What is the small claims limit in Maryland?

Maryland small claims is a streamlined procedure within the District Court under Md. Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-405 and Md. Rule 3-701.

1. Monetary Limit — Md. Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-405 sets the small claims limit at $5,000, exclusive of pre-judgment interest, attorney fees, and costs. The District Court itself has jurisdiction over all civil claims up to $30,000 under § 4-401, but informal small claims procedures only apply at $5,000 and below.

2. Filing Fee — $13 for claims up to $500, $23 for $500-$2,500, $45 for $2,500-$5,000 (Md. Rule 3-701(c)). Sheriff service is $40 per defendant; certified mail by clerk is $15.

3. Lawyers — Permitted at all stages. Corporations and LLCs must generally be represented by an attorney except in small claims, where a corporate officer or employee may appear (Md. Rule 1-311(a)).

4. Statute of Limitations — Standard Maryland SOLs: 3 years for most contracts (written or oral) and personal injury under Md. Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-101, 12 years for contracts under seal (§ 5-102), 3 years for fraud and conversion.

5. Where to File — District Court for the county or Baltimore City where (a) defendant resides, (b) defendant has a regular place of business, or (c) the cause of action arose (Md. Rule 3-101).

6. Service — By sheriff (most common), certified mail (return receipt), private process server, or, with court permission, by mail or publication. Defendant must be served at least 60 days before trial in some districts or as set by the court.

7. Hearing — Informal trial before a District Court judge. The Maryland Rules of Evidence apply but in a relaxed manner. Hearings typically take 15-30 minutes.

8. Appeal Rights — Either party may appeal de novo to the Circuit Court within 30 days of judgment (Md. Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 12-401). Appellant must pay Circuit Court filing fees and post a supersedeas bond if seeking to stay execution. Case is retried fresh.

This is legal information, not legal advice.