Worcester Cnty. Cir. Ct. Civil DCM Plan 4

Consistent with the case time standards adopted by the Judicial Council, Constitutional

requirements, and applicable Maryland Rules, it is the goal of this Plan to ensure that all civil

cases, jury and non-jury, be concluded within 18 months (548 days) of the filing date.

The DCM plan for civil case types does not include family or domestic relations case

types. Family Services of the Circuit Court has a separate DCM plan. Civil cases with claims

greater than $5,000, up to $30,000, may be filed in the District or Circuit Court. Cases with

claims greater than $30,000 must be filed in Circuit Court. Formal rules of procedure and of

evidence apply in civil cases. Either side may demand a jury trial in cases with claims greater

than $15,000 (Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 4-402). If a jury trial is requested, the case

must be heard in Circuit Court. A jury trial may be requested at any stage of the process, up to

the trial and judgment.

Case Management

The assigned judge shall have and exercise authority over such civil case issues and

matters as designated by the administrative judge; and shall monitor the implementation and

effectiveness of the Civil DCM Plan. Assigned cases should be managed to the extent possible

consistent with the provisions of this Plan, including adherence to the case time standards.

Case Types Summary

A civil case may follow four potential tracks to resolution. Tracks are defined at filing based on

the case subtype, or by a judge upon review. Tracks define expected case processing events, the timing

of events, assignment, and the expectations for case duration. The caseflow time standard for Circuit

Court civil cases is 18 months [548 days] for 98% of dispositions, but expected case duration is based on

time needed to reach resolution, which may be less than the time standard. Counter or cross claimants

do not have the right to challenge a track designation, if their case is consolidated with the original case.

Table 1.1 – Civil Tracks Casetypes and Outcomes

Expected Case Duration

Track Case Subtypes

and Notes

Track 1 1. Confessed Judgments Answer + 90 days = 120

Civil Expedited 2. Administrative Agency Appeals days

Cases 3. Mechanic’s Liens

4. Tax Sales Tort = personal injury,