tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58177813958892476082024-03-08T00:04:25.726-08:00Witkop Justice Observationslegal observations from a Rockville Maryland lawyer who has a criminal and civil trial practiceTom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-78811349909110335372023-03-27T19:00:00.000-07:002023-03-27T19:00:00.034-07:00Shielding Landlord-Tenant Records<p> Having a "clean" rental record as a tenant is valuable. A history of evictions limits your ability to get further housing. Maryland provided the following law which gives you an avenue for shielding of failure to pay rent during the pandemic. It's worth looking at.<br /><br />"<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>§ 8-502. Petition to shield court records relating to action for repossession for failure to pay rent</p><p><br /></p><p>(a)</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</p><p><br /></p><p>(2)</p><p><br /></p><p>(i) "Court record" means an official record of a court proceeding kept by the clerk of the court or other court personnel.</p><p><br /></p><p>(ii) "Court record" includes:</p><p><br /></p><p>1. An index, a docket entry, a petition, a memorandum, a transcription of proceedings, an electronic recording, an order, and a judgment; and</p><p><br /></p><p>2. Any electronic information about a proceeding on a website maintained by the Maryland Judiciary.</p><p><br /></p><p>(3) "Shield" means to remove information from public inspection in accordance with this section.</p><p><br /></p><p>(4) "Shielding" means:</p><p><br /></p><p>(i) With respect to a record kept in a courthouse, removing the record to a separate secure area to which persons who do not have a legitimate reason for access are denied access; and</p><p><br /></p><p>(ii) With respect to electronic information about a proceeding on a website maintained by the Maryland Judiciary, completely removing all information concerning the proceeding from the public website, including the names of the parties, case numbers, and any reference to the proceeding or any reference to the removal of the proceeding from the public website.</p><p><br /></p><p>(b)</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) This section applies only to a court record relating to an action for repossession of residential property for a failure to pay rent filed on or after March 5, 2020, but before January 1, 2022.</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) This section does not apply to any record relating to an action for repossession for failure to pay rent that resulted in a money judgment entered in favor of a landlord unless the petitioner provides evidence to the court that the judgment has been satisfied.</p><p><br /></p><p>(c)</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) An individual may petition the court to shield court records relating to any action for repossession for failure to pay rent filed against the individual if the failure to pay rent was due to a loss of income arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) A petition may not be filed under this section until the appeal period for the action to which a record relates has lapsed.</p><p><br /></p><p>(d) The court shall grant a petition under this section for any record relating to an action for repossession in which there was not a judgment entered in favor of a landlord.</p><p><br /></p><p>(e)</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) For any record relating to an action for repossession in which a judgment was entered in favor of a landlord, the petitioner shall serve a copy of the petition for shielding on the landlord.</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) A landlord may file an objection to a petition no later than 15 days after receipt of service.</p><p><br /></p><p>(3) If the landlord files a timely objection to the petition, the court shall hold a hearing.</p><p><br /></p><p>(4) If the petitioner demonstrates at the hearing that the petitioner's failure to pay rent that led to the judgment in favor of the landlord was due to a loss of income arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the court may grant the shielding of records relating to that judgment.</p><p><br /></p><p>(5) If the landlord does not file a timely objection to the petition, the court:</p><p><br /></p><p>(i) May grant the petition; or</p><p><br /></p><p>(ii) If it denies the petition, shall provide the specific reasons for that denial in the order denying the petition."</p><p><br /></p><p>History:</p><p><br /></p><p>Added by 2022 Md. Laws, Ch. 722, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2022.</p><p>MD Code RP 8-502 Petition to shield court records relating to action for repossession for failure to pay rent (Maryland Code (2022 Edition))</p>Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-8937146243227891932023-03-13T14:55:00.000-07:002023-03-13T14:55:13.733-07:00<p> Right to a Speedy Trial</p><p><br /></p><p>Motions to dismiss on speedy trial grounds have been routinely denied during the past year with judges citing Covid as the grounds. Recently I've come to learn that the argument is again alive and perhaps well. In today's case the routine drunk driving case was 563 days old. The defendant was out on bond. Other than stating a general feeling of anxiety wondering what would happen at trial there was no other obvious prejudice to the defendant. The defendant did assert her speedy trial rights early on in the case. There were no other postponements, the defendant never missed court, the judge found the delay to violate her speedy trial rights and dismissed the charges.</p><p><br /></p><p>If you have an old case it is worthwhile to assert speedy trial defenses.</p>Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-36294531407014280562023-03-09T19:22:00.001-08:002023-03-09T19:22:24.690-08:00Loss of Second Amendment Rights in Maryland<p> Maryland Statutory Scheme regarding Loss of Second Amendment Rights Based on Convictions for Disqualifying Crimes and Domestically Related Crimes</p><p><br /></p><p>In Maryland you can lose your Second Amendment rights based on a conviction for many serious crimes of violence and one misdemeanor crime of violence along with domestically related crimes. If you have a physical fight and are convicted of misdemeanor assault you will (for your lifetime) lose your Second Amendment rights to possess firearms in whatever form including rifles, shotguns and handguns. You will be court ordered to surrender your firearms without compensation or the right to ever get them back. If you are charged with disqualifying crimes or domestically related crimes and you possess firearms or would ever like to possess firearms you need skilled defense.</p><p><br /></p><p> Below are some definitions worth considering.</p><p><br /></p><p>From the annotated code of Maryland, public safety 5-101 a conviction for a "disqualifying crime" crimes of violence and domestically related crimes. Specifically,</p><p><br /></p><p>"(1) "Convicted of a disqualifying crime" includes:</p><p><br /></p><p>(i) a case in which a person received probation before judgment for a crime of violence; and</p><p><br /></p><p>(ii) a case in which a person received probation before judgment in a domestically related crime as defined in §6-233 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) "Convicted of a disqualifying crime" does not include a case in which a person received a probation before judgment:</p><p><br /></p><p>(i) for assault in the second degree, unless the crime was a domestically related crime as defined in §6-233 of the Criminal Procedure Article; or</p><p><br /></p><p>(ii) that was expunged under Title 10, Subtitle 1 of the Criminal Procedure Article.</p><p><br /></p><p>(c) "Crime of violence" means:</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) abduction;</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) arson in the first degree;</p><p><br /></p><p>(3) assault in the first or second degree;</p><p><br /></p><p>(4) burglary in the first, second, or third degree;</p><p><br /></p><p>(5) carjacking and armed carjacking;</p><p><br /></p><p>(6) escape in the first degree;</p><p><br /></p><p>(7) kidnapping;</p><p><br /></p><p>(8) voluntary manslaughter;</p><p><br /></p><p>(9) maiming as previously proscribed under former Article 27, § 386 of the Code;</p><p><br /></p><p>(10) mayhem as previously proscribed under former Article 27, § 384 of the Code;</p><p><br /></p><p>(11) murder in the first or second degree;</p><p><br /></p><p>(12) rape in the first or second degree;</p><p><br /></p><p>(13) robbery;</p><p><br /></p><p>(14) robbery with a dangerous weapon;</p><p><br /></p><p>(15) sexual offense in the first, second, or third degree;</p><p><br /></p><p>(16) home invasion under §6-202(b) of the Criminal Law Article;</p><p><br /></p><p>(17) a felony offense under Title 3, Subtitle 11 of the Criminal Law Article;</p><p><br /></p><p>(18) an attempt to commit any of the crimes listed in items (1) through (17) of this subsection; or</p><p><br /></p><p>(19) assault with intent to commit any of the crimes listed in items (1) through (17) of this subsection or a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 1 year.</p><p>MD Code PS 5-101 Definitions (Maryland Code (2022 Edition))</p><p><br /></p><p>Further down in the definitions:</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>(g) "Disqualifying crime" means:</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) a crime of violence;</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) a violation classified as a felony in the State; or</p><p><br /></p><p>(3) a violation classified as a misdemeanor in the State that carries a statutory penalty of more than 2 years.</p><p><br /></p><p>(h)</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) "Firearm" means:</p><p><br /></p><p>(i) a weapon that expels, is designed to expel, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;</p><p><br /></p><p>(ii) the frame or receiver of such a weapon; or</p><p><br /></p><p>(iii) an unfinished frame or receiver, as defined in § 5-701 of this title.</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) "Firearm" includes a starter gun.