FAQ

After a plea of guilty, or a finding of guilty by a Judge or Jury, the final entry of judgment is technically suspended.

A Preliminary Hearing is a District Court hearing in which the States Attorneys office must prove to a Judge that probable cause exists for any felonies you are charged with.  The States Attorneys office also may recharge the matter if they are unsuccessful or even present the case to a grand jury as opposed to a judge.

Judges handle District Court cases, and many Circuit Court cases. You may request that your case be heard by a jury if you are charged with an offense that caries a potential penalty of over 90 days of incarceration.

District Court handles most cases involving motor vehicle violations, most criminal misdemeanors, and certain felonies. The Circuit Court mostly only hears serious felony cases.

After arrest, you will first be taken before a District Court Commissioner, the Commissioner provides a variety of services;

1. determines if “probable cause” exists to charge you
2. makes sure of the charges against you and the potential penalties
3. advises you or your right to an attorney and your responsibilities in obtaining an attorney
4. Determines if bail is appropriate in your case can set the initial bail amount.

It is important to provide the commissioner with personal information about yourself to help establish background on you and your ties to the area.

Bail is money paid to the court o make sure that a person released after being charged returns to Court for their trial date.  A bail bondsman may be helpful in answering additional questions or helping to post a bail. You are free to choose whichever bail bondsman you like. For additional information you may contact Dominion Bail Bonds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 301-574-0808.

Attorney Pikulski has extensive experience in criminal DUI/DWI and traffic Defense, let him put that experience to work for you, the practice is one hundred percent dedicated to criminal and traffic defense. Attorney Pikulski will take the time to get to know you as well as your case to make the uncomfortable process of going to court as comfortable as possible, attorney Pikulski does not have associates, if you hire him, he will represent you at your trial, not an associate you haven’t met with and doesn’t understand your case.

Yes, the first step is to call or fill out an online submission.

We are proud to offer a flat fee, as opposed to an hourly rate, so you know what you are getting into.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, cash, money orders as well as checks.

If there is a M/A (must appear) on one or more of your traffic citations, you will receive a notice in the mail as your traffic tickets carry a potential of incarceration and you must go before a judge. If none of your traffic tickets indicate M/A and you still want a trial date you must complete ticket within 30 days and mail it to: District Court of Maryland PO Box 6676 Annapolis Md 21401