WASHINGTON COUNTY APPROVED BUDGET
FY 2026
Circuit Court – Department 10200
Contact: Kristin Grossnickle
The Circuit Court is part of the Maryland Judiciary. The Maryland Judiciary advances justice for all who come to Maryland’s courts. We are an efficient, innovative, and accessible court system that works collaboratively with justice partners to serve the people with integrity and transparency.
Department Function
The Maryland Constitution created the Circuit Courts, the highest common law and equity courts of record exercising original jurisdiction within the State. The Circuit Court for Washington County has full, common law and equity powers and jurisdiction in all civil, juvenile, and criminal cases arising within the County, except when jurisdiction has been conferred upon another tribunal by law, and in those situations, the Circuit Court serves as an appellate court.
Goals Fiscal Year 2026
To dispose of cases timely under the Case Time Standards adopted by the Maryland Judiciary. To continue discussions with Washington County Government for the Circuit Court’s long - and short-term capital planning needs due to outgrowing our current space, security concerns, and multiple building issues. In 2024, the Maryland Judiciary completed a comprehensive courthouse security assessment statewide. It is essential to continue the efforts of the courthouse security team to implement the recommended changes, with the support of county staff responsible for the many functions that impact these crucial updates. To update the Differentiated Case Management Plan to better reflect changes in the case management system, rule, and law to better fit our citizens’ needs and meet our court’s mission and vision. To continue to enhance court technology to better meet the needs of court staff, attorneys, and litigants in and out of the courtroom, including systems for digital evidence and virtual hearings. Continue updates to the court Continuity of Operations Plan for disaster recovery. Continue outreach efforts to agencies and the community on the free resources available in the court help center that assists pro se litigants (individuals who represent themselves instead of having a lawyer represent them).
Accomplishments Fiscal Year 2025
With the assistance of numerous county staff, the courthouse’s entrance was cleaned and updated, and the commissioner-approved name change to the Andrew F. Wilkinson Courthouse was unveiled on October 16, 2024. A newly designed seal, a plaque, and the courthouse name were installed for the unveiling. Continued to improve docket management and case processing for timely disposition of cases. Met the FY2025 goal of drafting an All-Hazards plan and it is being reviewed with the Court Security Committee for final approval. The Circuit Court participated in National Adoption Day for the first time in FY2025 with the adoption of five children into four families.
2026 Budget Document
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