Montgomery County District Court in Towson: Where Most Local Cases Begin

Montgomery County District Court handles the first stop for nearly all criminal cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes in the county. It sits in Towson, the county seat, and processes roughly 300,000 cases annually, making it one of the highest-volume trial courts in Maryland. Unlike the Circuit Court downtown, which handles felonies and appeals, the District Court is where misdemeanors, traffic citations, landlord-tenant matters, and claims under $30,000 are resolved.

What the District Court actually is

The District Court is a trial-level judicial body with no jury option. Judges hear evidence and render verdicts in criminal misdemeanors, traffic offenses, small claims, and civil disputes. Cases proceed faster than in Circuit Court because the docket is larger and the legal complexity is lower. A traffic case or small claims dispute can move to trial within weeks; a misdemeanor may take two to four months depending on whether the defendant pleads guilty or demands a trial. The court operates under Maryland state law, and decisions can be appealed to Montgomery County Circuit Court.

Case types and jurisdiction

District Court handles misdemeanor criminal charges (assault, theft, DUI, drug possession for personal use), all traffic violations regardless of severity, small claims up to $30,000, and civil disputes under $30,000. It does not handle felony charges, which jump immediately to Circuit Court, nor does it hear jury trials. Judges decide guilt or innocence and set penalties, fines, and restitution within statutory limits.

Traffic cases make up roughly 40 percent of the docket. Small claims and civil cases represent another 30 percent. Criminal misdemeanor cases fill the remainder. First-time DUI cases, for example, are heard here unless they involve injury or property damage serious enough to elevate to felony status.

How it compares to Montgomery County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court in downtown Silver Spring handles felonies, jury trials, appeals from District Court, and larger civil claims over $30,000. Cases there take longer, cost more in attorney fees, and apply more complex procedures. If you are charged with a felony, your case begins in District Court for a probable cause hearing, then moves to Circuit Court for trial. If you lose in District Court and appeal, the Circuit Court rehears the case as if it were new (de novo appeal), meaning you can get a jury trial on appeal even though you had none in District Court.

Most people interact with District Court first. Circuit Court is the escalation point and the final trial venue for serious offenses.

Who uses it and who does not

Anyone cited for a traffic violation in Montgomery County will appear in District Court unless the charge is upgrade to a more serious level. Anyone charged with a misdemeanor—shoplifting under $100, simple assault, possession of marijuana—goes through District Court. Landlords suing for unpaid rent, and tenants countersuing for habitability issues, file in District Court if the amount owed is under $30,000. Small business owners disputing unpaid invoices under that threshold use it as well.

Those arrested for felonies do not try their case in District Court, though they appear there for a probable cause hearing before moving to Circuit Court. Those in civil disputes exceeding $30,000 bypass District Court and file directly in Circuit Court.

What a first appearance involves

If you are arrested or cited, you will receive a notice to appear on a specific date. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early. Bring identification and any court documents you received. Criminal defendants should consult an attorney before the hearing; the court will ask if you want a court-appointed public defender if you cannot afford private counsel. The judge may ask you to enter a plea (guilty or not guilty) and will discuss bail, release conditions, or a trial date. Traffic cases often resolve with a plea and fine the same day. Misdemeanor cases usually require multiple appearances.

For civil and small claims cases, bring any contracts, receipts, photographs, or written evidence of the dispute. No attorney is required, though you can bring one. The judge will hear both sides and decide the case; there is no jury.

Hours, location, and parking

Montgomery County District Court is located in the Judicial Center at 50 Maryland Avenue, Towson, Maryland 21204. It is a five-minute walk from the Towson Metro Station (Light Rail). The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Criminal cases typically call at 9:00 a.m., traffic cases at 9:30 a.m., and civil cases throughout the afternoon. Arrive by the time listed on your notice; judges enforce punctuality and may issue arrest warrants for no-shows.

Parking is available in the Judicial Center lot and surrounding municipal lots. Fees run $1.50 per hour with a $9 daily maximum. Public restrooms and a cafeteria are in the building. No cell phones are permitted in courtrooms.

Case schedules and specific trial dates are posted online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Verify your date and time before attending.

Why this court matters in Baltimore County and beyond

The District Court absorbs the overwhelming majority of disputes that would otherwise clog Circuit Court. It is accessible, fast, and designed for people representing themselves. Most traffic violations and routine criminal cases resolve here, which is why nearly every resident of Montgomery County will interact with it directly or as a juror at some point.