Washington County Court Records

Per Md. R. Ct. Admin.16-903, Maryland court records are all or any portion of a document, notice, paper, order, docket entry, exhibit, or other record, regardless of the form, that is created, entered, filed with, or kept by the clerk of a court in connection with a proceeding. The Clerks of the District and Circuit Courts are the custodians of all Washington County criminal and civil court records. These Clerks commonly issue court records online and in person. Access to court records helps ensure transparency in judicial proceedings. They provide the public with insight into how court decisions are made, which helps maintain trust in the legal system. This transparency also holds the judicial system accountable to the public.

Below are some information contained in a court record:

• Case information (court system, location, case number, title, case type, filing date, case status, judicial officer, and tracking number)
• Defendant information (the defendant’s name, race, sex, height, weight, hair and eye color, date of birth, address, city, state, aliases, and zip code)
• Attorney information (name, appearance date, removal date, address line, city, state, and zip code)
• Involved party's information (plaintiff’s name, attorney(s) information, and police officer’s information like name, address, and agency name)
• Court scheduling information (event type, date, and time, judge’s name, court location, courtroom, and result)
• Charge and disposition information (charge number, CJIS code, statute code, charge description, and class, offense date, agency name, disposition, disposition date, and judge)
• Document information (file date and document name)
• Hearings (date and time)

Are Court Records Public in Washington County?

Yes. The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) and Access to Judicial Records govern the inspection and copying of court records held by Washington County Courts. However, several court records are excluded from the public. For example, expunged, shielded, or sealed records are unavailable to the public. Additionally, the following court records are deemed confidential (Md. R. Ct. Admin. 16-914):

• Medical records
• Adoption records
• Income tax returns
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Certain marriage license information
• Emergency mental health evaluations
• Guardianship terminating parental rights
• Child in need of assistance cases (CINA)
• Action for judicial declaration of gender identity
• Financial statements filed in a case about spousal or child support
• Search warrants, application, and supporting affidavit prior to execution
• Reports filed by a guardian concerning the property of an alleged disabled adult
• Reports filed by a physician concerning the medical condition of an alleged disabled adult

Washington County Court Records Search

The most common ways to find court records in Washington County are:

• Online through official search portals like the Maryland Judiciary Case Search and Record Search portals
• By visiting the courthouse where the case was filed
• Through third-party websites
• At the Maryland State Archive’s office

Washington County Court Records Search by Name

The most comfortable way of finding court records by name in Washington County is online. This is because online access to court information is free. Washington County courts provide this service through the Case Search and Record Search portals. The search criteria are name or case number. Record seekers can also visit the court where a case was heard to obtain copies of a court record. The case party name should be provided to the record staff alongside a valid ID and a completed request form. Copies of a court record cost $0.50 per page, and certified copies cost $5 per request in addition to the photocopy fee.

Washington County Courts

Washington County courts are comprised of a circuit court and a district court. Below are the addresses of all the courts in Washington County:

Washington County Circuit Court
24 Summit Avenue
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (301) 733-8660
Fax: (301) 791-1151
Email: washcocc_clerk@mdcourts.gov

Washington County District Court
36 W. Antietam Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740-5524
Phone: (240) 420-4600

Washington County Orphans' Court
100 W. Washington Street
Suite 3500
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Register of Wills: (301) 739-3612
Court: (301) 791-3298
Fax: (301) 733-8636

Washington County Superior Court Case Search

Washington County falls under the jurisdiction of the 4th Circuit Court and also has a District Court. All court records are accessible through these courts. Notably, Washington County does not have a Superior Court.

Washington County District Court Records

The Washington County District Court hears about replevin actions, landlord/tenant cases, criminal cases classified as misdemeanors and certain felonies, traffic violations, and civil cases whose amount in controversy does not exceed $30,000.

Copies of District Court records can be obtained in person at the clerk’s office. To facilitate the search, the requester must provide a case number or case party names. Copies of record costs $0.50 per page, and certified copies cost $5 per request (plus photocopy fee). Some court records can also be accessed electronically via the following portals:

• Maryland Judiciary Case Search: The search criteria are based on case number or party name. There is also an advanced search option that helps streamline the search. This portal makes case records available to the public.
• Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC): This portal allows only registered users to view court documents. However, the public can also use MDEC without registration if they click the “View Document Here” link, which leads to the Maryland Judiciary Record Search portal. A search can be conducted by name or record number.

Washington County Criminal Records

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) does not provide criminal records to the public without proper authorization. Individuals can retrieve copies of criminal records by mail or in person. To get a fingerprint card, the requester must visit any of the fingerprinting service-authorized locations. Mail-in copies cost $18, and in-person services cost $38. The processing time for criminal record requests is between 10 and 15 days. Mail requesters should send the fingerprint card and associated fee to:

Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282 - 2708

Or sent overnight to:

Criminal Justice Information System - Central Repository
6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 217
Baltimore, MD 21215 - 2346

Individuals who want to request Washington County arrest records as part of a background check can visit the Sheriff’s Office. Alternatively, they can contact the Sheriff’s Office Detention Center at (240) 313-2125 to request copies of records.

