Commissioner, Charles County | Maryland Judiciary
Commissioner, Charles County
Main Purpose of Job:
District Court Commissioners are judicial officers whose primary function includes reviewing Applications for Statement of Charges by the public and police for the filing of criminal charges in the District Court. A Criminal Summons or an Arrest Warrant may be issued based upon a finding of probable cause in the Application for Statement of Charges. A District Court Commissioner performs the following duties but are not limited to: determining probable cause for charges on police on-view arrests of persons and thereafter determining pre-trial release for those arrested persons and accepting Bail Bond moneys and other forms of surety to secure the release of an incarcerated individual. When the Circuit and District Courts are closed, District Court Commissioners also serve in the capacity of the consideration of civil petitions for interim Peace Orders and interim Protective Orders.
District Court Commissioners are often the first impression of the court for the public and for those having business with the court system in Maryland. According to Courts and Judicial Proceedings 2-607 [c](3) "There shall be in each county, at all times, one or more commissioners available for the convenience of the public and police in obtaining charging documents, warrants, or criminal summonses and to advise arrested persons of their rights as required by law." Courts and Judicial Proceedings 2-607 outlines the scope, title, and duties of the District Court Commissioner.
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
