If you are charged with a crime or receive a traffic citation, the location of the offense can greatly influence the outcome of the case. Under Maryland law, the case must be brought in the county in which the offense was committed. In fact, I have successfully gotten cases thrown out where the charge was brought in the wrong county.

Judges differ in how they approach cases, decide guilt and innocence, and handle sentencing. Prosecutors also are more willing to give you a better deal in some counties as opposed to others. This means that someone charged with a DUI in one county may face a much harsher penalty than someone charged with a DUI in another. In a few counties, a judge will make probation unsupervised and in other counties supervision will be required and it will be lengthy.

In each county, different judges have unique tendencies. Someone with a second DUI may go to jail with certain judges and receive probation before judgment (if the first one is more than 10 years old) with others. It is important to know the reputation of the judges, prosecutors, and even police officers.

If the offense carries more than 90 days in jail, there is a right to a jury trial. This can be used as a way to get the matter out of the hands of a harsh judge. If the conviction or sentence is unjust in the District Court, you can also file an appeal to the Circuit Court within 30 days and have a new trial.

There are also special circumstances that create greater risk for an individual. Someone who is not a citizen could be deported or lose a chance to become a citizen depending on the outcome of the case. A commercial driver's license holder could face a lengthy suspension and lose his or her job. A conviction for a DUI can lead to a license suspension or revocation. A conviction for violating a license restriction can also lead to a license suspension.

Sometimes it is crucial to take steps to show the court you have learned your lesson by doing an alcohol treatment program, PADDD, a drug program, a driver improvement program, an anti-theft case, community service, volunteer work, or other activities. This can make the difference between going to jail or going home with certain judges. This becomes more important in certain counties and with certain judges.

You may find that things are different and the consequences more dire in more rural parts of the State. It is important to speak with an attorney to determine the tendencies of the courts in the county where your case is pending as well as the tendencies of your judge.