Terms Used In Maryland Code, LOCAL GOVERNMENT 6-105

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
  • Venue: The geographical location in which a case is tried.
(a) If a citation is served without a summons, the defendant may elect to stand trial for the municipal infraction by providing written notice of intent to stand trial to the municipality at least 5 days before the payment date specified in the citation.

(b) (1) After receiving the written notice of intention to stand trial, the municipality shall forward a copy of the citation and notice to the District Court having venue.

(2) After receiving the citation and notice, the District Court shall:

(i) schedule the case for trial; and

(ii) notify the defendant of the trial date.