Homepage Fill Out Your Were Is The Citation Number On A Maryland Civil Citation Template

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Were Is The Citation Number On A Maryland Civil Citation form, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:

  • Do write clearly and legibly to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • Do include all required personal information, such as your name and address.
  • Do double-check the citation number before submitting the form.
  • Do ensure that your signature is present where indicated.
  • Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don’t leave any required fields blank; complete all sections fully.
  • Don’t use correction fluid or tape; if you make a mistake, start over with a new form.
  • Don’t submit the form without verifying that your contact information is correct.
  • Don’t ignore instructions regarding payment or trial options; follow them carefully.

Following these guidelines can help ensure that your form is processed smoothly and that you are informed of your rights and obligations.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The citation number is located on the back of the citation form.
  • This is incorrect. The citation number can be found on the front of the citation, specifically printed under the barcode.

  • Misconception 2: The citation number is optional for payment and court appearances.
  • In fact, the citation number is essential. It must be included when paying fines or notifying the court of your intent to stand trial.

  • Misconception 3: If the citation number is missing, the citation is invalid.
  • While the citation number is important, a citation can still be valid without it. However, it may complicate the process of resolving the citation.

  • Misconception 4: The citation number changes with each infraction.
  • Misconception 5: All citations have the same format for citation numbers.
  • This is not true. Different agencies may use different formats or numbering systems for their citations.

  • Misconception 6: You can find the citation number in the witness section of the citation.
  • The witness section does not contain the citation number. It is strictly located on the front of the citation form.

  • Misconception 7: The citation number is not necessary for court proceedings.
  • Misconception 8: You can ignore the citation number if you plan to contest the citation.

Key takeaways

  • Understand the Citation Number: The citation number is crucial for identifying your case. It is printed on the front of the citation, typically located under the bar code.
  • Know Your Obligations: If your citation states "YOU MUST APPEAR IN COURT," it is essential to attend on the specified date. Failing to do so may lead to serious consequences, including a warrant for your arrest.
  • Payment Options: If you choose to pay the fine, ensure that you write a check or money order to the appropriate court or agency. Include the citation number on your payment and avoid sending cash.
  • Trial Options: If your citation indicates "YOU MAY ELECT TO STAND TRIAL," do not send payment. Instead, notify the agency in writing of your intent to stand trial, using the citation number for reference.
  • Consequences of Non-Compliance: Ignoring the citation can result in doubled fines, a judgment against you, and potential abatement costs. Be proactive to avoid escalating penalties.
  • Keep Your Information Updated: If your address or personal details change, notify the court or agency immediately. The court will mail important notices to the address listed on the citation, and they will not be forwarded by the Post Office.

Guidelines on Utilizing Were Is The Citation Number On A Maryland Civil Citation

Completing the "Where Is The Citation Number On A Maryland Civil Citation" form is essential for ensuring that all required information is accurately recorded. This process involves carefully entering details related to the defendant, the alleged violation, and the citation itself. Following the steps below will help in filling out the form correctly.

  1. Locate the citation number, which is typically printed on the front of the citation form under the bar code.
  2. Fill in the name of the defendant, starting with their last name, followed by their first and middle names.
  3. Provide the current street address of the defendant, including the apartment number if applicable.
  4. Enter the city, state, and zip code of the defendant’s residence.
  5. Input the defendant's date of birth, height, weight, sex, race, hair color, and eye color.
  6. Include the defendant's daytime and nighttime telephone numbers.
  7. Record the time of the alleged violation, specifying AM or PM, along with the date (month, day, year) and location of the incident.
  8. Indicate the specific code or law that has allegedly been violated, including the relevant article, section, and paragraph numbers.
  9. Sign the citation to acknowledge receipt of the document, ensuring it is clear that this signature does not imply guilt.
  10. Make sure all information is accurate and legible before submitting the form.

After completing the form, it will be processed by the District Court. The next steps will involve either paying a fine or preparing for a trial based on the options outlined in the citation. Ensure that you are aware of the deadlines and requirements associated with your specific situation to avoid any complications.

Form Preview Example

UNIFORM CIVIL CITATION

WITNESS

RELATED CITATION

District Court of Maryland for

County/Municipality/State of Maryland

 

 

 

 

Agency

vs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defendant's (Last) Name

 

First

 

 

Middle

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Street Address

 

 

 

 

Apt. No.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City

 

 

State

 

 

Zip Code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOB

Height

Weight

Sex

Race

Hair

Eyes

Telephone No. Day:

 

 

Telephone No. Night:

 

Based on

personal knowledge of the undersigned officer

 

the attached affidavit, the defendant is

charged with

 

 

 

 

 

 

at

AM

PM on

/

/

Time

 

Month

Day

Year

at

Location

County, MD in violation of: Md. Ann. Code Municipal Infraction/County Ordinance/Public Local Law/Local Code COMAR

Document/Article

Section

Sub Section

Paragraph

Each day a violation continues is a separate infraction subject to an additional citation.