</p><p>MD Code PS 5-101 Definitions (Maryland Code (2022 Edition))</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Domestically related crime is defined under annotated code of Maryland criminal procedure 6-233 as follows:</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>§ 6-233. Domestically related crimes</p><p><br /></p><p>(a) In this section, "domestically related crime" means a crime committed by a defendant against a victim who is a person eligible for relief, as defined in §4-501 of the Family Law Article, or who had a sexual relationship with the defendant within 12 months before the commission of the crime.</p><p><br /></p><p>(b)</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) If a defendant is convicted of or receives a probation before judgment disposition for a crime, on request of the State's Attorney, the court shall make a finding of fact, based on evidence produced at trial, as to whether the crime is a domestically related crime.</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) The State has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the crime is a domestically related crime.</p><p><br /></p><p>(c) If the court finds that the crime is a domestically related crime under subsection (b) of this section, that finding shall become part of the court record for purposes of reporting to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository under §10-215 of this article.</p><p>MD Code CP 6-233 Domestically related crimes (Maryland Code (2022 Edition))</p><p><br /></p><p>Now you have to dig deeper. So what is a domestically related crime. It means a crime against a person who is eligible for relief. Who is a person eligible for relief, that is defined in the Family Law Article 4-501 as follows:</p><p><br /></p><p>"(m) "Person eligible for relief" includes:</p><p><br /></p><p>(1) the current or former spouse of the respondent;</p><p><br /></p><p>(2) a cohabitant of the respondent;</p><p><br /></p><p>(3) a person related to the respondent by blood, marriage, or adoption;</p><p><br /></p><p>(4) a parent, stepparent, child, or stepchild of the respondent or the person eligible for relief who resides or resided with the respondent or person eligible for relief for at least 90 days within 1 year before the filing of the petition;</p><p><br /></p><p>(5) a vulnerable adult;</p><p><br /></p><p>(6) an individual who has a child in common with the respondent;</p><p><br /></p><p>(7) an individual who has had a sexual relationship with the respondent within 1 year before the filing of the petition; and</p><p><br /></p><p>(8) an individual who alleges that the respondent committed, within 6 months before the filing of the petition, any of the following acts against the individual:</p><p><br /></p><p>(i) rape or a sexual offense under §3-303, §3-304, §3-307, or §3-308 of the Criminal Law Article; or</p><p><br /></p><p>(ii) attempted rape or sexual offense in any degree."</p><p>MD Code FL 4-501 Definitions (Maryland Code (2022 Edition))</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The above is a lot to digest. The bottom line is that there are multiple criminal categories and multiple different persons eligible for relief that can cause you to lose your right to possess or ever acquire firearms for the rest of your life. When your rights are important to you contact experienced counsel to help you through this.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-36275397937965647622020-07-21T09:24:00.001-07:002020-07-21T09:24:07.756-07:00Civil Court Update from Administrative Judge for Montgomery County<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Pursuant to the June 3, 2020 Court of Appeals </span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Amended Order On The Progressive Resumption of Full Function Of Judiciary Operations </i><span style="font-family: Arial;">and the June 3, 2020 Court of A</span>ppeals <i>Second Revised Administrative Order On The Emergency Tolling of Suspension of Statues of Limitations And Statutory And Rules Deadlines Related To The Initiation of Matters and Certain Statutory And Rules Deadlines in Pending Matters</i><span style="font-family: Arial;">, and the June 3, 2020 Court of Appeals </span><i>Amended Administrative Order Lifting the Suspension During the VOID-19 Emergency Of Foreclosures, Evictions, And Other Ejectments Involving Residences, </i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> the following update is provided:</span></span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Effective July 20, 2020 the Judiciary entered Phase III of the Return to Full Operation</span>s</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">District Six will begin processing civil matters in Phase III. This will include</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">:</span></span></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Affidavit judgments with trial dates prior to March 16. 2020</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Consent Judgments</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Confessed Judgments</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Garnishments</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Civil motions and proceedings that are ripe and do not require a hearing</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Uncontested matters ripe prior to March 16, 2020</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The following civil matters may be heard during Phase III</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">:</span></span></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Wrongful detainer actions (emergency and non-emergency)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Breach of lease actions</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Tenant holding over actions</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Rent escrow actions (subject to local code inspectors’ ability to provide inspections)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Warrants of restitution related to judgments in said matters</span></li>
</ul>
<b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The following matters will proceed after July 25, 2020 (subject to any future legislation/action, Executive Order/action, Court of Appeals Order/action)</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">:</span></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Processing of <u>previously</u> <u>stayed</u> warrants of restitution for failure to pay rent action</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Other Landlord-Tenant actions will proceed in Phase IV, pursuant to the above-identified order and pursuant Chief Judge Morrissey’s July 16, 2020 </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Communication Regarding Phase III Landlord/Tenant Actions and Cares Act Information with the District Court</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">.</span></i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The following civil matters will be scheduled for dockets beginning on/after August 31</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">:</span></span></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Civil proceedings previously postponed from trial dates dates of March 16, 2020 through July 20, 2020</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Pursuant to Chief Judge Morrissey’s July 10, 2020 </span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>Second Revised Communication Regarding Affidavit Judgments in the District Court</i>, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">cases with trial/affidavit judgement dates occurring from March 16, 2020 through July 20, 2020 will be reset for trial/affidavit judgment. Notice to parties</span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Thank you for your consideration of these newly phased-in civil functions.</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Sincerely, </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><div style="text-align: right;">
Patricia Mitchell, Administrative Judge, District Court</div>
</span><br />
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Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-83759614923145674262020-07-13T06:59:00.002-07:002020-07-13T06:59:26.912-07:00Expungement of criminal records and application for employment or educational institutionExpunging a criminal record in Maryland has become easier to accomplish and there are few reasons not to do it if it is possible (if you are not a United States citizen you should contact an immigration attorney to discuss what additional steps you should take before having your record expunged).<br /><br />The question often comes up after your record has been expunged, what do I put on an employment application or if I'm applying for college, law school or otherwise. What I say below is merely my opinion. I have not tested this argument in court. I do not have authority other than what I show below so you may want to contact me or a lawyer before you rely on it completely.<br />
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How does one get in expungement? This is important for the legal analysis. The person with the criminal record applies to the court requesting an expungement. The state of Maryland through the prosecutor's office responds to the request and the court looks at the merits of the expungement petition. Assuming that the request is meritorious the court enters a COURT ORDER declaring that the matter is expunged. The court order part is very important in this analysis. Once you have the court order then your case is officially expunged. Once you have this court order what activity by others is prohibited regarding your expunged case?<br /><br />Below is the Maryland statute regarding prohibitions once your case has been expunged:<br /><br />
Criminal Procedure Article<br />
Section 10-109. Prohibited acts<br />
(a) Applications for employment or admission. -- (1) Disclosure of expunged information about criminal charges in an application, interview, or other means may not be required:<br />
(i) by an employer or educational institution of a person who applies for employment or admission; or<br />
