md-jis stands for Maryland Judicial Information Systems, the central technology backbone powering court operations across the state. This secure digital infrastructure manages case records, public access portals, electronic filing, attorney licensing, HR systems, and land record retrieval. The system ensures transparency while protecting sensitive data under strict state and federal privacy laws. Every court in Maryland—from district to appellate level—relies on md-jis for real-time docket updates, document storage, and public service delivery. Access is governed by Maryland Rules 1-101 through 1-115 and federal statutes like the Freedom of Information Act. Users must accept legal disclaimers before viewing any case information. The system logs all access attempts for audit and compliance purposes.
Maryland Judiciary Case Search – Public Access Rules
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal allows anyone to look up civil, criminal, and family law cases online. Before viewing any record, users must agree to follow state rules about what information can be shared. These rules protect personal details like Social Security numbers, birth dates, and sealed documents. Only non-confidential docket entries, filing dates, and case outcomes appear in search results. The system blocks access to sensitive material such as juvenile records or protective orders. Each time someone accepts the disclaimer, the system records the date and time. This helps track who accessed what and when. Violations—like trying to scrape data or share private info—can lead to access bans or legal penalties. Both the courts.state.md.us and mdcourts.gov versions of the portal follow the same strict guidelines.
How to Use the Case Search Portal
Start by visiting either https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us or https://casesearch.mdcourts.gov. You’ll see a disclaimer screen explaining your responsibilities. Read it carefully, then click “I Agree” to continue. Next, enter search terms like a name, case number, or date range. Results show basic case details but hide protected information. If you need certified copies or full filings, use the JPortal system or contact the clerk’s office directly. Remember: automated scraping tools are not allowed. The system detects and blocks repeated rapid requests.
Judicial Information Systems Office – Location and Contact
The Judicial Information Systems office is located at 2661 Riva Road, Suite 900, Annapolis, MD 21401. This is the main hub for all court technology in Maryland. The phone number is 410-260-1000, and the help desk operates 24 hours a day. For faxed documents, use 410-974-7170. Encrypted emails can be sent securely to the office. Robert Bruchalski serves as Chief Information Officer, overseeing cybersecurity, system upgrades, and statewide IT policies. His team ensures that all court databases stay online, safe, and compliant with state law.
Visiting the JIS Building
From Baltimore, take I-95 South to Exit 30 (MD-2 toward Annapolis). Follow MD-2 to Route 50 West, then turn onto MD-665 (Riva Road). Turn right on Riva Road, left on Bausum Road, and enter Building 900. From Washington, D.C., use I-495 to Route 50 East, then follow signs to Annapolis and Riva Road. Parking is available in front and behind the building. Security requires a government-issued ID at the gate. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
JPortal – Official Public Access Gateway
JPortal is Maryland’s secure online gateway for accessing court records under Rules 16-901 through 16-914. These rules took effect on August 1, 2017, and clearly define what case information can be seen by the public. Users can view docket numbers, filing dates, hearing schedules, and final judgments. However, personal identifiers like driver’s license numbers or financial account details are always hidden. The portal links directly to the e-Filing system, so new documents appear within minutes of submission. Attorneys and self-represented litigants can sign up for email alerts when updates occur in their cases.
What You Can Do on JPortal
- Search active and closed cases by party name or case number
- Download redacted PDF copies of public filings
- Request certified documents for legal use
- Track case progress with automated notifications
- View court calendars and hearing locations
Attorney Information System (AIS) – Lawyer Directory
The Attorney Information System (AIS) is a searchable database of every licensed lawyer in Maryland. It includes bar admission dates, license numbers, practice areas, office addresses, and disciplinary history. The public can use AIS to verify if an attorney is in good standing or check for past sanctions. Lawyers themselves can log in to update their profiles, upload Continuing Legal Education certificates, and register for court notifications. All data comes directly from the Maryland State Bar Association and is updated daily.
Key Features of AIS
- Instant verification of attorney licensing status
- Access to disciplinary records and public reprimands
- Secure login for attorneys to manage their profiles
- Integration with court e-Filing and scheduling systems
CONNECT – HR Platform for Court Employees
CONNECT is the internal Human Resources platform used by all Maryland Judiciary employees. It handles payroll, benefits enrollment, leave requests, training records, and performance reviews. By moving these functions online, the system cut paper use by over 80%. Employees can access their pay stubs, tax forms, and policy manuals anytime. Administrators get automated reports for audits and compliance. The system also enforces uniform application of union contracts across all courthouses.
Land and Property Records – MdLandRec.net & Plats.net
Maryland offers two key services for property research: MdLandRec.net and Plats.net. MdLandRec.net provides digital access to deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land records dating back centuries. These documents are scanned from originals and stored securely. Plats.net shows survey maps, subdivision plans, and condominium layouts. Both systems are joint projects between the Judiciary and the Maryland State Archives. Users can search by address, parcel ID, or owner name. Maps and documents can be downloaded as PDFs or printed.
