Find Somerset County Traffic Court Records
Somerset County traffic court records are available through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search and in person at two court offices in Princess Anne. The District Court on Elm Street handles most traffic citations and charges, while the Circuit Court on Prince William Street holds older records and serious cases. This page covers how to search records, what to expect when you visit the courthouse, and how the Maryland points system works for violations issued in this Lower Shore county.
Somerset County Overview
Search Somerset County Traffic Records Online
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search covers Somerset County traffic cases from 2000 to the present. The tool is free and open to anyone. Search by the defendant's name, a case number, or the citation number from the ticket itself. Results show the charge, court date, disposition, and any fines or points attached to the case.
Both open and closed cases appear in the results. If a case is still active, you will see the next scheduled hearing date. If it is closed, you will see the final outcome and any sentence or fine imposed. You can print results directly from the browser, though printed pages are not certified copies.
Records from before 2000 are not in the online system. For those, contact the Circuit Court in Princess Anne directly. Staff there can tell you whether older paper records exist and how to request them.
Note: Automated camera citations issued under local speed enforcement programs do not appear in the court case system and must be handled separately with the issuing agency.
Somerset County District Court
The District Court in Princess Anne handles traffic tickets, DUI charges, driving on a suspended license, and other traffic-related matters in Somerset County. It is the first stop for most people with a traffic citation. The court also handles payment of outstanding fines and requests for payment plans.
| Address | 12155 Elm Street, Suite C, Princess Anne, MD 21853-1358 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 410-845-4700 |
| Traffic Tickets | 410-845-4700 |
| Fax | 410-845-4701 |
| Toll-Free | 1-800-939-7306 |
| TTY | 1-800-735-2258 |
| Admin. Judge | Hon. Melvin J. Jews |
| Clerk | Constance "Connie" Hurley |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
Somerset County's District Court is part of Maryland's District 2, which serves the Lower Shore region. The court handles a steady volume of traffic cases given the rural highway corridors that run through the county.
Note: All visitors to the Somerset County District Court must pass through security screening and metal detectors upon entry, and no food or drink is permitted inside the courthouse.
Somerset County Circuit Court
The Circuit Court handles serious traffic matters, including cases appealed from District Court and charges that carry potential jail time. It is also the place to go for older records and certified copies of case files.
| Address | 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 410-845-4840 |
| Toll-Free | 1-800-341-2206 |
| Clerk | Charles Horner |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
The Circuit Court at courts.state.md.us lists additional contact details and information about record access for Somerset County.
The Somerset County courthouse in Princess Anne is home to both the Circuit Court and nearby District Court, making it the central location for all traffic records requests in the county.
Visiting the Courthouse
Both the District Court and Circuit Court in Princess Anne are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. If you plan to visit, bring a photo ID and any paperwork related to your case. The District Court is the right place for most traffic matters, including paying fines and picking up copies of recent case files.
Security screening is required at the District Court entrance. Metal detectors are in use, and no food or drink is allowed inside. Arrive a few minutes early if you have a hearing scheduled, since the screening process can take a few minutes during busy morning periods.
For copy requests, staff can assist at the clerk window. Copy fees run $0.50 per page for standard documents. Certified copies cost $5.00 or more. If you are requesting case jacket materials, the per-page fee may be $1.00. Having the case number speeds up the process significantly.
Note: Mail requests are accepted at both court locations; write a clear letter with the case number or full name, describe what you need, and include a check or money order for the estimated copy fee.
Traffic Violations and Points in Somerset County
Maryland uses a statewide points system. Every traffic conviction in Somerset County carries points tracked by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. The charge determines the point value. A DUI conviction under Transportation Article Section 21-902 carries 12 points. Reckless driving under Section 21-901.1 adds 6 points. Driving on a suspended license under Section 16-303 adds 3 points.
At 5 to 7 points, the MVA sends a warning letter. At 8 to 11, a hearing is required. Reaching 12 or more points results in revocation. Points stay on record for two years from the violation date. They do not reset when a driver moves to another county or renews a license.
Unpaid fines can lead to a license suspension through the MVA. If a fine goes unpaid, the court reports it to the MVA after a set period. To clear a suspension caused by an unpaid fine, you must pay the full balance plus a reinstatement fee directly to the MVA.
Online Resolution for Somerset Citations
Maryland's Online Resolutions (MDOR) tool allows some traffic citations to be handled without visiting the courthouse. Enter your citation number on the MDOR website to check eligibility. If your citation qualifies, you can pay the fine, request a trial date, or ask for a waiver hearing online.
Must-appear charges cannot be resolved online and always require a court appearance. If you are unsure whether your charge is payable or must-appear, look at the bottom of your citation or call the District Court at 410-845-4700. The clerk can confirm the type of charge and what steps you need to take.
For fines of $150 or more, a payment plan may be available. Pick up form DCA-131 at the clerk window or download it from the District Court forms page. Payment plans require court approval and regular monthly payments to stay current.
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources
The District Court traffic self-help page explains how to handle different types of citations, what happens if you miss a court date, and how to request a hearing or continuance. It is written for people without a lawyer and covers most common situations.
The People's Law Library offers free legal information on traffic charges in Maryland, including how the points system works and what options are available if you want to fight a citation. For specific legal advice, speak with a licensed Maryland attorney.
Note: If you miss a court date, contact the District Court as soon as possible at 410-845-4700 to find out how to reschedule and avoid a bench warrant.
Historical Records and Archives
Records from before 2000 are not in the online system. The Circuit Court clerk at 410-845-4840 can help you find out what older records exist in paper storage. For very old records with historical or genealogical value, the Maryland State Archives may have relevant documents.
The State Archives does not handle current traffic cases. Its holdings focus on older county court records that predate modern electronic systems. Contact the archives directly if you are researching a case from decades past.
Nearby Maryland Counties
Somerset County is on Maryland's Lower Shore. Its neighboring counties are also in District 2 and share the same statewide court system.