Section 10-126 - Citation; civil offense. - Maryland Statutes

§ 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. 
 

[2002, chs. 108, 109.]