<br />
(ii) by a unit, official, or employee of the State or a political subdivision of the State of a person who applies for a license, permit, registration, or governmental service.<br />
<br />
(2) A person need not refer to or give information concerning an expunged charge when answering a question concerning:<br />
(i) a criminal charge that did not result in a conviction; or<br />
<br />
(ii) a conviction that the Governor pardoned.<br />
<br />
(3) Refusal by a person to disclose information about criminal charges that have been expunged may not be the sole reason for:<br />
(i) an employer to discharge or refuse to hire the person; or<br />
<br />
(ii) a unit, official, or employee of the State or a political subdivision of the State to deny the person's application.<br />
<br />
(b) Penalties. --<br />
(1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both for each violation.<br />
<br />
(2) In addition to the penalties provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, an official or employee of the State or a political subdivision of the State who is convicted under this section may be removed or dismissed from public service.<br />
<br />
In my mind the above statute is quite clear that expunged information need not be disclosed nor can the employer or academic institution make inquiry about the underlying criminal charges. That being said from the statute this clearly applies only within the state of Maryland.<br /><br />What if you live in Maryland and you are applying for work in Wyoming or applying for school in Florida? What if you have moved out of Maryland and are applying for work in Wyoming or school in Florida?<br />
<br />
To answer that I believe the United States Constitution comes into play.<br /><br />The full faith and credit clause, Article IV, Section 1 provides as follows:<br />
<br />
<a class="po-anchor" data-original-title="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="po-full-faith" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1268b3; cursor: pointer; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" tabindex="44" title=""><span id="full-faith" style="box-sizing: border-box;">Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.</span></a><br /><br />
I would argue that Wyoming, Florida and any other United States jurisdiction would be required to give full faith and credit to the court order of expungement (judicial proceeding) as well as to the Maryland statute prohibiting certain activities (public acts). Teasing this out though the Walmart in Wyoming is clearly not a state but the University of Wyoming is a state school. Conversely, applying for a position at the Laramie County government is in my mind state activity but applying to a private school in Wyoming would not be.<br />
<br />
What I'm trying to say is that full faith and credit clause, in my opinion, would only apply to government entities and not private entities. Applying to the Walmart in Wyoming, if they were asking if anything had ever been expunged I think you legally would need to answer yes unless you researched Wyoming law and saw that they had an expungement statute with similar prohibitions. Applying to law school in Wyoming I believe you would not need to disclose the expunged matter because the law school is a government entity.<br /><br />Whether I am right or wrong in this analysis I think there could be a good faith basis not to reveal expunged matters on many applications. If the employer or academic institution were to call you out on it I think you could make a good faith argument that the Maryland statute is very broad, prohibits disclosing expunged matters, it was a judicial act and the other jurisdiction should recognize the authority of the state of Maryland.<br /><br />Hope this helps, and call me with questions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-17030990381166068092020-06-10T07:47:00.003-07:002020-06-10T07:47:54.863-07:00A Strong Push in the Right DirectionThis is from the chief judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals. Clearly she is listening:<br /><br />"<br />
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<tr><td style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#m_2665167781409491737_" style="border-color: rgb(62, 118, 218); border-radius: 5px; border-style: solid; border-width: 10px 23px; color: white; display: inline-block; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;">ment on Equal Justice Under Law -- June 9, 2020</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The protests of the last several weeks have coalesced into a truth that cannot be ignored: people of color are being denied their rightful equality. Frustration and grief have poured out in response to the recent events that so horribly have illuminated injustices against people of color; injustices, sadly, that are not new. These events represent the extremes of the all-too-common conscious—and unconscious—disrespect and disregard for the dignity of people of color. Difficult and painful, but necessary and overdue, conversations are taking place across our state and our nation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">We may be disheartened, not only that our collective efforts have been insufficient and inadequate, but that so little progress appears to have been made. We cannot falter, as we must fulfill our mandate to ensure equal justice to all under law. We must, individually and collectively, contribute in any way we can to overcome the bias that divides and imperils our civil society and the experiment that is our democracy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">This recognition of the need for collective resolve is not new, but perhaps our determination to address the long-term inequities spawned by slavery and Jim Crow, has, at last, become new. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln, in his annual message to Congress, noted:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">We can succeed only by concert. It is not ‘can any of us imagine better?’ but, ‘can we all do better?’ The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise — with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Many of those among us have taken an oath to support the constitutions of the United States and Maryland. As such, we have the particular responsibility to make the guarantees embodied in them a reality for all people. We have the unique privilege and responsibility to administer justice: equal justice under law.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Judges swear to be fair and impartial, to do justice in every individual case. That cannot change, but we, together, as members of the system of justice, must re-examine how we administer justice. We must determine, along with the other branches of government, how to ensure that the protections and rights under law are afforded equally to all of us. We must assure that our courts do not suffer bias, conscious or unconscious. We must examine, together, the reasons for disproportionate impact upon people of color, and address those reasons.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">All of us—members of the judicial branch and the legal community—must, as Justice Thurgood Marshall, has demanded, ensure that the doors of justice open wide for all people—and that once inside, procedural fairness and due process are a given. Access to legal services and representation in matters that affect the lives of all the people in our state, whether they have means or not, is essential. No one should suffer the degradations that too often accompany poverty—and we, the stewards of the justice system, cannot allow the lack of representation in civil matters to add to the burdens of the poor. Until governments can afford to guarantee representation to all in civil matters, the provision of legal representation <i>pro bono publico—</i>for the public good—and the legal services and information we provide can fill some, but not nearly enough, of the need.<i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">In Maryland, we have begun to address some of the systemic inequities that affect the poor and people of color more often and with greater detriment. We have begun pretrial reform, but still need pretrial services state-wide to eliminate the pretrial detention of those who do not pose a risk, but cannot afford even a low monetary bail. We have instituted mediation in landlord-tenant cases, but we need to address the manner in which the hundreds of thousands of landlord-tenant matters are filed and administered each year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">We are working to improve the justice responses to children involved with the courts. But we do still need to better address the problems of our young, our children, who have grown up in violence and poverty, far too many of whom are of color. We must recognize that their suffering is our suffering and their desperation, ours. As long as they are not afforded the stability and opportunity that all children deserve and require, we risk our collective stability as a state and as a nation.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">We have been fortunate in Maryland to have had a longstanding commitment to a Judiciary that looks like the people it serves—and an equal commitment to access to justice. We must, however, recognize the economic and racial disparities that persist in our justice system. We cannot eliminate them until we make certain that all voices are heard and respected and that the perspectives and experience of all realign our practices to make good the promise of equal justice under law.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">To answer President Lincoln, we will do better in Maryland because we must, until we achieve what a true democracy requires: equality for all people. Our duty and fealty to the constitutions of our state and country command that we strive toward equality. Let us, in reaffirming our commitment to equal justice under law for all, make it known that, in Maryland, the lives of people of color do matter."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><em>Mary Ellen Barbera</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><em>Chief Judge</em></span></div>
