Which statement describes a trial de novo?

• A. A new trial in superior court for misdemeanors from district court
• B. A trial by jury only
• C. A post-conviction relief hearing
• D. A retrial in the same court

Answer: (A)

A trial de novo is a fresh, full trial on the merits in a higher court after a conviction in a lower court, treated as if the original proceedings never decided the case. In many jurisdictions, misdemeanors decided in district court can be appealed to superior court for a de novo review, meaning the defendant gets a new trial in the higher court.

That matches the statement describing a new trial in superior court for misdemeanors from district court. It’s not about a jury-only process, a post-conviction relief hearing, or a retrial in the same court—the essence is a completely new trial in a higher court on the merits.