Commissioner

Role overview

The Maryland Judiciary is seeking District Court Commissioners for Talbot and Queen Anne Counties. These judicial officers are responsible for reviewing applications for statements of charges submitted by members of the public and law enforcement, and for deciding whether criminal charges should move forward in the District Court. Based on probable cause, a commissioner may authorize a criminal summons or an arrest warrant.

The role also includes evaluating probable cause in police on-view arrests, determining pre-trial release conditions for arrested individuals, and accepting bail bond money or other acceptable surety to secure release. When the Circuit and District Courts are closed, commissioners may also handle civil petitions for interim Peace Orders and interim Protective Orders.

Commissioners are often the public’s first point of contact with the court system in Maryland. State law requires that each county maintain one or more commissioners available at all times to help the public and police obtain charging documents, warrants, or criminal summonses and to advise arrested individuals of their legal rights.

Compensation and benefits

Base pay for this position is $67,218 per year. A shift differential of $3 per hour applies for hours worked between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The Maryland Judiciary also provides a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; tuition assistance; continuing education programs; employee assistance programs; and State retirement and pension plans.

Working conditions and schedule

This is an essential personnel role with 24/7 availability expectations. Commissioners may be assigned to day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts, and may be called in during emergencies or staffing shortages. The office remains open during severe weather, emergencies, and times when other state agencies and offices are closed. Work may take place in District Court buildings, police stations, or Central Booking facilities, and the environment can include hostile, distressed, or injured individuals.

Qualifications and requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Commissioners must live in the county of employment or in a contiguous Maryland county connected by land, roads, or bridges. Baltimore City residents are eligible only for Baltimore City District Court consideration.

Commissioners are judicial appointees and must follow the Code of Ethics for Judicial Appointees. They cannot engage in political bias, run for office, or endorse candidates, and may face limits on outside employment or volunteer activities. The role requires CPR certification at hire, with renewal every 24 months, and NCIC CN5 certification for criminal record checks, also renewed every 24 months.

Candidates should have experience using a personal computer, the ability to type efficiently, strong interpersonal skills, a professional manner, and the judgment to apply legal and administrative standards when making decisions. The person selected must also be able to carry out all essential functions of the job.

Application deadline

The final date to submit an application is June 30, 2026.

Additional information

More information and application details are available through the Maryland Courts careers portal.