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-20581277643193655572020-04-06T09:01:00.004-07:002020-04-06T09:01:48.279-07:00Expunging Convictions in MarylandThank you to the Maryland Lawyer Volunteer Services for summarizing this. It was not long ago that a conviction in Maryland would stick with you for life absent a pardon by the governor. The Gen. assembly has made certain convictions eligible for expungement. Expunging convictions on your record if you are a US citizen has great benefits and I cannot think of any viable downsides. If you are not a US citizen you should consult with an immigration attorney before requesting that the matter be expunged.<br /><br />
The expungement process is generally straightforward. I can help you with it at very reasonable rates.<br />
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<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Below are the convictions made eligible for expungement under the Justice Reinvestment Act including the three eligible convictions added as of October 1, 2018. </span></div>
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MOST COMMON EXPUNGEABLE CONVICTIONS:</h2>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10 Year</span></strong></div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Public intoxication</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Possession/administration of CDS</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Drug Paraphernalia</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">B&E of a Vehicle – Rogue/Vag</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Trespass – Posted Prop</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Theft</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Unauthorized Removal of Prop</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Disturbing the Peace</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prostitution</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Affray, rioting, criminal contempt or hindering</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Violate ex-parte order</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Bad checks</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Public assistance fraud</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Disturbing the Peace/Obstructing or Hindering/Disorderly Conduct/Failure to Obey Order</span></li>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">15 Year</span></strong></div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2nd Degree Assault</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Felony theft</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CDS with Intent to Distribute</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Burglary – 1st, 2nd and 3rd</span></li>
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<span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation of any of these listed offenses</span></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 30.243px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ALL JRA CONVICTIONS:</strong></h2>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Ten Year Waiting Period</u></strong></div>
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(1) § 6–320 OF THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARTICLE; (Public intoxication)</div>
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(2) AN OFFENSE LISTED IN § 17–613(A) OF THE BUSINESS OCCUPATIONS AND PROFESSIONS ARTICLE;</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(1) § 17–502 (real estate broker/ salesperson handling of trust money)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(2) § 17–525 (discriminatory real estate practices in Baltimore City)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(3) § 17–526 (discriminatory real estate practices in Montgomery County)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(4) § 17–527 (real estate broker/ salesperson soliciting listings in Baltimore City and County)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(5) § 17–530 (agent’s disclosure in writing that the licensee represents the seller or lessor or the buyer or lessee)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(6) § 17–532 (licensee shall comply with the provisions of this section when providing real estate brokerage services)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(7) § 17–601 (real estate broker must be licensed)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(8) § 17–602 (fraudulent misrepresentation as licensed real estate broker)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(9) § 17–603 (real estate broker cannot allow unauthorized individual to provide brokerage services)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(10) § 17–604 (real estate broker/ salesperson cannot compensate unlicensed person for brokerage services)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(11) § 17–605 (a real estate broker/ salesperson may not compensate a lawyer for the referral of a person as a possible party to a residential real estate transaction)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(12) § 17–606 (on real property outdoor sign, cost of ground rent cannot be smaller than price of real property)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(13) § 17–607 (real estate transaction involving a single-family dwelling, a real estate broker/ salesperson may not require a buyer, as a condition of settlement, to employ particular agents)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(14) § 17–608 (induce another person to sell or rent a dwelling or otherwise transfer real estate or knowingly discourage or attempt to discourage another person from buying real estate)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(15) § 17–609 (prohibition on solicitation to change the racial composition of a neighborhood)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(16) § 17–610 (prohibition on submitting false documents to the Commission)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(17) § 17–611 (prohibition on violating a suspension order)</li>
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(3) § 5–712, § 19–304, § 19–308, OR TITLE 5, SUBTITLE 6 OR SUBTITLE 9 OF THE BUSINESS REGULATION ARTICLE;</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–712 (failure to deposit money received under or in connection with a preneed burial contract)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">19–304 (recordation prohibitions)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">19–308 (plastic secondary packaging manufacturing and usage)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">TITLE 5<ul style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; list-style: outside disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1.6em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SUBTITLE 6 (regulations related to cemetery maintenance – trust fund required)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SUBTITLE 9 (regulations related to operating a cemetery – licensure)</li>
</ul>
</li>
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(4) § 3–1508 OR § 10–402 OF THE COURTS ARTICLE;</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3–1508 (failure to comply with the relief granted in an interim peace order)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10–402 (electronic communication prohibitions)</li>
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(5) § 14–1915, § 14–2902, OR § 14–2903 OF THE COMMERCIAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14–1915 (penalties for violation of this subtitle)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14–2902</li>
</ul>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a) untrue, deceptive, or misleading advertisements</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(b) sale of repossessed, reconditioned, rebuilt, or secondhand property</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(c) advertise for sale property or a service that the person does not possess or control</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(d) omit reference to the country of registry of the vessel when issuing, selling or offering to sell ticket to board</li>
</ul>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14–2903 (advertising with intent not to sell)</li>
</ul>
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(6) § 5–211 OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ARTICLE;</div>
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #330000; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 1.5em 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–211 (Failure to surrender after forfeiture of bail or recognizance)</li>
</ul>
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(7) § 3–808 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3–808 False, fictitious, or fraudulent liens or encumbrances prohibited</li>
</ul>
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(8) § 5–601, § 5–618, § 5–619, § 5–620, § 5–703, § 5–708, OR § 5–902 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #330000; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 1.5em 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–601 (Possession/administration of CDS)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–618 (Poss/purchase of noncontrolled substance)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–619 (Drug Paraphernalia)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–620 (Controlled paraphernalia)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–703 (Unsolicited mailing)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–708 (Inhalent)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–902 (Prohibited Acts)</li>
</ul>
