Your Case and the Court Process

You may have been a victim of or an eyewitness to a crime. You may be the owner of stolen property or be able to provide some piece of information which will help to prove a criminal case. You are an essential witness. Without your cooperation, our criminal justice system could not work.

You will be receiving a subpoena to appear at trial. It will be necessary for you to appear unless excused by the Assistant State's Attorney assigned to the case. Written statements are not permitted instead of live testimony because a person charged with a crime has the right to ask questions of the witnesses who testify.

If you will need an interpreter of any kind, please notify us as soon as possible so that we can arrange to have a qualified interpreter present.

It is important that you make us aware of any changes in your address or phone number. We will not be able to notify you of trial dates or changes if we cannot locate you.

Criminal cases in Carroll County are tried in one of two courts. The type of crime and the possible penalties determine which court will hear the case.

The District Court tries cases called "misdemeanors", traffic cases and certain felonies. There are no jury trials in District Court. All cases are heard by a judge who decides the verdict based upon the evidence presented. In certain cases, a defendant has the right to have his case moved to Circuit Court for a jury trial. A defendant who is found guilty in District Court can ask for a new trial (appeal). The case will then be tried again in the Circuit Court.

The Circuit Court hears cases called "felonies", as well as appeals and requests for jury trials. Cases may be heard by a judge alone or by a judge and a jury, which is a panel of twelve citizens. A defendant who wishes to appeal the decision of the Circuit Court must go to a higher State Court, either the Court of Special Appeals or the Court of Appeals.

It is important that you arrive promptly and report to the courtroom as soon as you arrive at the court location. If you do not know where the court is located, please call prior to the trial date for directions.

The trial of your case may not take place as early as scheduled. Please be prepared to wait.

You will make a positive impression if you dress neatly and conservatively for your court appearance. A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you were going to church, or to a business meeting.

When your case is called, you may have to take the witness stand and testify. You will be asked questions first by the Assistant State's Attorney and then "cross examined" by either the defendant's attorney, or if there is no defense counsel, by the defendant.

It is important to pay attention to each question and answer each one truthfully. If you do not know the answer to a question, or the question is confusing to you, say so.

Answer each question politely and loudly enough for the judge to hear you. Try to remain calm, even though it is natural to be nervous. During cross examination, you may feel that you have already answered the questions you are being asked. It is important that you do not become upset and answer each question as best you can. If you hear an objection to a question, stop talking immediately. Wait until the judge lets you know if you should answer the question.

Court hearings do not always take place as scheduled. If a case is postponed by written request prior to the trial date every effort will be made to notify you in advance. However, you should always call (410) 386-2360 after 5 p.m. the night prior to trial to listen to the tape which will advise you of any last minute changes.

Often postponements occur at the actual time of trial. If the defendant requests a postponement in court, and the request is granted by the judge, a new trial date will be set and you will have to return at that time. This can be very frustrating and inconvenient.

You must call this number, (410)386-2360, after 5 p.m., the night before the trial to find out if your case is proceeding and if you are needed in court the next day.

• Assist crime victims with case status, post-sentence information and follow-up;
• Arrange courtroom tours and provide court accompaniment, schedule pre-trial conference;
• Provide directions to the court, obtain transportation for victims and witnesses when necessary;
• Aid in the preparation of Victim Impact Statements and Criminal Injuries Compensation Board forms where applicable;
• Assist with restitution issues and property return issues;
• Referrals to other agencies that provide services to crime victims;
• Intervene on behalf of crime victims with employers, schools or creditors;
• Provide/arrange for special services necessary to accommodate certain crime victims who have difficulty in testifying before the court.
• Call off tape at (410) 386-2360, providing case status the night before trial so that victims and witnesses can determine if they are needed in court.

APPEAL:

The right of the defendant to have the decision of the trial court reviewed by a higher court.

NOL PROS:

An abbreviation of the Latin phrase "nolle prosequi" which means the case will not be prosecuted.

JURY TRIAL PRAYER:

In some cases, the defendant has the right to choose to be tried in front of a jury instead of the District Court judge. This will result in a delay.

PROBATION BEFORE JUDGMENT:

The defendant agrees to accept any lawful conditions ordered by the court and gives up any right to an appeal. The guilty verdict is not entered and no sentence is imposed as long as the defendant does not violate the terms set.

STET:

The case is postponed for 1 year with special conditions set by the court. If those terms are not met during the year, the case can be brought back for trial.