You’re driving through La Plata, maybe grabbing a coffee, and you see that brick building sitting at the corner of Charles Street and Washington Avenue. That’s it. The Charles County Circuit Court. Most people only think about this place when they get a jury summons or, god forbid, a divorce paper. But honestly, it’s basically the engine room for the biggest legal decisions in our county.
People get it mixed up with the District Court all the time. They aren’t the same. Not even close. If you’re dealing with a $500 fender bender or a speeding ticket, you’re likely down at the District Court. But the Circuit Court? That’s for the "heavy" stuff. We're talking major felonies, jury trials, and those high-stakes family law battles that keep people up at night.
Why the Charles County Circuit Court is different
Maryland’s legal system is a bit of a ladder. The Circuit Court sits on a higher rung than the District Court. It has what lawyers call "general jurisdiction." That's a fancy way of saying they handle almost anything. If you want a jury to hear your case, this is the only place in the county where that happens.
Think about it this way: the District Court is built for speed. The Charles County Circuit Court is built for depth. It’s where the complicated records are kept and where the 15-year term judges—currently led by Administrative Judge H. James West—make the calls that stick for decades.
The Heavy Hitters: Who is on the Bench?
Right now, in early 2026, the bench is a mix of veteran experience and some historic firsts. You've got:
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- H. James West (The Administrative Judge)
- Donine M. Carrington-Martin (The first African American woman ever appointed and elected here)
- William R. Greer, Jr.
- Makeba Gibbs
- Monise A. Brown
It’s a small group. Only five judges handle the weight of the entire county’s major litigation. That’s a lot of pressure.
Surviving Jury Duty in La Plata
Let’s talk about the one thing everyone actually searches for: jury duty. If you get that summons in the mail, don't panic. Honestly, the process is pretty streamlined now.
You’ll head to 200 Charles Street. Parking is free—which is a miracle in any government setting—but you have to use Talbot Street to get into the lot behind the building. If you try to park right out front on the street, you’re gonna have a bad time.
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The "Generous Juror" Thing
Here’s a cool detail most people miss. You get paid $30 a day for trial jury service (it bumps to $50 if you’re on a long trial past five days). Charles County has this thing called the Generous Juror Program. You can actually opt to donate that daily pay to the Department of Social Services. The money goes toward things like school supplies or tutoring for local kids. It’s a small way to turn a boring day of waiting into something that actually helps a neighbor.
Rules You’ll Probably Break (Don’t)
The security at the entrance is tight. No pocket knives. No "multipurpose tools" (leave the Leatherman in the truck). And for the love of everything, watch your phone.
You can bring your phone into the building, but the second you step into a courtroom, it has to be off and out of sight. If a judge sees you checking a text during a hearing, they can and will confiscate it. If you're a juror, the bailiff usually takes your phone during deliberations anyway. It’s like being back in high school, but with higher stakes.
Finding Records Without Losing Your Mind
If you're trying to find a divorce decree or see if a neighbor is telling the truth about a lawsuit, you use Maryland Judiciary Case Search. It’s the official portal.
But here is the catch. The system is changing. In early 2026, the Judiciary began rolling out a new "Case Search & Record Portal." It's supposed to be better, but like any government tech update, it has its quirks. If you’re looking for older land records—like deeds from the 1990s—you might still need to use mdlandrec.net or actually walk into the Clerk’s Office.
Lisa Yates is the Clerk of the Court right now. Her office is basically the "librarian" for every legal action in the county. If you need a marriage license, that’s where you go. It’s $35, cash or credit, and you have to wait 48 hours before you can actually use it. Don't show up on a Friday expecting to get married thirty minutes later.
When Things Get Specialized: The Recovery Courts
The Charles County Circuit Court isn't just about throwing people in jail. They run some pretty intense "problem-solving" courts.
There’s the Adult Drug Court, presided over by Judge Carrington-Martin. Then there’s the Family Recovery Court under Judge Brown. These aren't your typical "guilty or not guilty" setups. They are high-accountability programs for people struggling with addiction. Instead of just a sentence, people get a team—social workers, counselors, and the judge—watching their every move. It’s tough, but it’s one of the few parts of the legal system that actually looks at the root cause of why people keep ending up in a courtroom.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive early. Security lines at 8:30 AM can be a beast, especially on "Motion Days."
- Dress the part. You don't need a tuxedo, but if you show up in a tank top or ripped jeans, the bailiffs might ask you to leave. Think "business casual" or at least "respectful."
- Check the status line. If you're a juror, call (301) 932-3200 after 5:00 PM the night before. Sometimes cases settle at the last minute and they don't need you. Save yourself the drive.
- The Maryland Court Help Center. If you don't have a lawyer, call (410) 260-1392. They can't represent you in court, but they can explain what the heck "Service of Process" means so you don't mess up your filing.
What Happens Next?
If you have a pending case or you've been summoned, your next move is checking your specific docket. Use the Maryland Case Search tool to verify your hearing time. If you’re a juror, make sure you’ve filled out Part B of your summons online at the Maryland Courts website to save time when you walk through the door.
The court is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Just remember: it’s a place of law, but it’s run by people. Being polite to the clerks and security staff goes a long way in navigating the bureaucracy.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your court date via the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal 24 hours in advance.
- If you are representing yourself, visit the Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service Clinic at the courthouse on Tuesday mornings (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) for free guidance.
- Download the "Preparation for Jury Duty" pamphlet from the Charles County government website if it’s your first time serving.