Caroline County Criminal Court Records
Caroline County criminal court records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk in Denton at the Caroline County Courthouse on Market Street. The office handles felony cases, jury trial requests, and District Court appeals for the county. Records are accessible through the free statewide online database, an in-person visit to the courthouse, or by sending a written request to the clerk by mail.
Caroline County Overview
Caroline County Circuit Court Clerk
Clerk Terry B. Lord is the Circuit Court Clerk for Caroline County, located in Room 104 of the Caroline County Courthouse at 109 Market Street in Denton. Lord can be reached by email at terry.lord@mdcourts.gov. Court Administrator Logan R. Rogers oversees administrative operations and can be reached at (410) 479-4109 for procedural questions about the court.
| Address | 109 Market Street, Room 104, Denton, MD 21629 (physical) P.O. Box 207, Denton, MD 21629 (mailing) |
|---|---|
| Phone | (410) 479-1811 | Fax: (410) 479-1142 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | www.courts.state.md.us/circuit/caroline |
For in-person visits, the clerk's office is in Room 104 of the courthouse. Staff can help you locate a case number, confirm whether a file is available, and explain the copy request process. The office closes at 4:30 p.m., so plan to arrive with time to complete your request before closing.
The Caroline County Circuit Court website shown below provides access to court information and contact details for the clerk's office in Denton.
The court site also lists filing procedures and contact information for the court administrator, which can be helpful if you have procedural questions beyond a standard records request.
Searching and Requesting Criminal Records
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal is the fastest free option for looking up Caroline County criminal court records. The database covers Circuit Court cases from 1998 and District Court records from 1989. Searches are free and available around the clock with no account required.
The statewide case search interface below is the tool used to locate Caroline County criminal case dockets and case status without visiting the courthouse in Denton.
The online search returns docket entries, charges, hearing dates, and case status. It is the best first step before deciding whether to request physical copies from the clerk.
Caroline County also has a remote access site at carolinevacocc.org that provides online access to land records and judgment records. Basic access and property notification features are free. A subscription for full index access and image data costs $50 per month. This site is less relevant for criminal cases than for civil judgments, but it is worth knowing about if you are researching a defendant across multiple case types.
The remote access portal for Caroline County is shown below, offering index and image data for court records through a subscription service.
The remote access portal at carolinevacocc.org is separate from the statewide Case Search tool and covers different record categories, so use both depending on what you are looking for.
In-person requests go to Room 104 at 109 Market Street. Bring the defendant's name, the case number if you have it, the charge details, and the filing or judgment dates if known. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 207, Denton MD 21629. Include the same details in your letter along with a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment. Contact the office directly for current copy pricing before sending a mail order.
Note: Juvenile records are sealed by default and require a court order to access. Sealed adult records similarly cannot be released without judicial authorization.
What Criminal Records Are Held Here
The Caroline County Circuit Court holds criminal records for felonies, misdemeanor charges that resulted in jury trial demands, and all appeals from the District Court in Denton. The standard case file includes the indictment or charging documents, docket entries for every court date and filing, plea documents if the case resolved without trial, sentencing orders and disposition records, and any warrants issued in connection with the case.
Some restrictions apply. Juvenile records are sealed by default and are not accessible through standard public record requests. Sealed adult cases require a court order before the clerk can release any documents. If you request a file and are told it is sealed, you will need to seek a court order before the clerk can provide access. The Maryland Public Information Act generally does not override court sealing orders.
Copy Fees
The Caroline County Circuit Court charges for copies. For current pricing, contact the clerk's office directly at (410) 479-1811 before submitting a request. While many Maryland counties charge $0.50 per page for standard copies and $5.00 plus $0.50 per page for certified copies, it is best to confirm the exact amounts with the Caroline County office before including payment with a mail request. Sending the wrong amount can delay your order.
When mailing a request, include the defendant's name, case number, specific charges, filing and judgment dates, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Clear information up front prevents back-and-forth that slows the process down.
Caroline County District Court
The District Court for Caroline County is at 207 South Third Street in Denton, inside the Multi-Service Center. The main line is (410) 819-4600 and a toll-free number is available at 1-800-940-4968. Administrative Judge Hon. John E. Nunn III presides over the court. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
District Court jurisdiction covers misdemeanors, traffic matters, and civil cases under $30,000. Records from 1989 onward are searchable through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal. If a defendant appealed a District Court ruling or demanded a jury trial, those records moved to the Circuit Court at 109 Market Street. Always check both courts when researching a case if you are unsure which level handled the final disposition.
Note: The District Court address at 207 South Third Street in the Multi-Service Center is different from the Circuit Court address on Market Street, so confirm you have the right location before visiting.
Caroline County Sheriff's Office
The Caroline County Sheriff's Office is at 101 Gay Street in Denton. The main number is (410) 479-2515. Sheriff records and court records are entirely separate systems maintained by different agencies.
To request records from the Sheriff, submit a written Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request. The request should describe the incident, including the date and the parties involved, along with what specific records you are asking for. The office has 30 days to respond. Fees for copies vary depending on the type of record and number of pages. Some records may be withheld if they relate to an ongoing investigation or involve juvenile subjects.
Communities in Caroline County
No cities in Caroline County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. The Circuit Court in Denton handles criminal court records for all communities in the county, including Federalsburg, Greensboro, Ridgely, and other towns and unincorporated areas. All requests go to the same office at 109 Market Street.
Nearby Counties
Caroline County shares borders with four Maryland counties. All have dedicated criminal court records pages on this site.