How to Search Property Records
- Go to MdLandRec.net or Plats.net
- Enter an address, lot number, or owner name
- Review results and click to view full documents
- Download or print certified copies if needed
Maryland GIS Maps – Neighborhood Revitalization Tool
The Neighborhood Revitalization Mapper helps users find out if a property qualifies for state incentives. These zones were created under the Sustainable Communities Act of 2018. Eligible areas may receive tax credits, housing grants, or infrastructure funding. The map uses parcel-level data from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Users can draw custom shapes, add labels, and export maps as high-resolution images. This tool is free and updated monthly.
Legal Compliance and Data Protection
All md-jis services follow strict privacy laws. Maryland Rules 1-101 to 1-115 control what court data can be released. Federal laws like the Privacy Act and FOIA add another layer of protection. Personal identifiers are always removed before public release. The system uses encryption for data in transit and at rest. Regular audits ensure compliance. Anyone caught misusing data faces immediate access revocation and possible prosecution.
Technical Support and Help Resources
For help with md-jis systems, call 410-260-1000 anytime. The help desk assists with login issues, e-filing errors, and search problems. Fax large files to 410-974-7170. For security reasons, never send passwords or sensitive data by regular email. Use the encrypted email option instead. Training materials and user guides are available on the mdcourts.gov website. Most issues are resolved within one business day.
System Availability and Maintenance
md-jis operates 24/7 except for scheduled maintenance. Notices about downtime appear on the homepage at least 48 hours in advance. During outages, emergency filings can be submitted in person at any courthouse. The system undergoes security patches every month. Backups run nightly and are stored offsite. Uptime exceeds 99.9% annually.
Future Upgrades and Digital Initiatives
The JIS office is rolling out new features in 2024, including mobile-friendly interfaces, voice search, and AI-powered document tagging. These upgrades aim to make court records easier to find and use. All changes will maintain full compliance with privacy laws. Public feedback is collected through surveys on the mdcourts.gov site.
Related Services and Partner Agencies
md-jis works closely with the Maryland State Archives, Department of Assessments and Taxation, and local clerks’ offices. These partnerships ensure data accuracy and fast service. Other useful resources include the Maryland Attorney General’s public records portal and the State Library’s legal research tools.
Contact Information
Judicial Information Systems
2661 Riva Road, Suite 900
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-260-1000
Fax: 410-974-7170
Email: [secure encrypted email only]
Website: https://mdcourts.gov/jis
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about how md-jis works, what data is available, and how to stay compliant. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on real user searches and court support logs.
Can I access sealed or confidential court records through md-jis?
No. Sealed records, juvenile cases, protective orders, and other restricted documents are never shown in public searches. Only authorized court staff or parties with a court order can view these files. The system automatically blocks access to any case marked as confidential under Maryland law. Attempting to bypass these protections violates state rules and may result in legal action.
How often is case information updated in the md-jis database?
Case data is updated in real time. When a clerk files a new document or updates a docket entry, it appears online within minutes. This includes new lawsuits, motions, rulings, and scheduling changes. The system syncs across all portals—Case Search, JPortal, and e-Filing—so users always see the latest status.
Is it legal to download or print case documents from md-jis?
Yes, as long as the documents are not sealed or contain protected personal information. Public records can be downloaded, printed, or shared for lawful purposes. However, redistributing redacted documents without proper labeling may violate usage policies. Always check the disclaimer before sharing any file.
What should I do if I find incorrect information in a case record?
Contact the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed. Provide the case number and describe the error. Clerks can correct minor mistakes like typos in names or dates. For major disputes—such as wrong judgments or missing filings—you may need to file a formal motion with the court. md-jis reflects official court records; it does not edit them.
Can businesses use md-jis for background checks or employment screening?
Yes, but with limits. Public criminal and civil records can be used for background checks if obtained legally. However, you cannot use automated bots to scrape large volumes of data. Each search must be manual and comply with Fair Credit Reporting Act guidelines. Never rely solely on online records for hiring decisions—always verify with official sources.
How do I report a security issue or suspicious activity on md-jis?
Immediately call the JIS help desk at 410-260-1000 or email the secure address. Provide details like the time, page URL, and what happened. The cybersecurity team investigates all reports within 24 hours. Do not share login credentials or click on unverified links claiming to be from md-jis.
Are there fees to use md-jis services?
Basic case searches and record viewing are free. However, certified copies, bulk data requests, or expedited processing may incur fees set by state law. Payment is made online through secure portals or in person at courthouses. Fee schedules are posted on mdcourts.gov.