(a) In a civil infraction proceeding: (1) the court shall confirm that the defendant has received a copy of and understands the charges; (2) the defendant may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty; (3) the court shall apply the evidentiary standards provided by law for the trial of a criminal case; (4) the defendant may: (i) cross–examine witnesses; (ii) produce evidence or witnesses on the defendant’s behalf; (iii) testify; and (iv) be represented by counsel of the defendant’s own choice and at the defendant’s expense; and (5) the burden of proof is the same as required by law in the trial of a criminal case. (b) The court may: (1) enter a verdict of guilty or not guilty; or (2) before entering a verdict, place the defendant on probation in the same manner as allowed in the trial of a criminal case.
Maryland Legal Code