 

I sign my name as a receipt of a copy of this Citation and not as an admission of guilt. I will comply with the requirements set forth in this Citation.

XDefendant's Signature

INSTRUCTIONS

YOU MUST APPEAR IN COURT. A notice of trial date will be mailed to you.

YOU MAY PAY A FINE of $

by

to the

District Court

 

 

Date

 

Payment of the fine will not close the case if abatement action is pending.

 

Agency/Municipality

at

 

 

 

 

Payment Location

 

and AVOID TRIAL.

 

 

 

This will be deemed an admission of guilt and a trial date will not be set.

 

YOU MAY ELECT TO STAND TRIAL. DO NOT SEND PAYMENT OF FINE. Notify

 

 

in writing by

Agency/Municipality

 

Date

at

 

 

 

Address

The District Court will mail you a notice of your trial date and location. AT TRIAL the Court may impose

a fine up to $

plus court costs.

IN ADDITION,

is seeking abatement of this infraction.

 

Agency/Municipality

You may be ordered to abate this infraction or be assessed the costs for the abatement, as well as a fine of up to $1,000, plus court costs. Payment of the preset fine will not satisfy the abatement action and an Order of Abatement may still be entered against you.

FAILING TO APPEAR OR PAY THE FINE MAY RESULT IN A WARRANT BEING ISSUED FOR YOUR ARREST.

FAILING TO PAY THE FINE OR REQUEST A TRIAL DATE: will deem you liable for the fine assessed; the fine may be doubled and/or a judgment on affidavit may be entered against you including an order of abatement.

FAILURE TO APPEAR FOR A REQUESTED TRIAL DATE: the fine may be doubled and a judgment on affidavit entered against you.

I solemnly affirm under the penalties of perjury, and based upon personal knowledge or the attached affidavit, that the contents of this citation are true and that I am competent to testify on these matters. The defendant is not now in the military service, as defined in the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Officer's Signature

 

Officer's Printed Name

Date

Agency

Sub-Agency

I.D. No.

Phone

Front of Citation:

Copy #1: Municipality/Court Copy

Copy #2: Prosecutor's Copy

Copy #3: Defendant's Copy

Copy #4: Municipality's Copy

Copy #5: Officers's Copy

Reverse of Citation:

Copy #1: Witness List

Copy #2: (BLANK)

Copy #3: Notice

Copy #4: (BLANK)

Copy #5: Officer's Notes

DC 28 (Rev. 1/2011)

Note to Law Enforcement: Remove this first copy of Citation before entering witness information.

TO THE DISTRICT COURT:

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

 

 

 

 

DAY PHONE

 

ROOM #

 

NIGHT PHONE

 

APT. #

 

If Law Enforcement

Agency

Sub-Agency

I.D.

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

 

 

 

 

DAY PHONE

 

ROOM #

 

NIGHT PHONE

 

APT. #

 

If Law Enforcement

Agency

Sub-Agency

I.D.

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

 

 

 

 

DAY PHONE

 

ROOM #

 

NIGHT PHONE

 

APT. #

 

If Law Enforcement

Agency

Sub-Agency

I.D.

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

 

 

 

 

DAY PHONE

 

ROOM #

 

NIGHT PHONE

 

APT. #

 

If Law Enforcement

Agency

Sub-Agency

I.D.

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

 

 

 

 

DAY PHONE

 

ROOM #

 

NIGHT PHONE

 

APT. #

 

If Law Enforcement

Agency

Sub-Agency

I.D.

 

 

 

 

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

 

 

 

 

DAY PHONE

 

ROOM #

 

NIGHT PHONE

 

APT. #

 

If Law Enforcement

Agency

Sub-Agency

I.D.

 

 

 

 

Reverse of Part #1 Municipality/Court Copy

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT

Certain violations require that you MUST APPEAR for trial, while other violations give you the option to appear in court or to pay a preset fine.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: It is your obligation to know your trial date and appear on that date. The Court will mail a courtesy notice to the name and address shown on the front of the citation. If your name or address on this citation is not correct you must in writing notify the Court or agency/municipality listed on the front of this citation of any changes. The Post Office does not forward Court mail. To request a foreign language interpreter or a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the court immediately. Possession and use of cell phones and other electronic device may be limited or prohibited in designated areas of the court facility.

IF CITATION IS MARKED "YOU MUST APPEAR IN COURT . . ."

