Maryland Courts

District Court

The lowest level of Maryland Criminal Trial Courts for minor cases like misdemeanors and low-level felonies, where no jury trials are allowed.

Circuit Court

A higher Maryland court that handles major cases, including serious felonies and appeals from the District Court.

Concurrent Sentences

Sentences for different crimes that are served at the same time.

Consecutive Sentences

Sentences for different crimes that are served one after another.

Plea Agreement

An agreement between prosecution and defense on what charges the defendant will plead guilty to and the recommended sentence.

Standard Plea Agreement

An agreement where the judge can ignore the recommendations made by the prosecution and defense.

Binding Plea Agreement

An agreement where the judge cannot change the terms, including the recommended sentence.

Preponderance of Evidence

The lowest standard of proof, meaning more evidence of guilt than not, typically occurring in civil cases.

Probable Cause

A standard of proof where a reasonable person would believe someone is guilty, required for arrest or filing charges.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

The highest standard of proof in criminal cases, necessary to convict someone at trial.

Theft

A trespassory taking of property where the defendant had no right to take it from its rightful owner.

Embezzlement

A misappropriation of entrusted property where the defendant had legal guardianship before converting it to personal use.

General Rules of Evidence

Evidence should be reliable, verifiable, documented, and traceable when documenting anything for court.