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1. Where can I find a copy of the Frederick County Code?

The 2004 Code of Ordinances is available for purchase.  Persons wishing to purchase the Code should contact American Legal Publishing by telephone at (800) 445-5588.  The Code is also available by a link to American Legal Publishing’s website: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/frederickcounty/latest/frederickco_md/0-0-0-1.  Bills, Resolutions and Ordinances can also be found on the County Council web page or by clicking on the link in the left margin.

2. Who do I contact about a criminal case?

The State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County has the responsibility for prosecuting serious criminal and motor vehicle cases before the Circuit and District Courts for Frederick County.  The State’s Attorney’s Office may be reached at (301) 600-1523.

3. How can I check on the status of a court case?

Unless your case involves the County as a party, we cannot provide information on pending court cases.  For further information, you may contact the Circuit Court Clerk at (301) 600-1976 or the District Court Clerk at (301) 600-2000.

4. Will the County Attorney’s Office represent me in a private matter?

Citizens needing legal advice on private issues should retain a private attorney.  You can search for an attorney on the Frederick County Bar Association website:  https://www.frederickbar.org/member-directory/, or call the Maryland Lawyer Referral Service at (410) 337-9100.

5. Who can I contact if I cannot afford an attorney?

The Frederick County Courthouse offers a free self-help clinic for income-qualified people involved in a divorce or custody case in Frederick County.  The phone number is: (240) 285-9675.  Text messages are received on Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  You may call on Monday or Wednesday between 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Free legal help in civil cases for individuals who do not have an attorney is available by calling (410) 260-1392 on Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Chat is also available at: https://mdcourts.gov/helpcenter. 

Services may also be obtained from the Maryland Legal Aid – Midwestern Maryland Office by telephone at (301) 694-7414 or by applying online at: https://mdlaboi.legalserver.org/modules/matter/extern_intake.php?pid=129&h=daa817&.  

For assistance with criminal matters, please contact the Office of the Public Defender, 100 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, Maryland  21701, telephone: (301) 600-1988.

6. How do I contact the police department?

While this Office, along with the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, provides representation for the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, any matters involving the Sheriff’s Office should be communicated directly to that Office at the general number: (301) 600-1046.  You may also contact the Maryland State Police at (301) 600-4150 or the Frederick City Police Department at (301) 600-2100 (for police matters within the corporate limits of Frederick).

7. How do I file a complaint of police misconduct?

The Police Accountability Board (PAB) receives complaints of police misconduct.   For more information, please visit the PAB website:  https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/8360/Police-Accountability-Board. 

8. Who do I contact if I believe that someone has committed a crime against me or a minor in my custody?

The District Court Commissioners are judicial officers authorized to issue statements of charges and perform other judicial functions for the District Court of Maryland.  The District Court Commissioner may be reached at (301) 600-2009.

9. How do I file a complaint against a home improvement contractor?

Homeowners with complaints about licensed contractors or with general questions about a home improvement contractor performing repair, replacement, or remodeling work may contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at (410) 230-6231 or (888) 218-5925.

10. How do I file a complaint against a business or health insurance carrier?

The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Maryland Attorney General handles consumer complaints about services rendered or purchases of faulty items.  The nearest office is located at 44 North Potomac Street, Suite 104, Hagerstown, Maryland, (301) 791-4780.  The Frederick office can be reached every 2^nd and 4^th Thursday at (301) 600-1071 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

11. Who do I contact if I have a question or complaint about a school?

Our office does not provide representation to the Board of Education.  You may contact the Board of Education at (301) 644-5000.