Criminal charges start with a police report or Application for Statement of Charges; a commissioner who finds probable cause issues a summons or a warrant

保存されている情報

Published procedure to start a criminal case in Maryland: file a report with the local police, or file an Application for Statement of Charges with a judicial officer; if the commissioner determines there is probable cause, a charging document is issued either as a summons for the defendant to appear in court at a later date or as a warrant for arrest.

How a criminal case starts

File a police report - File a report with your local police department. If the police file charges, the court and Office of State's Attorney will become involved automatically. File charges with a commissioner - If the police don't file charges, you may file an Application for Statement of Charges on your own with a District Court commissioner . You cannot change your mind about filing the charge. Summons or arrest - If the commissioner determines that there is probable cause based on your application, he or she will issue a charging document. The commissioner will issue either a summons for the defendant to appear in court at a later date, or a warrant for the arrest of the defendant. The appropriate law enforcement agency will receive the document. Law enforcement will either serve the summons on the accused person, or arrest him or her. Trial - You may be required to appear as a witness. If you don't appear on the date set by the court, the police can arrest you for failing to obey a court order. I was arrested for a crime, what happens next? (as published)

原データ更新日：2026-10-17
保存版に記録された日付です。今回の実装・デプロイ日ではありません。

出典・情報の根拠

• https://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/criminalcases ↗