District Court Division

While felony cases are prosecuted in the Circuit Court, misdemeanor offenses, such as traffic offenses, violations of county and municipal ordinances and other crimes of a less serious nature are prosecuted in the District Court.

The District Court Division has offices in Upper Marlboro and in Hyattsville. Assistant State's Attorneys in this Division handle more than 40,000 cases per year.

Domestic Violence Unit

The Domestic Violence Unit is a separate division that handles both misdemeanor and felony cases involving intimate partner relationships (married, dating, living together, or child in common). The Unit has attorneys and legal assistants who handle all of the misdemeanor criminal cases set on the dedicated District Court DV dockets in the Upper Marlboro and Hyattsville courthouses. The DV Unit has specially trained attorneys and legal assistants who are available to meet with and assist the victims of domestic abuse prior to court to provide them with information about the criminal justice system and identify support services they may need.

The Unit has an established volunteer and intern program for students and individuals interested in working with the victims of domestic abuse.

For more information, please go to Domestic Violence Crisis Center and Five Ways to Fight Domestic Violence.

Mediation Program

Many of the cases filed in District Court can be settled without having to go to trial at less expense to the court. To facilitate the settlement of cases, the State's Attorney's Office participates in the Community Mediation Referral Program. Selected cases suitable for mediation are referred to the Community Mediation Board, a volunteer organization that works to resolve disputes without the need for court action.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Program

Developing strong cases to punish and deter those who drive while intoxicated is the focus of the Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Program. Repeat offenders are given special attention.