Department Responsibilities

The Department of Law, created by Charter and managed by an appointed County Attorney, is responsible for the day-to-day legal representation of the County Executive, County departments, agencies, and offices within the Executive Branch. The department is responsible for prosecuting and defending all civil suits and administrative hearings. The department also advises the Board of Library Trustees and provides legal representation to the Harford County Sheriff's Office as requested.

Frequently Asked Questions;

The Department of Law represents the County Executive and various departments within Harford County government. It cannot provide legal advice to citizens.

We are frequently asked questions regarding the following:

Pending court cases in the Circuit Court and District Court of Maryland for Harford County.
Existing regulations or laws contained in the Harford County Code.
Matters relating to the Harford County Public School system.
Citizens calling for legal advice on private issues.
Citizens calling for legal advice on a criminal matter.
Citizens calling for legal advice who know they are not eligible for legal aid or who simply want a recommendation for an attorney in a specialty field.
Any matter that appears to involve suspected or actual criminal activity.
Any matter relating to consumer complaints.
Complaints from homeowners about licensed contractors.

For general legal assistance and advice,  contact the Harford County Bar Association.  A link to their website has been provided for your convenience:

http://www.mdlaw.net/harford

Pending court cases in the Circuit Court and District Court of Maryland. We are not connected in any way with the court system and all calls are referred to:

Circuit Court: 410-638-3426
Harford County Circuit Court
District Court: 410-836-4545
Harford County District Court

Existing regulations or laws contained in the Harford County Code. General questions are referred to the Harford County Council office, but if the caller requests a copy of a particular section of the Code they are referred to the Harford County Library:

County Council Office: 410-638-3347
Bel Air Library: 410-638-3151
Harford County Council Website
Harford County Library Website
Harford County Code On-Line

Any matters relating to the Harford County Public School system are referred to:

Board of Education: 410-838-7300
Board of Education Website

Citizens calling for legal advice on private issues are instructed to obtain a private attorney of their choice or contact the Legal Aid Bureau. Legal Aid services are rendered and billed dependent upon income:

Legal Aid Bureau: 410-836-8202

Citizens calling for legal advice on a criminal matter are referred to the Public Defender's Office. Their services, also, are rendered and billed dependent upon income:

Public Defender's Office: 410-836-4880

Citizens calling for legal advice who know they are not eligible for legal aid or who simply want a recommendation for an attorney in a specialty field:

Lawyer Referral Service: 410-836-0123
Maryland Bar Association Website

Any matter that appears to involve suspected or actual criminal activity that is presently taking place (i.e., the caller is in danger or has a question about whether something may be illegal such as vehicular parking regulations) are referred:

Sheriff's Department: 410-838-6600
Sheriff's Office Website

Any matter relating to consumer complaints about services rendered by someone or purchases made of materials that were faulty are referred to:

Consumer Protection Division
of the Attorney General's
Office:  410-528-8662
Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General's Website

Complaints from homeowners about licensed contractors or general questions about a contractor who is performing any home improvement (any repair, replacement, remodeling or modernization of home or property):

The Maryland Home Improvement
Commission:  410- 230-6309 
Maryland Home Improvement Website