--- title: "Thomas J. Pryal | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-j-pryal-md-district-anne-arundel" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Thomas J. Pryal District Court for Anne Arundel · Judge ## Profile - Court: District Court for Anne Arundel - State: Maryland - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### remote proceedings Scope: statewide Maryland trial courts may conduct remote electronic proceedings when authorized by rule, and the court may permit or require participants to appear by remote electronic communications. Evidence excerpt: the court may permit or require one or more participants, or all participants, to join the proceeding by means of remote electronic communications. [Remote Hearings and Proceedings](https://www.mdcourts.gov/remotehearings) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### remote recording Scope: statewide For Maryland remote proceedings, the required recording is made by the court, and participants should not make their own audio or video recording unless the court permits it. Evidence excerpt: Proceedings conducted via videoconferencing technology must be recorded by the court [Remote Hearings and Proceedings](https://www.mdcourts.gov/remotehearings) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### electronic devices Scope: statewide Maryland permits electronic devices in court facilities only in accordance with court rules and orders; attorneys may use devices reasonably for a proceeding if silent, positioned away from the trier of fact or witnesses, not used for recording, and not used for unauthorized communication. Evidence excerpt: attorneys are permitted the reasonable and lawful use of an electronic device in connection with the proceeding provided that [NOTICE Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities](https://www.mdcourts.gov/reference/cellphonenotice) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### photography video recording Scope: statewide Maryland prohibits taking, recording, or transmitting photographs, videos, or other visual images in court facilities unless the court expressly grants permission in a specific instance. Evidence excerpt: The taking, recording, or transmitting of photographs, videos, or other visual images by cell phone or any other device is prohibited in the court facility at all times [NOTICE Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities](https://www.mdcourts.gov/reference/cellphonenotice) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/hr/pdfs/judges_list_external.pdf) - [Official roster](https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/hr/pdfs/judges_list_external.pdf) - [Maryland Judiciary official judicial roster](https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/hr/pdfs/judges_list_external.pdf) - [Remote Hearings and Proceedings](https://www.mdcourts.gov/remotehearings) - [NOTICE Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities](https://www.mdcourts.gov/reference/cellphonenotice) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-j-pryal-md-district-anne-arundel", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-j-pryal-md-district-anne-arundel", "name": "Thomas J. 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Pryal was selected as an Associate Judge of the District Court of Maryland, District 7, Anne Arundel County - Began his legal career as an Assistant State's Attorney in Talbot County (1988–1989) and then served in Anne Arundel County from 1989 to 2001 - Thomas J. Pryal’s career spans over three decades in law and judiciary, with significant experience in criminal prosecution, juvenile justice, and specialty court programs ### Education ### Additional information - Judge Pryal is a member of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association since 2000 and has contributed to the legal community through his work in specialty courts and judicial committees - He also served on the Specialty Courts and Dockets Committee (2015–2020), chairing the problem-solving courts subcommittee from 2015 onward - He completed a law clerkship at White, Mindel, Clarke & Hill from 1987 to 1988 and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1988 - Thomas J. Pryal was born in Pennsylvania and attended St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C. He obtained a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Delaware in 1985 and a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1988. - He has presided over the Adult Drug Court Program and the DUI/Drug Court Program, reflecting his focus on problem-solving and specialty courts. - His leadership in problem-solving courts and dedication to public service highlight his contributions to Maryland’s legal system ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Remote Hearings and Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-8d7f2b6c1b52f4889f91cdbe) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.mdcourts.gov/remotehearings). Collected 2026-07-26. - [NOTICE Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-9a7f81ce806c87a1ae6dac48) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.mdcourts.gov/reference/cellphonenotice). Collected 2026-07-26.