Title 6. Trial and Sentencing — Subtitle 1. Trial
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 6-101 (2026)
Title 6. Trial and Sentencing
Subtitle 1. Trial
§ 6–101LinkCopy Citation
In a criminal case tried in a court of general jurisdiction, there is no right to a jury trial unless:
(1)
the crime charged is subject to a penalty of imprisonment; or
(2)
there is a constitutional right to a jury trial for the crime.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 6-102 (2026)
Title 6. Trial and Sentencing
Subtitle 1. Trial
§ 6–102LinkCopy Citation
Except as provided in § 6-104 of this subtitle, in the trial of a criminal case in which there is a jury, the jury is the judge of law and fact.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 6-103 (2026)
Title 6. Trial and Sentencing
Subtitle 1. Trial
§ 6–103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
The date for trial of a criminal matter in the circuit court shall be set within 30 days after the earlier of:
(i)
the appearance of counsel; or
(ii)
the first appearance of the defendant before the circuit court, as provided in the Maryland Rules.
(2)
The trial date may not be later than 180 days after the earlier of those events.
(b)
(1)
For good cause shown, the county administrative judge or a designee of the judge may grant a change of the trial date in a circuit court:
(i)
on motion of a party; or
(ii)
on the initiative of the circuit court.
(2)
If a circuit court trial date is changed under paragraph (1) of this subsection, any subsequent changes of the trial date may only be made by the county administrative judge or that judge’s designee for good cause shown.
(c)
The Supreme Court of Maryland may adopt additional rules to carry out this section.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 6-104 (2026)
Title 6. Trial and Sentencing
Subtitle 1. Trial
§ 6–104LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
At the close of the evidence for the State, a defendant may move for judgment of acquittal on one or more counts or on one or more degrees of a crime, on the ground that the evidence is insufficient in law to sustain a conviction as to the count or degree.
(2)
Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, if the court denies the motion for judgment of acquittal, the defendant may offer evidence on the defendant’s behalf without having reserved the right to do so.
(3)
If the defendant offers evidence after making a motion for judgment of acquittal, the motion is deemed withdrawn.
(b)
(1)
The defendant may move for judgment of acquittal at the close of all the evidence whether or not a motion for judgment of acquittal was made at the close of the evidence for the State.
(2)
If the court denies the motion for judgment of acquittal, the defendant may have review of the ruling on appeal.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 6-105 (2026)
Title 6. Trial and Sentencing
Subtitle 1. Trial
§ 6–105LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a court in which a motion for a new trial in a criminal case is pending shall hear the motion:
(1)
within 10 days after the motion is filed; or
(2)
if an agreed statement of the evidence or a statement of the evidence certified by the trial judge is filed, within 10 days after the statement is filed.
(b)
The time for the hearing of a motion for a new trial may be extended by:
(1)
a written agreement, signed by the State’s Attorney of the county in which the motion is pending and the defendant or the defendant’s counsel; or
(2)
an order signed by the trial judge.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 6-106 (2026)
Title 6. Trial and Sentencing
Subtitle 1. Trial
§ 6–106LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Before a hearing under § 6-105 of this subtitle, the victim or victim’s representative shall be notified as provided under § 11-104 or § 11-503 of this article.
(b)
A victim or victim’s representative has the right to attend a hearing under § 6-105 of this subtitle as provided under § 11-102 of this article.