Courthouse Security & Accessibility

Upon entering the Montgomery County Circuit Court, you will need to go through a metal detector. Allow an additional 5-10 minutes to get through security.

Make sure that your electronics and keys are out and place them in the basket for screening.

Security Officers are required to seize all weapons including pepper spray, mace, all knives, etc. and other contraband coming into the courthouse. Persons entering the courthouse carrying weapons that are considered legal to possess but are not permitted in the courthouse will be required to surrender the property. The owner will be given a property claim ticket. To ensure that all property is returned to the rightful owner, persons picking up property must present this ticket to the security officer when departing the courthouse.

Examples of items you may bring through security:

• Beverages
• Food
• Wooden knitting needles and wooden crochet hooks
• Laptops and tablets
• Cell phones (free WiFi is available throughout the courthouse)
• Phone and laptop chargers
• Lighters and matches
• Reading and/or work materials

Examples of items you may not bring though security:

• Knives of any kind
• Sharp objects (please make sure your key ring does not contain any sharp objects)
• Weapons
• Scissors
• Mace
• Metal crochet hooks and metal knitting needles

The Sheriff’s Office also strictly enforces parking in and around the courthouse. Any vehicles found in violation will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

Cameras

Except as permitted by Maryland Rule or expressly permitted by the administrative judge, a person many not (i) take or record a photograph, video, or other visual image in a court facility, or (ii) transmit a photograph, video, or other visual image from or within a court facility. Cameras are only permitted in the Circuit Courthouse for specials events such as weddings, adoptions, and other events approved by the Administrative Judge. A person(s) may bring a camera for the purpose of taking photographs and/or videos of a marriage ceremony and any marriage-related activities that occur prior to or after the ceremony at the Licensing Department and the surrounding public waiting area and the lobby level of the court facility.

Download the Courthouse Security Administrative Order (PDF) and the Policy on Cell Phones and Electronic Devices (PDF) for additional information about security at the Circuit Court.

Accessibility

All courtrooms, restrooms, and other public offices in the courthouse are compliant with accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Circuit Court has ramps to access the North and South Towers as well as elevators to reach all of our courtrooms, and each courtroom has wheelchair-accessible witness stands; however, the Court does not provide wheelchairs.

The Circuit Court provides free accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for court proceedings and other services in the courthouse. To request an ADA accommodation for yourself or your client, submit a detailed Request for Accommodation for Person with Disability. For more information and forms, visit the Requesting an ADA Accommodation page. Please be specific about the accommodations you will need.

Courthouse security personnel will search all wheelchairs and other personal devices (e.g., canes, walking sticks) as visitors pass through security.