Sequester -- Separate or isolate; for example, to separate witnesses from each other, to separate property from a party and place it in the custody of the court or a third person, etc. Review of Sentence -- Review of a criminal sentence by a three judge panel (excluding the sentencing judge) on application of the defendant; as a result of the review, the sentence may be increased, decreased, or remain unchanged. Extradition -- The surrender by one state to another of an individual accused or convicted of an offense outside its own territory and within the territorial jurisdiction of the other which, being competent to try and punish him, demands the surrender. Writ of Garnishment of Property -- An order of court commanding that a defendants assets be seized and the money paid to the plaintiff to satisfy a judgment. Incompetency -- Lack of capacity to understand the nature and object of the proceedings, to consult with counsel, and to assist in preparing a defense. (see De Novo). Indigent -- A person who is unable to afford the expense of a private counsel, payment of fines, and other related costs. Return -- The act of a sheriff, constable, or other ministerial officer in delivering back to the court a writ, notice, or other paper which he was required to serve or execute with a brief account of his doings under the mandate, the time and mode of service or execution or his failure to accomplish it, as the case may be. Body Attachment -- A written order issued by a court directing a sheriff or peace officer to take custody of and bring before the court: (Compare Public, Shielded, or Confidential Record). Misdemeanor -- A minor criminal offense (other than a felony or an infraction) punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. Cross Claim -- A claim asserted between co-defendants or co-plaintiffs and in a case that relates to the subject of the original claim or counterclaim. Verification -- An oral or written statement that something is true, usually made under oath or affirmation. Emergency Evaluation -- Petition filed for issuance of an order by someone other than the subject for an emergency mental and/or physical evaluation that could result in involuntary admission to a facility. Peace Officer -- A person charged with the duty to enforce and preserve the public peace. (Compare Public, Sealed, or Confidential Record). The Clerk will not assign a case code for you. CaseSearch provides internet access to information from Maryland case records as described in the Maryland Rules on Access to Court Records (Rules 16-1001 through 16-1011). Nolle Prosequi (Nol Pros) (Trans: to be unwilling to proceed) -- A formal motion in a case by the States Attorney, indicating that the charges will not be prosecuted. Amount Forfeited; Type of Bond Code; Bonding Agent Code; Bonding Company Code; Percentage Forfeited EVENT CODES CRIMINAL BALR/Bail Review Hearing Date/Bond Received Date; Bail Amount; Defendant Status Code; Percentage Required; Type of Bond Code; Judge ID# BFDA/Bond Forfeiture Satisfied - Defendant Appeared BFSA/Bond Forfeiture Satisfied In January 2006, CaseSearch was introduced to satisfy information requests commonly received in the court clerks' offices. Supreme Court of Maryland -- Marylands highest appellate court wherein review is ordinarily a matter of discretion. Court -- Judge or body of judges whose task is to hear cases and administer justice. If in a replevin action it is not possible to repossess the goods, the action will roll over into detinue. Reconsideration -- (a change or alteration) An order changing the terms of a prior order of the Court. Waiver of Fees -- An action for an order permitting a person to obtain a good or service without having to pay the standard fee. Cross Claim -- A claim asserted between co-defendants or co-plaintiffs and in a case that relates to the subject of the original claim or counterclaim. Judge -- Can be a judge of any court in this state, but most often will be a judge of the court which issued the documents you have before you, or a judge of the court having jurisdiction over the matter before you. States Attorney -- A person authorized to prosecute an offense on behalf of the State or a political subdivision thereof. Replevin (Trans: to make good, to satisfy) -- To recover the possession of goods or property unlawfully taken or detained. Enforcement -- Action taken to obtain compliance with a court order. Upon entry of a dismissal, except a dismissal without prejudice, the matter has effectively ended. Accomplice -- A person who knowingly and willingly assists the principal offender in the commission of a crime. Click the Search again option to take you back to your previous search criteria. Pleadings -- The formal allegations by the parties of their respective claims and defenses for the judgment of the court; in criminal matters, this includes a charging document. 347, 353.). Emergency Evaluation -- Petition filed for issuance of an order by someone other than the subject for an emergency mental and/or physical evaluation that could result in involuntary admission to a facility. Central Repository -- The Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. When searching for a date range you need to enter a last name or first name (partials allowed). Bail -- A sum of money or other form of security given to the court in exchange for the release of the accused from custody and to guarantee that the accused will appear in court. Docket -- A list of the cases to be heard in the court; or a formal record of courts activity. Not included are records pertaining to nonincarcerable violations of the Maryland vehicle laws or other traffic law, ordinance, or regulation, published opinions of the Court, cash receipt and disbursement records necessary for audit purposes; or a Court reporters transcript of proceedings involving multiple defendants. Consecutive Sentences -- Upon conviction of multiple counts/charges in one or more cases, sentences must be served one after the other, rather than at the same time (see: concurrent sentence). Crime -- A positive or negative act in violation of penal law; an offense against the state classified either as a felony or misdemeanor. Title 13. (See: Huger v. State, 285 Md. Original Jurisdiction -- Jurisdiction of the first court to hear a case. Execution -- A method of obtaining satisfaction of a judgment. True Copy Test -- A copy of a court document given under the clerks seal, but not certified. A material witness in a criminal case. Rebuttal -- The act of contradicting or overcoming the effect of a presumption or evidence. Post Conviction -- A procedure by which a convicted defendant challenges the conviction and/or sentence on the basis of some alleged violation or error. Read More. Shielded Record - A record or information in a record removed from public inspection by a judge or commissioner. Citations are entered in the issuing officer's patrol car and a copy is given to the violator. Process -- Any written order issued by a court to secure compliance with its commands or to require action by any person and includes a summons, subpoena, an order of publication, or a commission of other writ. Plea Agreement -- Agreement between the prosecutor and the defendant to exchange a plea of guilty or nolo contendere for reduction in the charge(s) or leniency in sentencing. Felony -- A serious criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment for more than one year or death. Vulnerable Adult -- Adult who is physically or mentally incapable of providing for his/her daily needs. Interrogatories -- A set of written questions for the purpose of discovery. 2. Voir Dire (Trans: to speak the truth) -- the preliminary examination of a prospective juror, or witness, to determine whether the person is competent, impartial, and unprejudiced. Appeal -- The review of a case in a court of higher jurisdiction. Bail Bondsman -- The authorized agent of a surety insurer. Most popular Court abbreviations updated in April 2023 . U.S. District Court -- Federal trial court with general jurisdiction. Action -- All the steps by which a party seeks to enforce any right in a court or all the steps of a criminal prosecution. Certified Copy -- A copy of a document or record that is certified by the official custodian of the original as a true copy. A material witness in a criminal case. Alford Plea -- A special type of guilty plea by which the defendant does not admit guilt but concedes that the State has sufficient evidence to convict; normally made to avoid the threat of greater punishment. Sealed Record -- A record closed by a court to further inspection by anyone unless ordered by the court. Custodia Legis -- In the custody of the law; property that has been lawfully taken, by authority of legal process, and remains in the possession of a public officer or an officer of a court empowered by law to hold the property. Wrongful Detainer -- (formerly known as Forcible Entry and Detainer) A proceeding for regaining possession from someone who has wrongfully taken or refused to surrender possession of property. Pretrial Release -- The release by a judicial officer of a defendant, prior to trial, under conditions that the judicial officer feels will reasonably assure the defendants appearance as required. Typically defendants enter one of the following pleas: guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere. . Attorney Information System (AIS) - Centralized Judiciary database for Attorney Information, Attorney of Record -- An attorney who represents a party and has entered an appearance in an action. ABA Plea -- A guilty plea based on an agreement patterned on standards recommended by the American Bar Association (ABA); the defendant and the State present to the court, on the record, an agreement that incorporates a specific sentence bound by the terms relating to sentence and disposition. Presumption -- An inference of the truth or falsehood of a proposition or fact that stands until rebutted by evidence to the contrary. Revision of Sentence -- A procedure by which the trial court (ordinarily the sentencing judge, unless unavailable) is asked to correct an allegedly illegal sentence or otherwise modify the sentence; as a result of the procedure, the sentence may be decreased or remain the same, but may not be increased unless done before the defendant leaves the courtroom at the original sentencing proceeding. Browse the list of 2.7k Court acronyms and abbreviations with their meanings and definitions. Also includes a command of the judge which established courtroom or administrative procedures. (see De Novo). Alford Plea -- A special type of guilty plea by which the defendant does not admit guilt but concedes that the State has sufficient evidence to convict; normally made to avoid the threat of greater punishment. Res Gestae -- Things done; rule under which a remark made spontaneously and concurrently with an incident carries an inherent degree of credibility and is admissible because of its spontaneous nature (excited utterance); an exception to the hearsay rule. (Also known as Reconsideration). Peace Order -- An emergency form of relief or an order available to individuals who are experiencing problems with another person, including someone in a dating relationship, a neighbor, or a stranger. It borders Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean to its east. Presentence Investigation Report (PSI) -- A confidential report ordered by the judge and produced by the division of parole and probation prior to sentencing, to provide background information (job, finances, family status, community ties, etc.) Court Supporting Agencies. Revision of Sentence -- A procedure by which the trial court (ordinarily the sentencing judge, unless unavailable) is asked to correct an allegedly illegal sentence or otherwise modify the sentence; as a result of the procedure, the sentence may be decreased or remain the same, but may not be increased unless done before the defendant leaves the courtroom at the original sentencing proceeding. Hours of Operation - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except legal holidays Orphans' Court 41605 Courthouse Drive Leonardtown, MD 20650 (301) 475-5566 (FAX) 301-475-4968 CAPTCHA, Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart, is a process used by businesses and governments for information security purposes. (See: Counsel). The codes entered in a case record may vary according to jurisdiction. Petitioner -- The person requesting the court's help. Note: Marital Property does not include property acquired before the marriage; acquired by inheritance or gift from a third party; excluded by valid agreement; acquired during the period that the parties voluntarily lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without interruption; directly traceable to any of these sources. Bail Bond Forfeiture -- The failure to satisfy the condition of the bond, namely the appearance in court as required, causing the full penalty amount to become due. Law Enforcement Unit -- A State, county, or municipal police department or unit, the office of a Sheriff, the office of a States Attorney, or the office of the Attorney General of the State. (Also known as an Oral Examination; formally known as Supplementary Proceeding in aid of enforcement of judgment.). Maryland Court of Special Appeals: Md. Affiant -- The person who makes and signs an affidavit. Moot -- Issue previously decided or settled. Find NE Supreme Court decisions, opinions, and cases in FindLaw's searchable . Writ of Garnishment of Property -- An order of court commanding that a defendants assets be seized and the money paid to the plaintiff to satisfy a judgment. Merits -- Strict legal rights of the parties; a decision on the merits is one that reaches the right(s) of a party as distinguished from a disposition of the case on a ground not reaching the rights raised in the action; for example, in a criminal case double jeopardy does not apply if charges are nolle prossed before trial commences, and in a civil action res judicata does not apply if a previous action was dismissed on a preliminary motion raising a technicality such as improper service of process. Arrest -- To deprive a person of his liberty by legal authority. Preliminary Hearing -- A hearing held in the District Court, unless waived by defendant, to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the offense(s); available when offense(s) charged are not within the exclusive jurisdiction of the District Court. This list contains descriptions of the codes most commonly used by the clerks of court. True Copy Test -- A copy of a court document given under the clerks seal, but not certified. It used to be just 'CR.'. Battery -- The unlawful application of physical force to, or offensive touching of, another without the individuals consent. General Jurisdiction -- the unlimited authority over cases brought before the court to decide rights and grant remedies available under the law; circuit courts are courts of general jurisdiction. Record on Appeal -- The case file and its contents, together with a transcript of all proceedings in the lower court. Writ -- A written order issued by a court and addressed to a sheriff or other person whose action the court desires to command to require performance of a specified act or to give authority to have the act done. Bail Bond -- A written obligation of a defendant, with or without a surety or collateral security, conditioned on the appearance of a defendant as required and providing for the payment of a penalty sum according to its terms; includes a surety bond posted by a surety insurer or bail bondsman and backed by the insurers pledge; a cash bond secured by deposited cash; a property bond secured by pledged personal property or a lien on real property; and/or an unsecured bond. Miranda Warning -- A requirement based on a United States Supreme Court decision that a person be advised of certain constitutional rights against self-incrimination at the time of arrest and before questioning. Statement of Charges -- A charging document, other than a citation, filed in District Court by a peace officer or by a judicial officer. U.S. Court of Appeals -- Federal appellate court having jurisdiction over actions decided in the U.S. District Court. Adjudication -- A judgment or decision of a court or jury regarding a case. Reverse Waiver -- Procedure by which charges against a minor defendant are transferred from the circuit court to the juvenile court. Mandate -- The judgment issued upon the decision of an appellate court. Trial De Novo -- From the beginning; appeal in which the reviewing court completely retries the case. Costs -- Fees and charges required by law to be paid to the court, the amount of which is fixed by statute or court rule. Pending -- Cases that are awaiting further action. Foreign Proceeding (FP) - Decedent domiciled out of state with real property in Maryland. Trial De Novo -- From the beginning; appeal in which the reviewing court completely retries the case. Vulnerable Adult -- Adult who is physically or mentally incapable of providing for his/her daily needs. Abated by Death -- The disposition of a charge due to death of the defendant. Triple Seal -- Exemplified copy; a term referring to a certification of a court documents authenticity by signature of the clerk and seal of the court and certification by a judge of the court as to the authenticity of the clerks signature and seal; used to permit admission of the court document in a proceeding in another state under the full faith and credit provision of the U.S. Constitution. The law clerk will need to bring the proper ID to the Onboarding session or Judge's office to be verified. (Compare Concurrent Jurisdiction). Examination in Aid of Enforcement of Judgment -- A request by plaintiff (judgment creditor) to discover the assets of a defendant (judgment debtor) after entry of judgment. Hospital Warrant -- In accordance with Health-General Article 12-120, a warrant issued by the court where a determination that probable cause exists that the named defendant has