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(9) § 6–105, § 6–108, § 6–206, § 6–303, § 6–306, § 6–307, § 6–402, OR §6–503 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #330000; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 1.5em 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6–105 (Malicious Burning of Property in the 2nd degree)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6–108 (Burning trash container)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6–206 (B&E of a Vehicle- Rogue/Vag)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6–303 (Pub Utility Interference- Electrical Equip)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6–306 (Serial #- Alteration/Sale of Good)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6–307 (Serial #- Possession and Use)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6–402 (Trespass- Posted Prop),</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">29 6–503 (Unauthorized Access to RR Vehicle)</li>
</ul>
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(10) § 7–104, § 7–203, § 7–205, § 7–304, § 7–308, OR § 7–309 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #330000; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 1.5em 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–104 (Theft)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–203 (Unauthorized removal of Prop)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–205 (Failure to Return Rental Vehicle)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–304 (Obtaining telephone records without authorization)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–308 (Prohibited transfer of recorded sounds or images)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–309 (Penalty- First of subsequent)</li>
</ul>
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(11) § 8–103, § 8–206, § 8–401, § 8–402, § 8–404, § 8–406, § 8–408, §8–503, § 8–521, § 8–523, OR § 8–904 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #330000; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 1.5em 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–103 (Obtaining Prop/Services by Bad Check)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–206 Obtaining prop by counterfeiting/Theft/Misrep)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–401 (Fradulent conversion of partnership assets)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–402 (Fraudulent misrep by corporate officer/agent)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–404 (Pyramid promotional schemes)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–406 (misuse of documents of title)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–408 (Unlawful subleasing of motor vehicles)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–503 (Public assistance fraud)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–521 (Fraudulently obtaining legal rep from the PD‘s office)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–523 (Housing assistance fraud)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">8–904 (Racehorse under false name)</li>
</ul>
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(12) § 9–204, § 9–205, § 9–503, OR § 9–506 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #330000; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 1.5em 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9–204 (Bribery of person participating in/connected with athletic contest)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9–205 (Acceptance of bribe by person participating in/connected with athletic contest)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9–503 (False statement to public official concerning crime or hazard)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9–506 (MD higher ed commission fund application- false or concealed material fact)</li>
</ul>
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(13) § 10–110, § 10–201, § 10–402, § 10–404, OR § 10–502 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10–110 (Illegal dumping and litter control law)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10-201 (Obstructing or hindering the free passage of another, disorderly conduct/disturbing the peace, failure to obey a reasonable lawful order, disturbing the peace/loud noise, building fire on a beach or other property [Wicomico County]).</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10–402 (Removing human remains without authority)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10–404 (Cemetery- Destroying funeral objects; indecent conduct)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10–502 (Bigamy)</li>
</ul>
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(14) § 11–306(A) OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE;</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">11–306(A) (Prostitution)</li>
</ul>
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(15) § 12–102, § 12–103, § 12–104, § 12–105, § 12–109, § 12–203, §12–204, § 12–205, OR § 12–302 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE</div>
<ul style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: #330000; font-family: "PT Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16.8017px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 1.5em 0px 1.5em 3em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–102 (Betting, wagering, gambling and related activities)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–103 (Playing certain games)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–104 (Gambling device, or building, vessel, or place for gambling)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–105 (Gambling on vessel or building or other structure on or over water)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–109 (Prearrangement or predetermination of horse race results)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–203 (Scales and draw of lottery devices),</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–204 (Location of sales/barter of lottery devices)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–205 (Possession of lottery devices/records)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">12–302 (Possession/operation of slot machine)</li>
</ul>
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(16) § 13–401, § 13–602, OR § 16–201 OF THE ELECTION LAW ARTICLE</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13–401 (requirements of the authority line in each item of campaign material)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13–602 (offers, gifts, money, etc. may not be used to influence voting)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">16–201</li>
</ul>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a)(1) Impersonate someone to vote or attempt to vote / Vote or attempt to vote under false name</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a)(2) vote more than once for a candidate or on same ballet</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a)(3) vote more than once in the same election</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a)(4) vote in an unauthorized district</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a)(5) influence or attempt to influence a vote through force, threat, menace, intimidation, bribery or offer of reward</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a)(6) influence or attempt to influence a voter’s decision to go to the polls through force, threat, menace, intimidation, bribery or offer of reward</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a)(7) engage in conduct that denies right to vote on basis of race, color or disability</li>
</ul>
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(17) § 4–509 OF THE FAMILY LAW ARTICLE</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4–509 (Penalties- Failure to comply with interim/temp/final protective order)</li>
</ul>
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(18) § 18–215 OF THE HEALTH – GENERAL ARTICLE;</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(a) physician who fails to submit report under § 18–204 of this subtitle</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(b) person who violates any provision of § 18–202 of this subtitle</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(c) in addition to any other penalty provided by law, a physician who fails to submit the report required under § 18–201 of this subtitle</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(d) person who violates any provision of § 18–205 of this subtitle</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(e) disclosing personal identifying health information acquired for the purposes of HIV and AIDS reporting</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(f) requesting or obtaining information on HIV and AIDS under false pretenses or through deception</li>
</ul>
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(19) § 4–411 OR § 4–2005 OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ARTICLE</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4-411 (False statement on a document required to be submitted for a Rental Housing Program loan</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4-2005 (False statement on a document required to be submitted for an Energy-Efficient Homes Construction Program loan)</li>
</ul>
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(20) § 27–403, § 27–404, § 27–405, § 27–406, § 27–406.1, § 27–407, §27–407.1, OR § 27–407.2 OF THE INSURANCE ARTICLE</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27–403 (fraudulent insurance acts)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27–404 (insurer to write or place a policy or insurance contract or pay a commission or other consideration to a person that does not have a certificate of qualification)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27–405 (to act as or represent to the public as an insurance agent or another component of the insurance process)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27–406 (false or fraudulent statement or representation in or with reference to an application for insurance)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27–406.1 (an individual surety to solicit or issue a surety bond or contract of surety insurance except as provided in:</li>
</ul>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(b)(1) §§ 13–207 and 17–104 of the State Finance and Procurement Article; and</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(b)(2) for an uncompensated person, §§ 5–203 and 5–204 of the Criminal Procedure Article</li>
