2014 Maryland Code
Criminal Law
Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety
Part III - Alcoholic Beverage Consumption or Possession of Open Container in Passenger Area of Motor Vehicle
§ 10-126. Citation; civil offense
(a) Issuance. -- 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) Civil offense. --
(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) Contents. -- 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) Form. -- The form of the citation shall be uniform throughout the State and shall be prescribed by the District Court.
(e) Prepayment. -- The Chief Judge of the District Court shall establish a schedule for the prepayment of a fine.
(f) Request for trial; scheduling. --
(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) Amount of fine. -- If a person is found to have committed a violation under this part, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 25.
(h) Costs. -- The court costs for a violation under this part are $ 5.
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