Prince George’s County Circuit Court: What You Need to Know
Time
Working Hours:
Monday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm Tuesday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am–4:30 pm
Saturday: closed
Sunday: closed
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Are you a resident of Prince George’s County and have some legal issues to take care of? Or maybe you’re just curious about the county’s legal system? Either way, this article is for you. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Prince George’s County Circuit Court, from its history and jurisdiction to its procedures and services.
History of Prince George’s County Circuit Court
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court was established in 1798, shortly after the formation of Prince George’s County. It was one of the first circuit courts in Maryland and has been in continuous operation since its establishment. The court has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate the county’s growing population and caseload.
Jurisdiction of Prince George’s County Circuit Court
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction, which means that it has the authority to hear a wide range of cases. Its jurisdiction includes civil, criminal, family, and juvenile cases. It also has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court in some types of cases.
Structure of Prince George’s County Circuit Court
Judges
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court is presided over by 13 judges who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. They serve a term of 15 years and may be reappointed for an additional term. The judges are responsible for presiding over trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings in the court.
Clerks
The clerks of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court are responsible for maintaining the court’s records and providing administrative support to the judges. They are appointed by the judges and serve at their pleasure.
Courtrooms
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court has multiple courtrooms located in the courthouse in Upper Marlboro. The courtrooms are equipped with modern technology to facilitate the conduct of legal proceedings.
Procedures in Prince George’s County Circuit Court
Filing a case
To file a case in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, you must first determine which division of the court has jurisdiction over your case. You can then obtain the necessary forms from the court’s website or the clerk’s office and file them with the appropriate division.
Serving notice
After filing a case, you must serve notice of the lawsuit on the other party. This is usually done by a sheriff or other authorized process server.
Pretrial conferences
Before a trial, the court may hold a pretrial conference to discuss the case with the parties and attempt to resolve any issues or disputes.
Trials
Trials in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court are generally conducted before a judge and a jury. The parties present their evidence and arguments, and the jury makes a decision based on the facts of the case.
Appeals
If a party is dissatisfied with the decision of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, they may file an appeal with the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. The Court of Special Appeals will review the case and determine whether the circuit court made any errors in its decision.
Services provided by Prince George’s County Circuit Court
Family Division
The Family Division of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court handles cases related to domestic relations, such as divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence. The court offers mediation services to help parties reach an agreement on these issues.
Juvenile Division
The Juvenile Division of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court handles cases involving minors who are accused of committing a crime. The court also offers programs to help juvenile offenders rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
Criminal Division
The Criminal Division of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court handles cases involving felony offenses, such as murder, robbery, and drug offenses. The court also oversees the county’s drug court program, which provides treatment and supervision to nonviolent drug offenders.
Civil Division
The Civil Division of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court handles cases involving disputes between individuals or entities, such as breach of contract, personal injury, and property disputes. The court also offers alternative dispute resolution services, such as mediation and arbitration, to help parties resolve their disputes outside of court.
Prince George’s County Circuit Court Clerks
Civil Clerk
The Civil Clerk of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court is responsible for managing and maintaining records and proceedings related to civil cases, such as personal injury claims, breach of contract disputes, and property disputes.
Criminal Clerk
The Criminal Clerk of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court is responsible for managing and maintaining records and proceedings related to criminal cases, such as felony offenses, misdemeanors, and traffic violations.
Case Search
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court provides an online case search tool that allows individuals to search for case information by case number, party name, or attorney name. This tool can be accessed through the court’s website.
Directory
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court provides a directory of court personnel, including judges, clerks, and other court staff. This directory can be accessed through the court’s website.
Phone Number
The Prince George’s County Clerk of Court’s phone number is (301) 952-3655. This number can be used to obtain information about court proceedings, filing procedures, and other court-related matters.
Virtual Hearings
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court offers virtual hearings for certain types of cases, such as traffic violations and certain civil cases. This allows parties to participate in court proceedings remotely, without needing to physically appear in court.
Prince George’s County District Court Case Search
The Prince George’s County District Court also provides an online case search tool that allows individuals to search for case information by case number, party name, or attorney name. This tool can be accessed through the court’s website
FAQs
How do I file a case in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court?
To file a case in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, you must first determine whether your case falls within the court’s jurisdiction.
What types of cases does the court have jurisdiction over?
The court has jurisdiction over a wide range of civil and criminal cases, including but not limited to:
- Civil cases involving amounts over $30,000, such as personal injury, breach of contract, and property disputes.
- Criminal cases, including felony and misdemeanor charges, as well as traffic offenses.
- Family law cases, such as divorce, child custody, and child support.
- Probate and estate cases, including wills, trusts, and guardianship matters.
How are judges appointed to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court?
To file a case, you will need to submit a complaint or petition to the court, along with any required fees and supporting documentation. You may also need to attend a preliminary hearing or mediation session before your case is scheduled for trial.
Can I appeal a decision made by the circuit court?
The judges of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court are appointed by the Governor of Maryland, with the advice and consent of the Maryland Senate. Judges are selected based on their legal qualifications, experience, and judicial temperament, and serve 15-year terms.
What services does the court offer to help parties resolve their disputes?
If you disagree with a decision made by the Prince George’s County Circuit Court, you may have the right to appeal the decision to a higher court. The appeals process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to consult with an attorney if you are considering an appeal.
Conclusion
The Prince George’s County Circuit Court is an important institution that plays a vital role in the county’s legal system. It handles a wide range of cases and offers various services to help parties resolve their disputes. If you need to file a case in the court or have any legal issues, it is important to understand the court’s procedures and jurisdiction. Hopefully, this article has provided you with a better understanding of the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.
