The Maryland Judiciary has announced the opening of its ninth District Court Help Center, aimed at providing free legal assistance to residents. Located in the District Court courthouse in Montgomery County at 191 E. Jefferson Street, Rockville, the center will operate on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for a later date.
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera emphasized the importance of accessible legal help, stating, "All people who rely upon Maryland’s courts should be able to obtain the legal information and assistance they need, regardless of their socioeconomic status." The centers are designed to aid individuals with various court-related issues such as documentation and finding legal representation.
The District Court Help Centers focus on civil matters including landlord-tenant disputes, claims, consumer debt issues, and more. They offer free legal advice and guidance on understanding court documents and preparing for hearings. With an expected increase in visitors this summer, assistance will also be available via phone, video chat, and email.
District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey highlighted the significance of the new center in Montgomery County, noting that it is "Maryland’s largest populated county" with over one million residents potentially needing court help.
Since their inception in 2009, these centers have served more than 127,000 walk-in clients across nine jurisdictions in Maryland. Including phone services, over 550,000 individuals have received free assistance from trained attorneys through this initiative.