Criminal Division

Room 200 Mitchell Courthouse
Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday
Telephone: (410) 333-3750

The Criminal Division, located on the second floor of the Clarence Mitchell Courthouse, is comprised of several departments including Appeals, Post-Conviction and Collateral units, Summons/Warrant Section, Expungement, Bail Department, Docket Section and Records/File room. Our goal is to provide service with integrity to the community and the Baltimore City circuit court. Our division is committed to the processing and management of all criminal matters with integrity and timeliness. Follow the listed links to learn more.

• Message from Judge In-Charge
• Administration/Judges
• Division Information

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Must an attorney who enters an appearance for a defendant in advance of the arraignment attend the arraignment with the client or may the client go without the attorney to receive the trial date?
   Yes. The arraignment is a critical stage of the proceeding where the court will review the case for a trial date consistent with the schedules of counsel and defendant and consider trial length based on information from counsel. Discussions with counsel in an attempt to resolve the case will occur during the arraignment, therefore, the presence of counsel, who has entered an appearance prior to the arraignment, is required at the event.
2. How do I file a pleading that raises the issues of competency and/or criminal responsibility of my client? 
   Counsel is encouraged to present the issue of competency and/or criminal responsibility, as early in the proceedings as possible. A copy of the pleading should be provided to the law clerk of the judge in charge who will arrange for an immediate evaluation of the defendant by the Medical Office of the court. Failure to provide the judge in charge with a copy of the pleading at the same time of the filing will result in a delay of the evaluation and perhaps the trial.
3. My client was under 18 years of age at the time of the offense and I desire to file a motion for the transfer of jurisdiction. What should I do?
   Follow the Maryland Rules and present the motion within 30 days of either the first appearance of the defendant before the court or the filing of an appearance by counsel. Upon filing the motion for transfer, the attorney should provide the law clerk for the judge in charge with a copy of the pleading, so an evaluation can be prepared.
4. What do I do if a conflict develops in my trial schedule and I find myself committed to more than one court at the same time?
   It is the obligation of counsel to avoid accepting a trial date that conflicts with another date previously set or accepting a case with a preset trial date that conflicts with his or her present schedule. 
   Counsel must notify both courts immediately. The courts will determine which case has a priority for trial. It is not within the authority of counsel to determine which court to attend.
5. I thought I had the money to hire a private attorney but things did not work out like I planned. My trial date is approaching. What should I do? 
   An attorney is very important in assisting you with the charges that have been brought against you. Only you can protect your right to legal representation. If you believe you may not have the money to hire a private attorney, do not wait until the last moment to contact the Office of the Public Defender. If you think you cannot pay an attorney, you may qualify for the services of an assistant public defender. To do that you must apply to the Office of the Public Defender and follow its procedures for qualification. THIS MUST BE DONE AT LEAST 10 WORKING DAYS (EXCLUDING WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS) BEFORE YOUR TRIAL DATE. If you fail to follow this procedure, the judge could decide that you have given up your right to counsel by your inaction or failure to obtain counsel.