§ 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.

HISTORY: 2002, chs. 108, 109.