Washington County Criminal Court Case Lookup

The Washington County District Court handles most criminal cases involving motor vehicle violations, misdemeanors, and some felonies, while the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over serious felony crimes. Most criminal court records are open to the public. This means record seekers can pick up a copy of the case from the District or Circuit courthouse. Call the courthouse before visiting to confirm the file is in that location. This is very important for old cases because the file may need to be retrieved from storage. Upon getting to the courthouse, go to the Clerk’s office and present the court staff with a name or case number to help search for the criminal case records. The staff may ask the requester to complete a request form and provide a valid ID. The requester would be asked to look through a case file to locate the specific criminal case record. Copies of criminal case records attract a fee. Alternatively, applicants can access criminal court records for free on the Case Search and Record Search portals. The search parameters are by name or case number.

Get Washington County Civil Court Records

The Washington District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy is $5,000 or less and concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court in claims for amounts between $5,000 and $30,000. The Circuit Court handles civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $30,000.

Civil court records can be viewed or copied online or in person at the courthouse. Online requests can be made via the Judiciary Case Search portal or the Judiciary Record Search portal. The search parameters are by name or number. Individuals can click the “Advanced Search” tab while using the Judiciary Case Search portal and check the “Civil” box from the “Case Category” area. In-person requests should be made during business hours. A name or case number and the necessary fee are required to process the request.

Washington County Family Court Records

The Washington County Circuit Court is the custodian of family cases, such as divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence. Some family court records are generally available to the public for review, but other records, like adoption, can only be accessed with a court order.

Record seekers can use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool to find a family court record. The search criteria are by name or case number. This portal only reviews a summary of a record. Copies of family court records can only be retrieved in person at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.). Requesters can call the office in advance at (301) 733-8660 to confirm whether the record is at the location. Provide a case number to the record staff to help with the search. The staff may ask the requester to complete a request form and provide a valid ID. The record seeker can look through the case file in the presence of the court staff, and when the document is located, they may request a copy. The staff will charge the requester a fee based on the number of pages. Extra fees apply for certified copies of family court records.

Washington Dissolution of Marriage Records

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool is the best database for conducting a limited search for dissolution of marriage records. The service is free, and searches can be conducted by name or case number. Alternatively, individuals can visit the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.) to obtain copies of dissolution of marriage records. The record staff will need a case number or name to process the request. A request form will be provided to the requester to fill out, and a valid ID must be presented to the staff. Certified and plain copies of dissolution of marriage records can be obtained for a fee.

Washington County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage and divorce records are part of the Washington County public records and are available at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Copies can be obtained at the Office from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. It is advisable to call the office ahead of the visit to confirm whether the record is at the location. The record staff will require a case number or name, a completed request form, and a valid ID to process the request. A case file will be provided for the applicant to look through in the presence of the court staff. When they locate a document, they may request a copy. The staff will charge the requester a fee based on the number of pages. Extra fees apply for certified copies of marriage and divorce records. Individuals can also find divorce records online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search tool. The search criteria are by name or case number. This portal only reviews a summary of a record.

Copies of Washington County marriage certificates can be obtained by mail. A written request or a request form can be sent to the Clerk’s Office. The written request should include the names of both parties, the marriage date, and a check or money order. Copies of Washington County marriage records cost $0.50 for an uncertified copy and $5.50 for each certified copy.

Washington Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records become part of Washington County public records after 100 years. Confidential Washington County vital records of birth and death are open to:

• Registrants (for Washington County birth records)
• A parent or legal guardian
• Legal representative
• A surviving relative of the deceased
• A person with a court order

The Washington County Health Department only accepts birth and death record requests in person from 1940 to the present. In-person requests can be made Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Applicants must bring an Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Birth or Death Record form, government-issued photo identification, and fee and a $20 payable cash, visa, and MasterCard to:

Washington County Health Department
1302 Pennsylvania Ave.
Hagerstown, MD 21742

Washington County Probate Court Records

The Washington County Register of Wills Office has jurisdiction over probate cases involving estates and wills. Members of the public may view probate court records via the Estate Search portal. To access the information on the portal, users must provide an estate number, last name, first name, filing date, county, estate status, or estate type. Probate court records can be downloaded from the portal for a fee of $0.50 per page. Alternatively, requesters can visit the office and use the computers at the public viewing stations to view any probate court document or image for free. However, printing from these stations cost $0.50 per page.

The Maryland State Archives also disseminates Washington County probate court records online through Indexes. Record seekers can also visit the Archive’s office to use their search room computers to find probate court records. The process is easier when requesters schedule an appointment before visiting the office.

Washington County Property Records

The Washington County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Land Department is the custodian of property records, such as land deeds, mortgages, plats, and conveyances. The Department has recorded about 5,208 papered and 10,077 electronic property documents. Inquirers can search property records online by party name or book and page number. The requester must create an account to log in to the portal. The Land Department has a research room where individuals can view property records. The research room is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Copies of property records cost a fee.

The Washington County Treasurer also disseminates property records to the public online and in person. Online requests can be made through the Lookup Portal. A search can be conducted by name, parcel ID, or address. In-person requests can be made during office hours (Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.). The office is located at:

Washington County Treasurer's Office
Washington County Office Building
35 West Washington Street, Suite 102
Hagerstown, Md. 21740-4868
Phone: (240) 313-2110
Fax: (240) 313-2111

Washington County Court Records Online

Most third-party sites, like marylandcourtrecords.us, offer court records to the public. Access to these sites requires a name or case number. Users of such sites can retrieve court information from multiple jurisdictions. A full report on a court record costs a fee, but users can view basic information without charges. Verifying all information obtained from third-party sites is advisable because they are unreliable.