Md. courts to move to Phase 3 of reopening on July 20th

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – On Monday, July 20th, courts across Maryland will move into Phase 3 of the Judiciary’s reopening plan.

This phase will allow for court clerks’ offices to reopen and for the courts to hear additional matters, including some matters that are contested.

We’re told that part of the implementation of Phase 3 includes a change in the way domestic violence protective orders, peace orders, and Extreme Risk Protective Orders previously have been handled with courts during the COVID-19 emergency. During the first two phases of reopening, commissioners with the District Court of Maryland have been hearing and processing these emergency matters 24/7. This new phase will shift those emergency hearings back to the courts during normal court hours. Commissioners will continue to hear these matters after normal court hours on weekends.

Those with business with the courts should check the Judiciary’s website or call the clerk’s office for information before arriving at a courthouse. Any individual, including employees, seeking access to a courthouse or court office location will be required to answer a set of screening questions, be subject to temperature checks, wear a facial covering or mask, and practice social distancing.

Additionally, courts will continue using technology for remote proceedings, either by video or telephone, but it will vary by court location.

The Maryland Judiciary plans to move to Phase Four on August 31st. This will mark the continued expansion of court operations to include non-jury trials and other contested matters in the District Court of Maryland and the circuit courts.