Office of the State's Attorney for Prince George's County

Overview

The District Court prosecutes virtually all misdemeanor cases - approximately 30,000 criminal cases annually. These cases include: drug offenses, burglaries, incarcerable traffic offenses, thefts, trespass, and assaults.

 

The Unit also has several specialty assignments and resources: a citizen screening division, mental health court, drug court, economic crimes, municipal infractions, and a DUI unit which also handles 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.

 

Laura Carter is the administrative aide who coordinates the jury trial and criminal appeal cases before they are assigned to prosecutors for trial and she can be reached at llcarter@co.pg.md.us

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Prosecutors are highly encouraged and often make use of the several diversion programs and offerings available. To learn more about our diversion programs, click here. 

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