(a) In a municipal infraction proceeding:
(1) the District Court shall confirm that the defendant has received a copy of and understands the charges;
(2) the defendant may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty;
(3) the District Court shall apply the evidentiary standards provided by law or rule for the trial of a civil case;
(4) the defendant may:
(i) cross–examine witnesses;
(ii) produce evidence or witnesses on the defendant’s own behalf;
(iii) testify; and
(iv) be represented by counsel of the defendant’s choice and at the defendant’s expense; and
(5) the municipality has the burden to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant has committed the infraction.
(b) The District Court may:
(1) enter a verdict of guilty or not guilty; or
(2) before entering a verdict, place the defendant on probation.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Title 6 - Violations of Ordinances and Resolutions
Section 6-101 - Violations Punishable as Misdemeanors
Section 6-102 - Municipal Infractions
Section 6-105 - Election to Stand Trial
Section 6-106 - Citation -- Failure to Pay or Elect to Stand Trial
Section 6-107 - Summons -- Failure to Pay or Appear
Section 6-108 - Prosecution of Municipal Infractions
Section 6-111 - Abatement of Infraction by Municipality
Section 6-113 - Fines, Penalties, or Forfeitures Remitted to Municipality