violated a conditional release under Title 12 of the Health-General Article. Post Conviction -- A procedure by which a convicted defendant challenges the conviction and/or sentence on the basis of some alleged violation or error. Procedural Law -- The method, established normally by rules, to be followed in a case; the formal steps in a judicial proceeding. Acquittal -- The finding of a judge that the evidence is insufficient to support a conviction, or a verdict that the accused is not guilty. Expungement -- The effective removal of police and/or court record from public inspection. Custody Case -- The type of proceeding in which the court determines which parent, other adult, or agency shall have physical control over a child. Waive/Waiver -- Giving up a legal right voluntarily, intentionally, and with full knowledge of the consequences. Sentence -- The judgment of court after conviction awarding punishment. App. They bring: One (1) item from list A OR One (1) item from list B AND one (1) item from List C Pay Period. A sample of an event history is illustrated below: The abbreviations and comment codes are explained below. Jury -- A group of 12 citizens assembled to hear evidence at trial and make a unanimous decision as to guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. Current State Court Abbreviations; Current Federal Court Abbreviations; Courts of Appeals and Courts of Last Resort Alabama : Alabama Supreme Court: . Tort (Trans: twisted) -- An injury or damage to person/or property for which the person who caused the injury is legally responsible. Pretrial Release -- The release by a judicial officer of a defendant, prior to trial, under conditions that the judicial officer feels will reasonably assure the defendants appearance as required. . If in a replevin action it is not possible to repossess the goods, the action will roll over into detinue. Surrender (by bail) -- The return of the defendant again into custody by the surety on a bail bond. Appeals, Certiorari, and Certification of Questions. Petition for Expungement -- A written request for expungement of Court and police records. However, at any time, a traffic case record can be pulled from the history database back into Case Search by the clerk's office. Limited Jurisdiction -- the authority over only particular types of cases, or cases under a prescribed amount in controversy, or seeking only certain types of relief, the District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. Nuisance -- An action that interferes with the use of property by being irritating, offensive, obstructive or dangerous. Line (Praecipe) (Trans: command) -- A written request by an attorney entering his/her appearance, for the client before the court. Costs -- Fees and charges required by law to be paid to the court, the amount of which is fixed by statute or court rule. Opinion -- The statement of the courts decision in a case, setting out the reasons for the decision. Although the FBI does publish a standard list, many abbreviations are the result of local court "ingenuity." This list of This free program copies your interview answers directly into your court form exactly as you enter it. Appellate Court of Maryland -- Marylands intermediate appellate court wherein review is ordinarily a matter of right. FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. On motion of the States Attorney, the court may indefinitely postpone trial of a charge by marking the charge stet on the docket. Custody -- The detainment of a person by virtue of lawful process or authority; actual imprisonment. Alias (Otherwise called) -- indicating one was called by one or the other of two names. GR cases are usually filed with the police. It is also used by the judge if he finds that the accused committed a criminal offense or a traffic infraction. Civil-- Criminal-- Family-- Juvenile-- Probate-- General. Clerk -- An officer of the court who maintains case files, makes docket entries, issues process, and generally serves as the ministerial arm of the court. Service -- Delivery of a writ, notice, injunction, etc., by an authorized person, to a person who is thereby officially notified of some action or proceeding in which the person is concerned. Circuit -- A geographical area including one or more counties over which the courts jurisdiction or a judges representation extends; under Article IV, Sections 14 and 19 of the Constitution of Maryland, there are six appellate circuits in Maryland and eight trial level circuits. Not included are investigatory files, police work-product records used solely for police investigation purposes, or records pertaining to nonincarcerable violations of the vehicle laws of the State or of any other traffic law, ordinance, or regulation. An order entered by a judge suspending or postponing a proceeding or execution of an action before the Court. Modification -- (a change or alteration) An order changing the terms of a prior order of the Court. District Court -- Lowest State trial court; a court of limited jurisdiction. Intrastate Detainer -- An arrest warrant issued on a charging document in Maryland and lodged with a correctional institution in Maryland in which the defendant is already in custody for the same or another offense to ensure continued detention of the defendant until processed on the charges underlying the warrant. Co-defendant -- One of multiple persons named in the same civil complaint or charged in the same criminal charging document. (Compare Public Record or Confidential Record). Examination in Aid of Enforcement of Judgment -- A request by plaintiff (judgment creditor) to discover the assets of a defendant (judgment debtor) after entry of judgment. Infraction (Civil) -- A violation of a statute, ordinance, or regulation for which the only penalty authorized is a civil fine. (Compare Probation). This is the two week period that an employee works and then is paid for. Procedural Law -- The method, established normally by rules, to be followed in a case; the formal steps in a judicial proceeding.