</ul>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27–407</li>
</ul>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(1) to solicit, for personal gain, an individual injured by or in a motor vehicle to sue or retain a lawyer to represent that individual in a lawsuit</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(2) to solicit, to solicit, an individual injured by or in a motor vehicle to seek care from a health care practitioner</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(3) a lawyer or health care practitioner to employ or compensate a person for the purpose of having that person solicit or attempt to solicit clients for the lawyer or health care practitioner</li>
</ul>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27–407.1 (intentional motor vehicle accident or a scheme to create documentation of a motor vehicle accident that did not occur with purpose of submitting a claim)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">27–407.2 (contractor offering home repair or remodeling services for damages to a private residence caused by weather, to pay or otherwise compensate an insured with intent to defraud an insurer)</li>
</ul>
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(21) § 5–307, § 5–308, § 6–602, § 7–402, OR § 14–114 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–307 (handgun permit)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">5–308 (carrying handgun permit whenever handgun is carried)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">6–602 (represent themselves as or interfere with or obstruct the State Fire Marshal, a deputy State fire marshal, or a special assistant State fire marshal)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–402 (represent themselves as or interfere with or obstruct a firefighter, a rescue squad member, or emergency services personnel)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">14–114 (violate an order, rule, or regulation issued under the authority of this subtitle)</li>
</ul>
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(22) § 7–318.1, § 7–509, OR § 10–507 OF THE REAL PROPERTY ARTICLE</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–318.1 (foreclosure consultant fails to obtain a real estate broker’s license or violates any provision of Title 17 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7–509 (penalties for violating this subtitle)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">10–507 (failure to comply with this subtitle or any breach of any trust created by this subtitle)</li>
</ul>
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(23) § 9–124 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">9–124 (state lottery ticket prohibitions)</li>
</ul>
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(24) § 13–1001, § 13–1004, § 13–1007, OR § 13–1024 OF THE TAX –GENERAL ARTICLE</div>
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<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13–1001 (failure to file a tax return)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13–1004 (tax fraud through income tax return preparer)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13–1007 (failure to file income tax withholding return)</li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">13–1024 (evade payment of a tax, prevent the collection of a tax, fails to provide information as required, or provides false or misleading information)</li>
</ul>
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(25) THE COMMON LAW OFFENSES OF AFFRAY, RIOTING, CRIMINAL CONTEMPT, OR HINDERING; OR</div>
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(26) AN ATTEMPT, A CONSPIRACY, OR A SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFENSE LISTED IN ITEMS (1) THROUGH (25) OF THIS SUBSECTION.</div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><u style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fifteen Year Waiting Period</u></strong></div>
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-§ 3–203 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE – 2nd degree Assault</div>
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-An offense classified as a “domestically related crime” under Criminal Procedure Article § 6-233. This is determined on a case-by-case basis. In cases where the victim is a family member or cohabitant of the defendant, the State’s Attorney has the discretion to ask the Court to make a finding that a given offense is a domestically related crime. This finding will be reported to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository.</div>
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<u style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 16.8017px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A felony that is a violation of</u>:</div>
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– § 7–104 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE</div>
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(Theft, theft by deception, possession of stolen property) [Felony is defined as theft of property valued at least $1,500.]</div>
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-THE PROHIBITION AGAINST POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE UNDER § 5–602(2) OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE</div>
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(CDS – Possession with intent to distribute or dispense)</div>
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– § 6–202(A), § 6–203, OR § 6–204 OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ARTICLE</div>
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(1<sup style="background: transparent; border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.5em; height: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">st</sup> degree burglary, 2<sup style="background: transparent; border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.5em; height: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">nd</sup> degree burglary, 3<sup style="background: transparent; border: 0px; bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.5em; height: 0px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">rd</sup> degree burglary)</div>
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– AN ATTEMPT, A CONSPIRACY, OR A SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFENSE LISTED</div>
Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-4061620122260420522020-03-19T14:45:00.004-07:002020-03-19T14:45:46.459-07:00Worth reading if you are a tenant or having trouble with your mortgagePage 1 of 3
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF MARYLAND
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER ON
SUSPENSION OF FORECLOSURES AND EVICTIONS
DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, Pursuant to the Maryland Constitution, Article IV, § 18, the Chief
Judge of the Court of Appeals is granted authority as the administrative head of the Judicial
Branch of the State, including the closing of courts in the State of Maryland and non-court
judicial facilities; and
WHEREAS, The Court of Appeals has approved Chapter 1000 of Title 16 of the
Maryland Rules of Practice and Procedure setting forth the emergency powers of the Chief
Judge of the Court of Appeals; and
WHEREAS, In instances of emergency conditions, whether natural or otherwise,
that significantly affect access to or the operations of one or more courts or other judicial
facilities of the State or the ability of the Judiciary to operate effectively, the Chief Judge
of the Court of Appeals may be required to determine the extent to which court operations
or judicial functions shall continue; and
WHEREAS, Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and
consistent with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control, an emergency exists
that poses a threat of imminent and potentially lethal harm to vulnerable individuals who
may come into contact with a court or judicial facility and personnel; and
WHEREAS, To the extent possible, the courts and judicial offices and units have
remained operational and provided scheduled and required events while balancing the
health and safety needs of court visitors and personnel during the early stage of this
emergency; and
Page 2 of 3
WHEREAS, Escalation of the emergency has required comprehensive measures to
protect the health, safety, and well-being of Maryland residents and Judiciary personnel;
and
WHEREAS, The Administrative Order on Statewide Judiciary Restricted
Operations Due to the COVID-19 Emergency filed March 16, 2020, authorizes the courts’
consideration or resolution of matters that can be addressed without a proceeding that
involves testimony or argument; and
WHEREAS, Foreclosures of residential property, foreclosures of the right to
redeem residential property sold in a tax sale, and residential evictions present the strong
likelihood of creating undue hardship if completed during the pendency of the emergency,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mary Ellen Barbera, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals
and administrative head of the Judicial Branch, pursuant to the authority conferred by
Article IV, § 18 of the Maryland Constitution, do hereby order this 18th day of March 2020,
as follows:
(a) Those foreclosures of residential properties and foreclosures of the rights of
redemption of residential properties pending in the circuit courts shall be
stayed effective immediately; and
(b) Residential eviction matters pending in the District Court of Maryland and
all pending residential eviction orders shall be stayed effective immediately;
and
(c) New foreclosure of residential property, foreclosure of rights of redemption
after a tax sale, and residential evictions shall be stayed upon filing; and
(d) To the extent that this Administrative Order conflicts with extant
Administrative Orders, local judicial orders or memoranda, this
Administrative Order shall prevail; and
Page 3 of 3
(e) This Administrative Order will be revised as circumstances warrant.
