Kent 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 Kent County is the county's trial court of general jurisdiction, with its Clerk of the Circuit Court in Chestertown. It handles felonies, major civil cases, and family matters, while the District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic, and smaller civil cases.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Circuit Court for Kent County |
| Main Address | 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 |
| Main Phone | 410-778-7460 |
| Website | mdcourts.gov clerk page for Kent County (official Maryland Judiciary site: mdcourts.gov) |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Chestertown) |
| Handles | Felonies, major civil cases, family matters, and appeals from the District Court and administrative agencies in the Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, landlord-tenant, smaller civil cases, and preliminary criminal matters in the District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland), estates and guardianship (Orphans' Court), appeals heard by the Appellate Court of Maryland or Supreme Court of Maryland, and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Maryland Judiciary Case Search (statewide) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of the Circuit Court, 410-778-7460 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Through the Maryland Judiciary at mdcourts.gov |
How to Search Kent County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search.
Online
Go to Maryland Judiciary Case Search, a statewide search tool.
Search by name or case number, then open the case summary.
Results are case information, so confirm details with the clerk when needed.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Clerk of the Circuit Court about records and copies.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 410-778-7460 to confirm what the clerk needs.
Ask the clerk how to request copies of court records.
Confirm record availability before you visit the courthouse.
Best for: Confirming records before a visit
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
Kent County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
Kent County District Court received 4,422 filings in FY 2025, up 0.4% from 4,404 in FY 2024. Adding estimated Circuit Court family, juvenile, probate and mental health filings gives about 4,702 filings across both courts.
~4,702
Total filings in FY 2025
~4,340
Total dispositions in FY 2025
~4,702
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+0.4%
Change in total filings vs FY 2024
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~4,702 | ~4,683 | ~+0.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~4,340 | ~4,323 | ~+0.4% |
| Criminal Filings | 3,912 | 3,956 | -1.1% |
| Civil Filings | 454 | 388 | +17.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~293 | ~296 | ~-1.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~11 | ~11 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~9 | ~9 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~23 | ~23 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in civil filings.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Kent County?
Estimated total filings in Kent County moved down over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2025 | ~4,702 | ~4,340 | ~+0.4% |
| FY 2024 | ~4,683 | ~4,323 | ~-1.0% |
| FY 2023 | ~4,730 | ~4,366 | ~-1.0% |
| FY 2022 | ~4,778 | ~4,411 | ~-1.0% |
| FY 2021 | ~4,826 | ~4,455 | ~-28.1% |
Estimated filings changed -2.6% between FY 2021 and FY 2025, from 4,826 to 4,702. The largest annual change was -1.0% in FY 2023. The latest change of +0.4% was driven mainly by civil filings.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Kent County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Kent County, at about 83.2% of filings in FY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 3,912 | ~83.2% | -1.1% |
| Civil | 454 | ~9.7% | +17.0% |
| Family law | ~293 | ~6.2% | ~-1.0% |
| Juvenile | ~23 | ~0.5% | ~+0.0% |
| Probate | ~11 | ~0.2% | ~+0.0% |
| Mental health | ~9 | ~0.2% | ~+0.0% |
Civil cases grew fastest and criminal cases fell fastest.
How Does Kent County Compare With Maryland Overall?
Kent County is estimated to account for about 0.43% of the 1,091,679 cases filed in Maryland courts in FY 2025.
| Metric | Kent County | Maryland | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~4,702 | ~1,091,679 | ~0.43% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+0.4% | ~+10.6% | Below state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~4,702 | ~3,663 | Above state (estimate) |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~4,340 | ~3,381 | Above state (estimate) |
| Criminal share of filings | ~83.2% | ~70.9% | Above state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~9.7% | ~20.4% | Below state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~6.2% | ~2.7% | Above state (estimate) |
Compared with the state, Kent County has a higher share of criminal filings and a lower share of civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates.
Kent County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Maryland statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Kent 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 | 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 Kent County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Kent County Courthouse Locations
Kent County has 1 Circuit Court location, in Chestertown. Check your notice or case paperwork for the assigned courthouse before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court for Kent County (Chestertown) | 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 | 410-778-7460 | See location page: Maryland Judiciary directory |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Kent County?
Most Kent County matters go to the Circuit Court or the District Court, with estates handled by the Orphans' Court. Federal cases go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are handled by the District Court. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the courts. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | Misdemeanor charges are heard in the District Court. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | Felonies are tried in the Circuit Court. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | Check your charging document to see which court holds the case. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | Check your charging document, since criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | Major civil cases go to the Circuit Court and smaller civil cases go to the District Court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in the District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Landlord-tenant cases are heard in the District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court | Family matters, including divorce, are heard in the Circuit Court. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court | Family matters, including custody and support, are heard in the Circuit Court. |
| Probate or estate | Orphans' Court | The Orphans' Court handles estates and guardianship in each county. |
| Appeal | Appellate Court of Maryland | Most appeals go to the Appellate Court of Maryland, and the Supreme Court of Maryland is the highest court. |
Are Kent County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Kent County court records are public, with exceptions set by Maryland court rules and state law.
Public records
Most Circuit Court and District Court records are open to the public under Maryland Rules Title 16, Chapter 1000 (Access to Court Records). Access to records is subject to the courts' own rules.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available. Other confidential records are also withheld under the court rules.
