(a) Circuit Court-District Division
(1) Trial. A defendant shall be tried in the circuit court-district division by a judge unless otherwise provided by law. In all prosecutions for misdemeanors in which appeal for trial de novo is allowed, the court, in its discretion, may allow the defendant, upon advice of counsel, to plead not guilty and to waive the presentation of evidence by the State, and the presentation of a defense. The court shall require the prosecution to make an offer of proof. The court may find the defendant guilty and impose sentence. The defendant may appeal to the superior court. The court’s sentence is vacated pending appeal except as otherwise provided by statute.
(2) Appeal for Trial De Novo in the Superior Court. When permitted by statute or require