/s/ Mary Ellen Barbera
Mary Ellen Barbera
Chief Judge
Court of Appeals of Maryland
Filed: March 18, 2020
/s/ Suzanne C. Johnson
Suzanne C. Johnson
Clerk
Court of Appeals of MarylandTom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-56348382541741476492020-03-19T13:47:00.001-07:002020-03-19T13:47:22.472-07:00District court update<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><strong><span style="color: red;">DISTRICT COURT NOTICE</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY - COVID 19 PANDEMIC</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>THE DISTRICT COURT IS CLOSED UNITL APRIL 6, 2020</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>BY ORDER OF THE COURT OF APPEALS</b></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>MANDATORY CASES HEARD DAILY</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> BAIL REVIEWS<br /> BENC</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">H WARRANTS</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> BODY ATTACHMENTS<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">EMERGENCY EVALUATION PETITION<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION VIOLATIONS</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>ACCESS LIMITED TO LAWYERS, LITIGANTS FOR THESE CASES AND CREDENTIALED MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ONLY</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>EMERGENCY CASES HEARD IN THE COURT’S DISCRETION</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> CRIMINAL COMPETENCY<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">MOTIONS REGARDING<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">EXTREME RISK PROTECTIVE ORDERS<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS/CUSTODY/GUNS/VACATE HOME<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">PEACE ORDERS<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">CONTEMPT HEARINGS-PEACE AND PROTECTIVE ORDERS<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">MATTERS FOR LOCALLY INCARCERATED DEFENDANTS</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><i><u>YOU MAY FILE A REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY HEARING/RULING</u></i></b><u>:</u></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> PROVIDE <b>PHONE CONTACT</b>.<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">A CASE MAY BE BY <b>PHONE OR REMOTE VIDEO</b> <b>(SKYPE OR ZOOM, ETC.)<br /> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">A CASE MAY BE <b>AFTER THE EMERGENCY PERIOD HAS ENDED<br /> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">A CASE MAY BE<b> DECIDED <u>WITHOUT</u> A HEARING</b>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>**THE CLERK’S OFFICE IS CLOSED**</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>FILING PLEADINGS</u></b> <wbr></wbr> <b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">US MAIL <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">DROP BOX 8:30 AM-4:30 PM* M-F </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">COMMISSIONER-4:30 PM-8:30 AM & SAT/SUN </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><strong><u><span style="font-family: Arial;">MAKING PAYMENTS<br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></u></strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">US MAIL<br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">DROP BOX 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM*M-F<span style="font-family: Arial;">ONLINE – 24 HOURS</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>ALL OTHER CASES ARE CONTINUED AND WILL BE RESET BY MAIL</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>NO BENCH WARRANT WILL ISSUED</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>QUESTIONS – CALL 301-563-8800 – 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>COMMISSIONERS OFFICES ARE OPEN</u></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Rockville - 191 E. Jefferson Street -- OPEN 24/7/365</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Central Processing Unit - 1307 Seven Locks Rd<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> -- </span></strong>OPEN 24/7/365</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Silver Spring – 8552 Second Avenue<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> -- </span></strong>OPEN 8AM-12AM DAILY</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>GO TO THE COMMISSIONERS OFFICE TO</u></b><b>:<br /> </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>FILE FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong>INITIAL APPEARANCE ADVICE OF RIGHTS</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong>POST BAIL/BOND<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>SATISFY A BENCH WARRANT<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>PEACE ORDER PROTECTION<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>EXTREME RISK PROTECTIVE ORDER PROTECTION</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>*AVOID GROUPS OF OVER 10 PEOPLE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>*REMAIN 6 FEET AWAY FROM OTHERS</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>*IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS AND </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><u>YOU ARE SAFE</u>, GO HOME & CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>RUNNY NOSE<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>SORE THROAT<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>COUGH<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>FEVER<br /><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></strong></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>DIFFICULTY BREATHING</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><b><i><u>CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCY HELP</u></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>Patricia Mitchell<br />District Six Administrative Judge</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><em>3.19.2020</em></span></div>
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Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-14491238044675968182020-03-18T11:10:00.002-07:002020-03-18T11:10:41.786-07:00Constitution of MarylandWorth reading actually:<br /><br />
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<a href="https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/43const/html/const.html" style="color: navy; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">CONSTITUTION OF MARYLAND</a></h1>
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ADOPTED BY THE CONVENTION</h4>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Which Assembled at the City of Annapolis on the Eighth Day of May, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-seven, and Adjourned on the Seventeenth Day of August, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-seven, and was Ratified by the People on the Eighteenth Day of September, Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-seven [with Amendments through Two Thousand and Eighteen (including amendments proposed by the General Assembly and ratified by the voters November 6, 2018)].</span><br />
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DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.</h2>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We, the People of the State of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty, and taking into our serious consideration the best means of establishing a good Constitution in this State for the sure foundation and more permanent security thereof, declare:</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Article 1.</b> That all Government of right originates from the People, is founded in compact only, and instituted solely for the good of the whole; and they have, at all times, the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their Form of Government in such manner as they may deem expedient.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="2" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 2.</b> The Constitution of the United States, and the Laws made, or which shall be made, in pursuance thereof, and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, are, and shall be the Supreme Law of the State; and the Judges of this State, and all the People of this State, are, and shall be bound thereby; anything in the Constitution or Law of this State to the contrary notwithstanding.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="2" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="3" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 3.</b> The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution thereof, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people thereof.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="3" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="4" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 4.</b> That the People of this State have the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government and police thereof, as a free, sovereign and independent State.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="4" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 5.</b> (a)</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;">(1) That the Inhabitants of Maryland are entitled to the Common Law of England, and the trial by Jury, according to the course of that Law, and to the benefit of such of the English statutes as existed on the Fourth day of July, seventeen hundred and seventy-six; and which, by experience, have been found applicable to their local and other circumstances, and have been introduced, used and practiced by the Courts of Law or Equity; and also of all Acts of Assembly in force on the first day of June, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven; except such as may have since expired, or may be inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution; subject, nevertheless, to the revision of, and amendment or repeal by, the Legislature of this State. And the Inhabitants of Maryland are also entitled to all property derived to them from, or under the Charter granted by His Majesty Charles the First to Caecilius Calvert, Baron of Baltimore.<div style="line-height: 1.5;">
(2) Legislation may be enacted that limits the right to trial by jury in civil proceedings to those proceedings in which the amount in controversy exceeds $15,000 <i>(added by Chapter 422, Acts of 2006, ratified Nov. 7, 2006; amended by Chapter 480, Acts of 2010, ratified Nov. 2, 2010).</i></div>
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(b) The parties to any civil proceeding in which the right to a jury trial is preserved are entitled to a trial by jury of at least 6 jurors.</div>
