My question involves criminal law for the state of: Maryland.
Skipping the story and straight to the facts: This morning, at around 2am, I received a Uniform Criminal Citation when two police officers saw me relieving myself in an alleyway. On the citation, the officer marked me in violation of Maryland Annotated Code, Document/Article 19, Section 171A. He did not arrest me, and on the citation he marked that I was to appear for trial "When notified by the court." Additionally, I asked him what exactly this meant and he told me that I may or may not receive a summons; if I do receive a summons, he said, there is no telling when it may arrive. He also said that possible outcomes are a fine, community service, or jail time.
After diligent research, I have not been able to find Article 19, Section 171A in the Maryland Annotated Code. Further, I have not found any corresponding statute that deals directly with public urination (except for on public transportation). I assume this means that any charge would be for littering, indecency, civil disorder, etc.
This is my first run-in with the law in any way or fashion (not so much as a parking ticket).
So what should I expect? What is the likelihood of receiving a summons? Why can't I find Article 19, Section 171A in the Maryland Annotated Code? Is there another statute dealing with public urination? If I do receive a summons, should I contact a lawyer? How should I plead? Nolo contendre? Or should I make a deal with the prosecutor to have charges dismissed for community service? If I never receive a summons, will I still have a "record" and can I have it expunged?
Some other possibly relevant facts: I am a full-time graduate student with a very modest income (right now, I couldn't even afford a fine as small as $200 and anything above $50 would put me in some real dire straits).
Any information at all would be helpful. I'm cautiously optimistic that the receipt of the citation is the last I will hear of this mess, but I'd like to be prepared nonetheless.
Thanks

