Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Re: Felony Dismissal in District Court

Felonies often start in district court, and you don't get a preliminary hearing unless you request one. The typical reason for this is that the Commissioner is available 24/7, and they make a bond determination. And then, every day there are district court bond reviews, where district court judges determine if the commissioner's bond is reasonable. Also, this process gives the State some time to decide whether to indict or to be able to indict. At the same time, the Defendant has a procedure to challenge his detention before the more formal Circuit Court process has begun.