Maryland § 4-201

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 4-201, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4-201.

    (a)    In the District Court, a prosecution for a crime shall be brought in the district that includes the county where the crime was committed, and the trial shall be held in that county unless the case is lawfully removed.

    (b)    If a person is feloniously stricken or poisoned in a county and dies in another county of the same stroke or poison, a prosecution for the felony shall be brought in the county where the stroke or poison was given.

    (c)    A prosecution may be brought in the county in which the defendant is arrested or first brought if the prosecution is for:

        (1)    a crime committed on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and not in a county;

        (2)    aiding, abetting, or comforting the perpetrator of such a crime; or

        (3)    being an accessory to such a crime.

    (d)    If a person is feloniously stricken or poisoned on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and not in a county, and dies of the same stroke or poison in a county, a prosecution for the felony, or for being an accessory to the felony, shall be brought in the county where the person died.

    (e)    If a person is feloniously stricken or poisoned in a county, and dies of the same stroke or poison on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and not in a county, a prosecution for the felony, or for being an accessory to the felony, shall be brought in the county where the stroke or poison was given.

    (f)    (1)    In this subsection, “common carrier” means a steamboat, railroad train, motor bus, airplane, or other means of intercity or interstate public transportation.

        (2)    Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a prosecution for an indictable crime committed on a common carrier may be brought, and a District Court commissioner may hold the defendant to bail if the crime is bailable, in any county from, to, or through which the common carrier runs.

        (3)    If the accused is held to bail under this subsection by a District Court commissioner, prosecution for the crime shall be in the county where the defendant is held.

    (g)    (1)    A prosecution for a crime may be brought in the county in which process for the arrest and prosecution of the defendant is first issued if:

            (i)    the crime was committed at the boundary between counties; or

            (ii)    the boundary is so uncertain or the site of the crime is so near to the boundary that it is doubtful in which county the crime was committed.

        (2)    To establish the venue alleged in the charging document, the State need only prove that a set of facts in paragraph (1)(i) or (ii) of this subsection is true.

    (h)    Except as otherwise provided by law, a prosecution of a person for being an accessory after the fact to murder or other felony shall be brought in the county in which the person became an accessory.

    (i)    Except as otherwise provided in this section, a prosecution of a person for a violation of § 2–201, § 2–204, or § 2–207 of the Criminal Law Article may be brought in the county in which the crime occurred or, if the location of the crime cannot be determined, in the county in which the body or parts of the body were found.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 4-201

What does Maryland Code § 4-201 cover?

Section 4-201 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 4-201?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 4-201" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 4-201 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.