Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures — Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 7-201 (2026)
Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures
Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
§ 7–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except for an appeal from the State Workers’ Compensation Commission or an appeal, by an individual claiming benefits, from a decision of the Board of Appeals of the Maryland Department of Labor, no case may be docketed and no writ of attachment, fieri facias, or execution on judgment may be issued unless the plaintiff or appellant pays the required fee.
(b)
The circuit court shall pass an order waiving the payment in advance if:
(1)
Upon petition for waiver, it is satisfied that the petitioner is unable by reason of his poverty to make the payment; and
(2)
The petitioner’s attorney, if any, certifies that the suit, appeal, or writ is meritorious.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 7-202 (2026)
Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures
Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
§ 7–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
(i)
The State Court Administrator shall determine the amount of all court costs and charges for the circuit courts of the counties with the approval of the Board of Public Works.
(ii)
The fees and charges shall be uniform throughout the State.
(2)
The Comptroller of the State shall require clerks of court to collect all fees required to be collected by law.
(b)
The clerk may not charge the State, any county, municipality, or Baltimore City any fee provided by this subtitle, unless the State, county, municipality, or Baltimore City first gives its consent.
(c)
The clerk is entitled to a reasonable fee for performing any other service that is not enumerated in this subtitle or in §§ 3–601 through 3–603 of the Real Property Article.
(d)
The State Court Administrator, as part of the Administrator’s determination of the amount of court costs and charges in civil cases, shall assess a surcharge that:
(1)
May not be more than $85 per case; and
(2)
Shall be deposited into the Maryland Legal Services Corporation Fund established under § 11–402 of the Human Services Article.
(e)
(1)
In addition to the surcharge assessed under subsection (d) of this section, the State Court Administrator, as part of the Administrator’s determination of the amount of court costs and charges in civil cases, shall assess a surcharge that:
(i)
(1)
Except as provided in item 2 of this item, shall be $30 per case; and
(2)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, shall be $6 to reopen any civil case; and
(ii)
Shall be deposited into the Circuit Court Real Property Records Improvement Fund established under § 13–602 of this article.
(2)
A surcharge may not be assessed under this subsection to reopen a case brought by a petitioner under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of the Family Law Article.
(f)
The State Court Administrator shall:
(1)
Assess a $100 fee for the special admission of an out–of–state attorney under § 10–215 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; and
(2)
Pay $75 of the fee to the Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program established under § 18–1502 of the Education Article.
(g)
If a party in a proceeding feels aggrieved by any fee permitted under this subtitle or by §§ 3–601 through 3–603 of the Real Property Article, the party may request a judge of that circuit court to determine the reasonableness of the fee.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 7-203 (2026)
Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures
Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
§ 7–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, the term “not guilty” does not include a finding of probation before judgment under § 6-220 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
(b)
(1)
The clerk of the circuit court may not charge a county or Baltimore City with fees or costs of a criminal proceeding, regardless of whether the fee or cost was imposed or allowed by statute or common law.
(2)
The clerk of a circuit court may not charge a defendant with the costs of a criminal proceeding in which the defendant is found not guilty.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 7-204 (2026)
Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures
Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
§ 7–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except in Montgomery County and except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, in paragraph (2) of this subsection for Baltimore County, in paragraph (3) of this subsection for St. Mary’s County, in paragraph (4) of this subsection for Baltimore City, in paragraph (5) of this subsection for Harford County, in paragraph (6) of this subsection for Carroll County, and in paragraph (7) of this subsection for Calvert County, the clerk of each circuit court shall:
(i)
Collect, in advance, a $10 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a civil action in the court;
(ii)
Charge as costs a $10 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when prosecuting or defending a criminal action in the court; and
(iii)
Collect, in advance, a $10 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a case in the Supreme Court of Maryland.
(2)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County shall:
(i)
Collect, in advance, the following fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a civil action:
(1)
A $20 fee for an action, including the collection of money due on mortgage, in a court of equity; and
(2)
A $10 fee for an action at law in a court of original jurisdiction;
(ii)
Charge as costs the following fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a criminal action:
(1)
If the punishment for the offense charged is confinement in the State penitentiary, a $20 fee; and
(2)
For any other criminal action, a $10 fee; and
(iii)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a case in the Supreme Court of Maryland.
(3)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County shall collect, in advance, a $10 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a civil action in the court.
(4)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City shall:
(i)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a civil action in the court;
(ii)
Charge as costs the following fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a criminal action:
(1)
If the punishment for the offense charged is confinement in the State penitentiary, a $20 fee; and
(2)
For any other criminal action, a $10 fee; and
(iii)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a case in the Supreme Court of Maryland.
