information about the Carroll County Circuit Court, including location, hours, and services offered for various legal matters.
- Clerk of the Circuit Court - Carroll County Government Access services provided by the Clerk's Office, such as case filing, marriage licenses, and court records in Carroll County.
- Carroll County Circuit Court Directory - Maryland Courts Find contact details and directories for the Carroll County Circuit Court staff, including judges and other officials.
- Self-Help Resources - Maryland Courts Access legal self-help materials and resources, including guides and tools for understanding court procedures and legal rights.
- Maryland Court Records - Maryland Courts Learn how to access various types of court records and documents through Maryland's state court system.
- District Court of Maryland - Carroll County Government Get information about the District Court's location, operations, services provided, and the types of cases handled in Carroll County.
- The People's Law Library of Maryland A legal resource providing information and self-help materials for various legal issues faced by Maryland residents.
- Family Law - Maryland Courts Offers comprehensive legal resources and assistance for family law matters, including divorce, custody, and child support.
- Requesting Records - Maryland Courts Instructions and guidelines for requesting access to court records, including forms and contact information.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution - Maryland Courts Learn about mediation and conflict resolution options available in Maryland courts to resolve disputes outside of courtrooms.
- Office of the Attorney General - Maryland Provides legal resources and information on consumer protection, civil rights, and other legal matters relevant to Marylanders.
- Interactive Court Forms - Maryland Courts Access interactive tools and court forms to assist with various legal processes within Maryland state courts.
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search Search for case information across Maryland's criminal, traffic, and civil court records offered by the state judiciary.
- Finding Legal Aid - Legal Services Corporation Locate legal aid providers in Maryland, offering guidance and assistance for individuals with low income or in need of support.
- Frequently Asked Questions - Maryland Courts Get answers to common questions regarding Maryland Courts, covering topics like court procedures, locations, and services provided.
- Maryland Pro Bono Resource Center A network providing free legal services and volunteer opportunities aimed at improving legal access for Maryland residents.
- Maryland Court Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office Enhance understanding of and access to mediation services and dispute resolution resources in Maryland courts.
- Maryland Free Legal Answers An online portal where qualified users can ask legal questions and get answers from volunteer attorneys in Maryland.
- Maryland Legal Help Centers Find information and resources offered through legal help centers across Maryland, providing guidance for self-represented litigants.
- Court Forms - Maryland Courts Download essential forms for various court services and procedures in Maryland, including family, civil, and criminal matters.
Table of Contents
- Carroll County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Carroll County Court Records
- Carroll County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Carroll County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Carroll County?
- How Does Carroll County Compare With Maryland Overall?
- Carroll County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Carroll County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Carroll County?
- Are Carroll County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Carroll County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Carroll County
- Carroll County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links