Online access
Maryland Judiciary Case Search is a statewide search for case information in Circuit Court and District Court cases. Search results do not make every document available online, and restricted cases are not shown in full. For court records access information, see the Access to Court Records page.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620, or call 410-778-7460 to confirm what records are available and how to request copies.
Fees
This section does not list copy fees. Ask the Clerk of the Circuit Court about fees for the records you need.
How to Search Kent County Court Records Online
Use the official Maryland Judiciary search to look up Kent County cases by case type, and ask the clerk for documents that are not available online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, or juvenile.
- Open Maryland Judiciary Case Search for Circuit Court and District Court cases.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-778-7460 to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Maryland Judiciary Case Search | Case information and status | Documents may require the clerk; confidential records are restricted |
| Traffic | Maryland Judiciary Case Search | Case information and status | Documents may require the clerk |
| Civil | Maryland Judiciary Case Search | Case information and parties | Documents may require the clerk |
| Small claims | Maryland Judiciary Case Search | Case information and parties | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Maryland Judiciary Case Search | Case information | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Orphans' Court (not in the general portal) | Estate and guardianship files | Contact the Orphans' Court directly |
| Juvenile | Not in the general portal | Not publicly available | Juvenile records are restricted |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Kent County
Traffic citations for Kent County can be paid through the Maryland Judiciary online or in person at the District Court.
- Online: Pay through the Maryland Judiciary at mdcourts.gov.
- In person: Pay at the District Court that handles your citation.
For other questions about fines, call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-778-7460. Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the courts.
Kent County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Kent County court records?
Use Maryland Judiciary Case Search for statewide case information, or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-778-7460.
Are Kent County court records public?
Most are, under Maryland court rules, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, and other confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case in Kent County?
Search by name or case number in Maryland Judiciary Case Search, or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-778-7460.
How do I find a court date in Kent County?
Check your notice or ticket, look up the case in Maryland Judiciary Case Search, or call the Clerk of the Circuit Court at 410-778-7460.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Kent County?
Pay online through the Maryland Judiciary or in person at the District Court.
How many cases are filed in Kent County each year?
Court filing counts by county are not available here. The county population was 19,565 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case in Kent County?
Case counts by type for the county are not available here. The Circuit Court and District Court hear different case types, as listed in the case types section.
Is crime in Kent County rising or falling?
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
Kent County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD, 21620 |
| Phone Number: | 410-810-3360 |
| Website: | https://www.courts.state.md.us/district/directories/courtmap#WABASH |
Useful Links
- Maryland Courts - Kent County Circuit Court: Find official Kent County Circuit Court information, including services offered, contact details, and location.
- Maryland Area and Court Locations - Court Directory and Map: Access a directory and map of district court locations across Maryland, including Kent County for comprehensive court services.
- Maryland Courts - Court Records: Retrieve Maryland court records, including case filings and dockets, through the official state judiciary website.
- Maryland Lieutenant Governor: Explore the Maryland Lieutenant Governor's roles, responsibilities, and initiatives impacting state law and court systems.
- The People’s Law Library of Maryland: Access legal information and resources for Maryland residents, including guidance on navigating court processes.
- Maryland Courts - Kent County Circuit Court Information: Comprehensive details of the Kent County Circuit Court, including procedural guides and contact information.
- Maryland Courts Self-Help Centers: Find assistance with legal cases through Maryland's Self-Help program, providing court and legal services guidance.
- Maryland Virtual Courtrooms: Learn about virtual courtroom services to access hearings and legal proceedings online across Maryland courts.
- Kent County Circuit Courthouse Information: Important details about the Kent County Circuit Courthouse's location, history, and operational status.
- Kent County Circuit Court Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ page addresses common questions regarding filings, court schedules, and legal procedures in Kent County.
- Kent County Clerk of Court - Fees: Information on fees for court services and document filings, provided by the Kent County Clerk's Office.
- Maryland Peace and Protective Orders Resources: Explore resources related to obtaining peace and protective orders across Maryland, including procedural steps and contacts.
- Maryland District Court - Forms: Access official court forms required for various district court services and legal proceedings in Maryland.
- Maryland Family Law Assistance Program: Get legal assistance with family law issues in Maryland, including filing for divorce or custody changes.
- Maryland Criminal Law Assistance: Resources and assistance for individuals dealing with criminal charges or seeking information on criminal proceedings in Maryland.
- Maryland Court of Appeals and Special Appeals Decisions: Judicial decisions and opinions from Maryland's higher courts are available for public access and research.
- Maryland Family Division Domestic Violence Services: Services and support for domestic violence situations, including how to proceed legally within the court systems.
- Kent County Judicial Branch: Overview of the judicial branch in Kent County with its structure and current official appointments.
- Kent County - Circuit Court Information: Additional resources about the Circuit Court of Kent County, including contact details and service descriptions.
- Maryland Courts Media Resources: Media guidelines and access for coverage of court proceedings in Maryland courts.
Table of Contents
- Kent County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Kent County Court Records
- Kent County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Kent County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Kent County?
- How Does Kent County Compare With Maryland Overall?
- Kent County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Kent County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Kent County?
- Are Kent County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Kent County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Kent County
- Kent County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links