District Court Unit
Overview
The District Court assumes jurisdiction over almost all misdemeanor offenses, encompassing roughly 30,000 criminal cases each year. The range of offenses covers drug-related crimes, burglaries, incarcerable traffic offenses, thefts, trespassing, and assaults, among others.
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The Unit is equipped with several specialized resources such as a citizen screening division, mental health court, drug court, economic crimes division, municipal infractions, and a DUI unit that extends its services to non-felony fatalities.
The unit handles cases in both the Hyattsville and Upper Marlboro Courthouses.
Trials
For any misdemeanor offense that carries more than 90 days in jail, the defendant has a right to a trial by jury. For any District Court trial which results in a conviction, the defendant has a right to an appeal which takes the form of a new trial. These criminal jury trial prayers (CJ Cases) and criminal appeals (CA Cases) are handled in the Circuit Court by District Court prosecutors approximately every six weeks.
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Prosecutors are highly encouraged and often make use of the several diversion programs and offerings available.