Maryland

Maryland Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Maryland. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Maryland Legal Aid

Provides free civil legal services to low-income Marylanders statewide in housing, family, consumer, and public benefits matters.

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Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland

Connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys for free legal representation in civil matters.

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Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service

Offers free legal services through volunteer attorneys for low-income individuals in the Baltimore area.

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Maryland Legal Aid

The state's largest provider of free civil legal services, serving low-income residents across all 24 jurisdictions.

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Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland

Recruits and trains volunteer attorneys to provide free legal help to low-income Marylanders.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Maryland (formerly Court of Appeals) is the court of last resort. The Appellate Court of Maryland (formerly Court of Special Appeals) handles intermediate appeals. Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in each county and Baltimore City. District Courts handle minor civil and criminal cases statewide.

Key State Laws & Protections

Maryland Security Deposit Law

Limits security deposits to two months' rent and requires landlords to return deposits within 45 days, held in separate escrow accounts.

Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.

Maryland Consumer Protection Act

Prohibits unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices under Commercial Law Article, Title 13.

Maryland Healthy Working Families Act

Requires employers with 15+ employees to provide paid sick leave and employers with fewer to provide unpaid sick leave.

Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, and disability.

Maryland Consumer Protection Act

Prohibits unfair, abusive, and deceptive trade practices with enforcement by the Attorney General and private right of action.

Bar Association

Maryland State Bar Association
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Contact Maryland Legal Aid at 1-410-539-5340 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Maryland DV Hotline

Statewide domestic violence support

1-800-634-3577

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Maryland Paid Family Leave (2025)

Implementation of Maryland's paid family and medical leave program with employer and employee contribution requirements.

Cannabis Legalization Implementation (2025)

Continued rollout of recreational cannabis regulations including consumer protections and expungement provisions.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 3 years (5 years from discovery)

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $34-$42 (claims up to $5,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $185-$300

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $165-$215

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Maryland Legal Aid

Statewide free civil legal services for low-income Marylanders in housing, family, consumer, and public benefits matters.

Visit Website →

Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland

Connects low-income residents with volunteer attorneys for civil legal matters.

Visit Website →

CASA de Maryland

Legal services for immigrants and low-income communities in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area.

Visit Website →

State Bar Resources

Maryland State Bar Association

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 492-1964

Pro Bono: Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provides free legal representation to qualifying residents.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Maryland

Maryland has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Maryland, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Maryland-specific details.
Maryland allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Maryland sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Maryland minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Maryland sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Maryland.