Circuit Courts are where jury trials are held. Circuit Courts generally handle more serious criminal cases and major civil cases. These include juvenile and other family law cases such as divorce, custody and child support. The Circuit Courts hear most cases appealed from the District Court, orphans’ courts and some administrative agencies. Circuit Courts also hear domestic violence cases. Cases may be decided by juries, but also may be decided by a judge only.
There is a Circuit Court and Clerk's Office in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and the city of Baltimore. Circuit Courts are grouped in 8 judicial circuits.
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1st Circuit
Dorchester
Somerset
Wicomico
Worcester
2nd Circuit
Caroline
Cecil
Kent
Queen Anne's
Talbot
3rd Circuit
Baltimore County
Harford
4th Circuit
Allegany
Garrett
Washington
5th Circuit
Anne Arundel
Carroll
Howard
6th Circuit
Frederick
Montgomery
7th Circuit
Calvert
Charles
Prince George's
St. Mary's
8th Circuit
Baltimore City