Appear on the date and at the court location indicated in the notice provided to you by the District Court. You may be represented by an attorney obtained at your own expense before the trial date. A trial will not be postponed to allow you to obtain an attorney. Please read "Important Information" above.

IF CITATION IS MARKED "YOU MAY ELECT TO STAND TRIAL . . ."

Send a written notice of your intent to the name and address of the agency/municipality, by the date listed, on the front of this citation. Indicate the citation number printed on the front of the citation under the bar code. Please read "Important Information" above.

The Court will mail you a notice of your trial date and location.

Appear on the date, time, and at the court location indicated in the notice provided to you by the District Court.

DO NOT SEND PAYMENT OF THE FINE.

IF YOU ELECT TO PAY THE FINE

Write a check or money order payable to the Court or agency/municipality listed on the front of the citation. Indicate the citation number printed on the front of the citation under the bar code.

Send or deliver the payment to the payment location indicated on the front of this citation by the date specified.

DO NOT SEND CASH.

IF YOU FAIL TO STAND TRIAL OR PAY THE FINE

You may be arrested.

The fine may be doubled up to $1,000.

A judgment on affidavit may be entered against you for the amount due and the costs of correcting conditions that caused the violation. If the fine remains unpaid for thirty (30) days following entry of judgment, the judgment may be enforceable the same as any other civil judgment.

IF ABATEMENT IS REQUESTED

The Court may order you to eliminate the condition causing the infraction or may direct the governmental agency to remove the condition and bill you for the costs. If the bill is not paid a judgment will be entered against you.

IF THIS IS A VIOLATION OF WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION REGULATIONS

In some circumstances, each day a violation continues may be considered a separate infraction subject to additional citations and fines.

Reverse of Part #3 Defendant's Copy

OFFICER'S NOTES

Reverse of Part #5

Officer's Copy

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrect Citation Number: One common mistake is failing to accurately locate and enter the citation number. This number is essential for identifying your case and ensuring proper processing. Double-check that you are using the correct number printed on the front of the citation.

  2. Omitting Personal Information: People often forget to fill in all required personal information, such as the full name, address, or date of birth. Incomplete information can lead to delays or complications in your case.

  3. Misunderstanding Court Instructions: Ignoring or misinterpreting the instructions provided can result in mistakes. It’s crucial to read the instructions carefully to understand whether you need to appear in court or can pay the fine.

  4. Failing to Sign: Some individuals neglect to sign the citation. A signature is often required to acknowledge receipt of the citation, and not signing can lead to further legal issues.

  5. Not Keeping Copies: After filling out the citation, people may forget to make copies for their records. Keeping a copy is important for your own reference and to ensure you have proof of what was submitted.

  6. Ignoring Deadlines: Lastly, failing to pay attention to deadlines can lead to serious consequences. Whether it’s a trial date or a payment deadline, missing these dates can result in additional fines or even arrest warrants.

Learn More on This Form

What is a citation number on a Maryland Civil Citation form?

The citation number is a unique identifier assigned to each civil citation issued in Maryland. It helps the court and involved parties track the case. You can find it printed on the front of the citation form, usually located near the bar code.

Where exactly can I find the citation number on the form?

The citation number is located on the front of the Maryland Civil Citation form, typically positioned below the bar code. It is important to note this number for any future correspondence regarding your case.

Why is the citation number important?

The citation number is crucial for several reasons. It allows you to reference your specific case when communicating with the court or agency. This number ensures that your records are accurately matched with your citation, preventing confusion.

What should I do if I cannot find the citation number?

If you cannot locate the citation number, check the front of the citation form again, especially around the bar code area. If you still cannot find it, contact the issuing agency or the District Court for assistance. They can help you retrieve your citation number.

Can I use the citation number to pay my fine?

Yes, when paying your fine, you must include the citation number on your payment. This helps ensure that your payment is correctly applied to your case. Be sure to write the citation number on your check or money order.

What happens if I lose my citation?

If you lose your citation, it is important to act quickly. Contact the court or agency listed on the citation to report the loss. They can provide you with the citation number and any other necessary information regarding your case.

Is the citation number the same as my case number?

No, the citation number and case number are not the same. The citation number refers specifically to the citation issued, while the case number may be assigned later when the citation is processed in court. Always use the citation number when discussing your citation.

Can I find my citation number online?

What should I do if I have more questions about my citation?

If you have additional questions, reach out to the District Court or the agency that issued your citation. They can provide you with the most accurate information and guidance regarding your specific situation.

Can I appeal a citation if I believe it was issued in error?

Yes, you can contest a citation if you believe it was issued incorrectly. You will need to follow the instructions provided on the citation regarding how to request a trial. Be sure to include your citation number in your correspondence.