What are the different types of municipal courts?

Municipal courts in Maryland are typically located in cities and towns, and they have jurisdiction over both civil and criminal matters in the local municipality. The different types of municipal courts in Maryland vary by location, but each court is governed by local laws, ordinances, and rules. Criminal Court: The criminal court in Maryland’s municipal courts deals with cases involving violations of state laws, ordinances, and regulations; including misdemeanors, petty offenses, and summary offenses. The criminal court also decides cases involving crimes, such as assault, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, and shoplifting. Civil Court: The civil court in Maryland’s municipal courts deals with disputes between individuals or organizations. These include disputes over contracts, property damage, unpaid debts and consumer protection issues. The court will also hear cases which involve disputes involving local government entities. Traffic Court: Traffic court handles cases involving traffic offenses, such as moving violations, parking violations, and speeding tickets. In traffic court, a judge is responsible for determining whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty and to assess penalties if the defendant is found guilty. Small Claims Court: Small claims court is an informal court presided over by a judge who hears cases that involve claims for minor amounts of money. These cases are usually filed by an individual or business and they may involve damage to property, unpaid rent or debt, or other matters. The amounts of money involved are usually limited to $5,000 or less. In addition, some municipalities may also have juvenile courts, which are specialized courts that handle criminal cases involving minors; and probate courts, which deal with issues concerning the administration of estates and guardianship over minors.

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What are the different types of municipal courts?

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