# 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-33

(a) A law enforcement officer authorized to make arrests shall issue a citation to a child if the officer has probable cause to believe that the child is violating:

  (1) Sec. 5-601 of the Criminal Law Article involving the use or possession of cannabis;

  (2) Sec. 10-113, Sec. 10-114, Sec. 10-115, or Sec. 10-116 of the Criminal Law Article;

  (3) Sec. 10-132 of the Criminal Law Article;

  (4) Sec. 10-136 of the Criminal Law Article; or

  (5) Sec. 26-103 of the Education Article.

(b) A citation issued under this section shall be in a format prescribed by the State Court Administrator after consultation with police administrators and the Motor Vehicle Administrator. Each citation shall be signed by the issuing officer and shall contain:

  (1) The name, address, and birth date of the child being charged with the violation;

  (2) The name and address of the child's parent or legal guardian;

  (3) The statute allegedly violated;

  (4) The time, place, and date of the violation;

  (5) The driver's license number of the child, if the child possesses a driver's license;

  (6) The registration number of the motor vehicle, motorcycle, or other vehicle, if applicable;

  (7) The signature of the child; and

  (8) The penalties which may be imposed under Sec. 3-8A-19 of this subtitle.

(c) A copy of the citation issued under this section shall be:

  (1) Given to the child being charged;

  (2) Retained by the officer issuing the citation;

  (3) Mailed within 7 days to the child's parent or legal guardian; and

  (4) Filed with the intake officer of the court having jurisdiction under this subtitle.

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