2013 Maryland Code
CRIMINAL LAW
§ 10-126 - Citation; civil offense

§10-126.

(a) A police officer may issue a citation to a person who the police officer has probable cause to believe has committed a violation under this part.

(b) (1) A violation under this part is a civil offense.

(2) Adjudication of a violation under this part:

(i) is not a criminal conviction for any purpose; and

(ii) does not impose any of the civil disabilities that may result from a criminal conviction.

(c) A citation issued under this part shall be signed by the police officer who issues the citation and shall contain:

(1) the name and address of the person charged;

(2) the statute allegedly violated;

(3) the date, location, and time that the violation occurred;

(4) the fine that may be imposed;

(5) a notice stating that prepayment of the fine is allowed; and

(6) a notice that states that the District Court shall promptly send the person a summons to appear for trial.

(d) The form of the citation shall be uniform throughout the State and shall be prescribed by the District Court.

(e) The Chief Judge of the District Court shall establish a schedule for the prepayment of a fine.

(f) (1) The law enforcement agency of the police officer who issued the citation shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a request for trial.

(2) The District Court shall promptly schedule the case for trial and summon the defendant to appear.

(g) If a person is found to have committed a violation under this part, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $25.

(h) The court costs for a violation under this part are $5.