(5)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Harford County shall:
(i)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a civil action in the court;
(ii)
Charge as costs a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when prosecuting or defending a criminal action in the court; and
(iii)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a case in the Supreme Court of Maryland.
(6)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Carroll County shall:
(i)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a civil action in the court;
(ii)
Charge as costs a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when prosecuting or defending a criminal action in the court; and
(iii)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a case in the Supreme Court of Maryland.
(7)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Calvert County shall:
(i)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a civil action in the court;
(ii)
Charge as costs a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when prosecuting or defending a criminal action in the court; and
(iii)
Collect, in advance, a $20 fee for docketing the appearance of counsel when bringing or defending a case in the Supreme Court of Maryland.
(b)
(1)
If more than one stockholder, partner, member, or employee of a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity engaged in practicing law enters an appearance in an action or a case, the clerk of the circuit court may collect only one appearance fee per entity.
(2)
If more than one employee of a governmental entity that has consented to the assessment of fees under § 7–202(b) of this subtitle enters an appearance in an action or a case, the clerk of the circuit court may assess only one appearance fee per governmental entity.
(c)
A fee may not be collected under this section for docketing the appearance of a petitioner’s or a respondent’s counsel in a case filed under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of the Family Law Article.
(d)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Allegany County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as the Allegany County Law Library Fund.
(2)
The Fund shall be used only for the general use of the Circuit Court Law Library for the acquisition of books and other publications, library equipment, and for other necessary expenses, as determined by the County Administrative Judge.
(e)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County shall transmit to the county all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section to be used for the general purposes of the court library and assignment office and for the maintenance and improvement of the court’s facilities, equipment, and programs. These purposes include, but are not limited to, the necessary expenses for books, legal publications, library equipment, and the services of the library and other personnel.
(2)
Expenditures for the library are not to be limited to this fund if the same should be deemed insufficient by the County Administrative Judge.
(f)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City shall transmit on a monthly basis all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section to the Library Company of the Baltimore Bar to be used for the general purposes of the bar library.
(2)
The Library Company shall file an annual financial report with the Director of the Administrative Office of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and with the Director of Finance of Baltimore City.
(3)
Baltimore City and court employees may use the library in connection with official duties without charge.
(g)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County shall transmit to the county all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section to be used for the general purposes of the court library of the county. These purposes include the necessary expenses for books and library equipment and the services of the librarian.
(h)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Calvert County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as the Calvert County Law Library Fund.
(2)
The Fund shall be used for the general purposes of the court library and assignment office and for the maintenance and improvement of the court’s facilities, equipment, and programs.
(3)
The purposes specified under paragraph (2) of this subsection include the acquisition of books, other publications, and library equipment, payment for services of library and other personnel, and other necessary expenses, as determined by the County Administrative Judge.
(i)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Caroline County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as the Law Library Fund.
(2)
The Fund shall be used only for the law library of Caroline County upon recommendation of the Caroline County Bar Association.
(j)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Carroll County shall retain all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section for the general use of the court library of the county, including expenses for books and library equipment.
(k)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Cecil County shall retain all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section for the general use of the court library of the county, including expenses for books and library equipment, and for other charitable and educational purposes authorized under § 7–507 of this title or other applicable law.
(l)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Charles County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as the Charles County Law Library Fund.
(2)
The Fund shall be used only for the general use of the Circuit Court Law Library for the acquisition of books and other publications, library equipment, and for other necessary expenses, as determined by the County Administrative Judge.
(m)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Dorchester County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as “the Court and Bar Library Account”. The Account shall be for the general use of the Court Library and for the maintenance and improvement of the court’s facilities and equipment, subject to the approval of the resident circuit court judge.
(n)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Frederick County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as the Frederick County Law Library Fund.
(2)
The Fund shall be used only for the general use of the Circuit Court Law Library for the acquisition of books and other publications, library equipment, and for other necessary expenses, as determined by the County Administrative Judge.
(o)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Garrett County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as the Garrett County Law Library Fund.
(2)
The Fund shall be used only for the acquisition of books and other publications, library equipment, and for other necessary expenses, as determined by the County Administrative Judge.
(p)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Harford County shall retain all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section for the general use of the court library of the county, including the necessary expenses for books and library equipment and the cost for the services of a librarian.
(q)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Howard County shall deposit all appearance fees collected by the Clerk pursuant to this section into a special account to be known and designated as “the Law Library Fund”. The Fund shall be used for the general purposes of the court library of the county, including the necessary expenses for books and library equipment.
(r)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Kent County shall deposit all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account known as the “Kent County Bar Library” Account.
