# Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ)

## Title 3. Courts of General Jurisdiction -- Jurisdiction/special Causes of Action

### Subtitle 8A. Juvenile Causes -- Children Other Than Cinas and Adults

#### Section 3-8A-18

(a) The provisions of this section do not apply to a peace order request or a peace order proceeding.

(b) After a petition or citation has been filed with the court under this subtitle, and unless jurisdiction has been waived, the court shall hold an adjudicatory hearing.

(c)

  (1) Before a child is adjudicated delinquent, the allegations in the petition that the child has committed a delinquent act must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

  (2) Before a child is found to have committed the violation charged in a citation, the allegations in the citation must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

(d) If an adult is charged under this subtitle, the allegations must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

(e) In all other cases under this subtitle the allegations must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence.

(f) A court may issue a body attachment for witnesses as provided by Maryland Rule 4-267, if:

  (1) The witness is at least 18 years old; and

  (2) The case was transferred to the court under Sec. 4-202 of the Criminal Procedure Article.

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Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)