Welcome

Howard County Circuit Court Building

Effective June 6, 2021 - Administrative Order, Substitute Trustee Sales

The Circuit Court is part of the Judicial Branch of government and is a court of general jurisdiction. Circuit Court hears jury trials, juvenile, family law, serious criminal matters and complex civil matters. Circuit Court also hears appeals from the District Court of Maryland, Orphans Court and Administrative Agencies. We strive to apply the law fairly and timely while treating all who come before the Court with respect and dignity.



Unexpected Closings or Delays - in the event of inclement weather please visit the Judiciary's Closings/Delays webpage for weather-related updates.

  • Closings:  If the Court is closed on your scheduled trial date, and you were scheduled to appear for a final protective order in a domestic violence case, your case will be heard on the second day the Court is open at 8:30 a.m. No new notice will be issued.  For all other cases, your hearing will be rescheduled and notice will be mailed.  If the hearing was scheduled to take 1/2 day or longer, you will be contacted to clear a reset date, unless otherwise notified by the court.
  • Delays:  If you have a scheduled hearing on a day the Court opens late, you should appear for the hearing regardless of the time your hearing was originally scheduled.  For example, if you were scheduled to appear for a 9:00 a.m. settlement or scheduling conference and the Court opens at 10:30 a.m., you should appear at 10:30 a.m. This procedure applies to remote hearings as well as in person hearings. There may be some additional delay as the court determines the order in which cases will be called and if any postponements are needed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the court information line (410) 313-4851.  For jury questions, please call (410) 313-3804.