(2)
These fees, together with other funds, shall be disbursed:
(i)
If approved or considered necessary by the Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Kent County;
(ii)
For the acquisition and maintenance of legal publications; or
(iii)
For the compensation of the librarian of the Kent County Bar Library in the amount established in the Second Judicial Circuit Order, relating to the appointment and compensation of the law librarian of the Second Judicial Circuit Courts.
(s)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County shall transmit to the county all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section to be used for the general purposes of the court library and assignment office and for the maintenance and improvement of the court’s facilities, equipment, and programs. These purposes include, but are not limited to, the necessary expenses for books, legal publications, library equipment, and the services of the library and other personnel.
(2)
Expenditures for the library are not limited to this fund if the same should be deemed insufficient by the County Administrative Judge.
(t)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Queen Anne’s County shall distribute all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section to the Queen Anne’s County Bar Association.
(2)
The Queen Anne’s County Bar Association shall retain the fees in a separate Law Library Fund.
(3)
The Queen Anne’s County Bar Association, with the approval of the County Administrative Judge, may make distributions from the Law Library Fund for the purchase and maintenance of legal publications and equipment for the county law library.
(4)
All property acquired under this section shall be used and maintained as part of the county law library.
(u)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County shall transmit to the county each month all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section.
(2)
The county shall maintain the appearance fees in a special account to be known as the St. Mary’s County Law Library Fund.
(3)
The Fund shall be used only for the general use of the Circuit Court Law Library for the acquisition of books and other publications, library equipment, and for other necessary expenses, as determined by the County Administrative Judge.
(v)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Somerset County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as “the Court and Bar Library Account”. The Account shall be for the general use of the court library and for the maintenance and improvement of the court’s facilities and equipment, subject to the approval of the resident circuit court judge.
(w)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Talbot County shall transmit on a monthly basis all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section to the County Bar Library Fund to be used for the general purposes of the bar library.
(x)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected under this section into a special account to be known as the Washington County Court Library Fund.
(2)
The Fund shall be used only for the general use of the county court library including books, library equipment, librarian services, and other necessary expenses as determined by the County Administrative Judge.
(y)
(1)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County shall deposit not less than monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as the “Court and Bar Library Account”.
(2)
The Account shall be for the general use of the court library and for the maintenance and improvement of the court’s facilities and equipment.
(3)
Funds in the Account shall be disbursed on the approval of the County Administrative Judge.
(z)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County shall deposit monthly all appearance fees collected by the Clerk under this section into a special account to be known as the “Court and Bar Library Account”. The Account shall be for the general use of the court library and for the maintenance and improvement of the court’s facilities and equipment, and together with other funds in the Account, shall be disbursed upon the approval of the County Administrative Judge.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 7-205 (2026)
Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures
Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
§ 7–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The county from which a case is removed shall pay the costs and expenses in the county to which the case is removed.
(b)
(1)
The clerk of the court to which a case is removed shall keep an accurate account of the costs and expenses, and certify the account to both counties.
(2)
The account shall contain names and addresses of the persons to whom the costs or expenses are due, and the amount due.
(3)
The returns of the certified accounts shall accompany the case when it is returned.
(c)
The county where the case is tried shall initially pay the costs and expenses due to its residents in the same manner as if the case originated in that county.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 7-206 (2026)
Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures
Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
§ 7–206LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If a criminal or traffic case is appealed from the District Court to a circuit court, the fine and costs collected in the District Court, including costs collected under Maryland Rule 7-103, shall be forwarded to the circuit court for disposition in accordance with this section.
(b)
If the appeal in a criminal or traffic case is disposed of other than by acquittal, nolle prosequi, or stet, a fine imposed by the circuit court and the circuit court costs, including the sum paid under Maryland Rule 7-103(c), shall be disposed of in the same manner as are fines and costs in a criminal case heard by the circuit court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction. The District Court costs shall be returned to the District Court.
(c)
In a civil case, the court costs shall be disposed of in the same manner as are other costs in a civil case heard by the circuit court in the exercise of its original jurisdiction.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 7-207 (2026)
Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures
Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
§ 7–207LinkCopy Citation
All fines paid to the clerk of the court for the purgation of contempt of a court of equity shall be paid by the clerk at the end of every six months to the county where the offense occurred.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 7-208 (2026)
Title 7. Costs, Fines, and Forfeitures
Subtitle 2. Circuit Court
§ 7–208LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If any person gives a check to the clerk to pay for any charge or for any other purpose and the check is not honored by the financial institution on which it is drawn, the clerk may impose a service charge of $30 against the party drawing the check.
(b)
The service charge under this section shall be in addition to any other penalty prescribed by law.