(a)    In a proceeding for a violation under this part:

(1)    the State has the burden to prove the guilt of the defendant to the same extent as is required by law in the trial of a criminal case;

(2)    the court shall apply the evidentiary standards as prescribed by law for the trial of a criminal case;

(3)    the court shall ensure that the defendant has received a copy of the charges against the defendant and that the defendant understands those charges;

(4)    the defendant is entitled to:

(i)    cross-examine each witness who appears against the defendant;

(ii)    produce evidence and witnesses on the defendant’s own behalf;

(iii)    testify on the defendant’s own behalf if the defendant chooses to do so; and

(iv)    be represented by counsel of the defendant’s own selection and expense;

(5)    the defendant may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty;

(6)    the verdict shall be:

(i)    guilty of a civil violation; or

(ii)    not guilty of a civil violation; and

(7)    before entering a judgment, a court may place the defendant on probation in the same manner and to the same extent as is permitted by law in a criminal case.

(b)    If a defendant is found guilty of a violation under this part and a fine is imposed, a court may direct that the payment of the fine be suspended or deferred under conditions determined by the court.

(c)    A defendant’s willful failure to pay a fine imposed under this part may be treated as a criminal contempt punishable as provided by law.

(d)    A defendant who is found guilty of a violation under this part, as provided by law for a criminal case, may file:

(1)    an appeal;

(2)    a motion for a new trial; or

(3)    a motion for a revision of a judgment.

(e)    The State’s Attorney for each county may:

(1)    prosecute a violation under this part in the same manner as a prosecution of a criminal case, including entering a nolle prosequi or placing the case on violation on a stet docket; and

(2)    exercise authority in the same manner prescribed by law for a violation of the criminal laws of the State.