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(c) That notwithstanding the Common Law of England, nothing in this Constitution prohibits trial by jury of less than 12 jurors in any civil proceeding in which the right to a jury trial is preserved <i>(amended by Chapters 203, 204, Acts of 1992, ratified Nov. 3, 1992)</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="6" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 6.</b> That all persons invested with the Legislative or Executive powers of Government are the Trustees of the Public, and, as such, accountable for their conduct: Wherefore, whenever the ends of Government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the People may, and of right ought, to reform the old, or establish a new Government; the doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power and oppression is absurd, slavish and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="6" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="7" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 7.</b> That the right of the People to participate in the Legislature is the best security of liberty and the foundation of all free Government; for this purpose, elections ought to be free and frequent; and every citizen having the qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, ought to have the right of suffrage <i>(amended by Chapter 357, Acts of 1971, ratified Nov. 7, 1972)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="7" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="8" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 8.</b> That the Legislative, Executive and Judicial powers of Government ought to be forever separate and distinct from each other; and no person exercising the functions of one of said Departments shall assume or discharge the duties of any other.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="8" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="9" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 9.</b> That no power of suspending Laws or the execution of Laws, unless by, or derived from the Legislature, ought to be exercised, or allowed.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="9" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="10" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 10.</b> That freedom of speech and debate, or proceedings in the Legislature, ought not to be impeached in any Court of Judicature.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="10" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="11" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 11.</b> That Annapolis be the place of meeting of the Legislature; and the Legislature ought not to be convened, or held at any other place but from evident necessity.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="11" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="12" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 12.</b> That for redress of grievances, and for amending, strengthening and preserving the Laws, the Legislature ought to be frequently convened.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="12" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="13" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 13.</b> That every man hath a right to petition the Legislature for the redress of grievances in a peaceable and orderly manner.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="13" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 14.</b> That no aid, charge, tax, burthen or fees ought to be rated or levied, under any pretense, without the consent of the Legislature.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="14" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="15" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 15.</b> That the levying of taxes by the poll is grievous and oppressive, and ought to be prohibited; that paupers ought not to be assessed for the support of the government; that the General Assembly shall, by uniform rules, provide for the separate assessment, classification and sub-classification of land, improvements on land and personal property, as it may deem proper; and all taxes thereafter provided to be levied by the State for the support of the general State Government, and by the Counties and by the City of Baltimore for their respective purposes, shall be uniform within each class or sub-class of land, improvements on land and personal property which the respective taxing powers may have directed to be subjected to the tax levy; yet fines, duties or taxes may properly and justly be imposed, or laid with a political view for the good government and benefit of the community <i>(amended by Chapter 390, Acts of 1914, ratified Nov. 2, 1915; Chapter 64, Acts of 1960, ratified Nov. 8, 1960)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="15" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="16" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 16.</b> That sanguinary Laws ought to be avoided as far as it is consistent with the safety of the State; and no Law to inflict cruel and unusual pains and penalties ought to be made in any case, or at any time, hereafter.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="16" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="17" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 17.</b> That retrospective Laws, punishing acts committed before the existence of such Laws, and by them only declared criminal are oppressive, unjust and incompatible with liberty; wherefore, no <i>ex post facto</i> Law ought to be made; nor any retrospective oath or restriction be imposed, or required.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="17" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="18" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 18.</b> That no Law to attaint particular persons of treason or felony, ought to be made in any case, or at any time, hereafter.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="18" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="19" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 19.</b> That every man, for any injury done to him in his person or property, ought to have remedy by the course of the Law of the Land, and ought to have justice and right, freely without sale, fully without any denial, and speedily without delay, according to the Law of the Land.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="19" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 20.</b> That the trial of facts, where they arise, is one of the greatest securities of the lives, liberties and estate of the People.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 21.</b> That in all criminal prosecutions, every man hath a right to be informed of the accusation against him; to have a copy of the Indictment, or charge, in due time (if required) to prepare for his defence; to be allowed counsel; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have process for his witnesses; to examine the witnesses for and against him on oath; and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury, without whose unanimous consent he ought not to be found guilty.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 22.</b> That no man ought to be compelled to give evidence against himself in a criminal case.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 23.</b> In the trial of all criminal cases, the Jury shall be the Judges of Law, as well as of fact, except that the Court may pass upon the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain a conviction.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;">The right of trial by Jury of all issues of fact in civil proceedings in the several Courts of Law in this State, where the amount in controversy exceeds the sum of $15,000, shall be inviolably preserved <i>(amended by Chapter 407, Acts of 1949, ratified Nov. 7, 1950; Chapter 789, Acts of 1969, ratified Nov. 3, 1970. Transferred from Article XV, secs. 5 and 6, by Chapter 681, Acts of 1977, ratified Nov. 7, 1978. Amended by Chapters 205, 206, Acts of 1992, ratified Nov. 3, 1992; Chapter 322, Acts of 1998, ratified Nov. 3, 1998; Chapter 480, Acts of 2010, ratified Nov. 2, 2010)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 24.</b> That no man ought to be taken or imprisoned or disseized of his freehold, liberties or privileges, or outlawed, or exiled, or, in any manner, destroyed, or deprived of his life, liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers, or by the Law of the land <i>(amended by Chapter 681, Acts of 1977, ratified Nov. 7, 1978)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 25.</b> That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel or unusual punishment inflicted, by the Courts of Law.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 26.</b> That all warrants, without oath or affirmation, to search suspected places, or to seize any person or property, are grievous and oppressive; and all general warrants to search suspected places, or to apprehend suspected persons, without naming or describing the place, or the person in special, are illegal, and ought not to be granted.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 27.</b> That no conviction shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture of estate.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 28.</b> That a well regulated Militia is the proper and natural defence of a free Government.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 29.</b> That Standing Armies are dangerous to liberty, and ought not to be raised, or kept up, without the consent of the Legislature.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 30.</b> That in all cases, and at all times, the military ought to be under strict subordination to, and control of, the civil power.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 31.</b> That no soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, except in the manner prescribed by Law.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 32.</b> That no person except regular soldiers, marines, and mariners in the service of this State, or militia, when in actual service, ought, in any case, to be subject to, or punishable by Martial Law.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 33.</b> That the independency and uprightness of Judges are essential to the impartial administration of Justice, and a great security to the rights and liberties of the People: Wherefore, the Judges shall not be removed, except in the manner, and for the causes provided in this Constitution. No Judge shall hold any other office, civil, or military or political trust, or employment of any kind, whatsoever, under the Constitution or Laws of this State, or of the United States, or any of them; except that a judge may be a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or a member of the militia of the United States or this State; or receive fees, or perquisites of any kind, for the discharge of his official duties <i>(amended by Chapter 61, Acts of 1990, ratified Nov. 6, 1990)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 34.</b> That a long continuance in the Executive Departments of power or trust is dangerous to liberty; a rotation, therefore, in those departments is one of the best securities of permanent freedom <i>(amended by Chapter 681, Acts of 1977, ratified Nov. 7, 1978)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 35.</b> That no person shall hold, at the same time, more than one office of profit, created by the Constitution or Laws of this State; nor shall any person in public trust receive any present from any foreign Prince or State, or from the United States, or any of them, without the approbation of this State. The position of Notary Public shall not be considered an office of profit within the meaning of this Article. Nonelected membership in the militia of this State, a law enforcement agency, a fire department or agency, or a rescue squad shall not be considered an office of profit within the meaning of this Article; nor shall any remuneration received as a consequence of membership in a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or of membership in the militia of the United States or of this State be considered a present within the meaning of this Article <i>(amended by Chapter 129, Acts of 1964, ratified Nov. 3, 1964; Chapter 61, Acts of 1990, ratified Nov. 6, 1990; Chapter 80, Acts of 1996, ratified Nov. 5, 1996)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 36.</b> That as it is the duty of every man to worship God in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to Him, all persons are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty; wherefore, no person ought by any law to be molested in his person or estate, on account of his religious persuasion, or profession, or for his religious practice, unless, under the color of religion, he shall disturb the good order, peace or safety of the State, or shall infringe the laws of morality, or injure others in their natural, civil or religious rights; nor ought any person to be compelled to frequent, or maintain, or contribute, unless on contract, to maintain, any place of worship, or any ministry; nor shall any person, otherwise competent, be deemed incompetent as a witness, or juror, on account of his religious belief; provided, he believes in the existence of God, and that under His dispensation such person will be held morally accountable for his acts, and be rewarded or punished therefor either in this world or in the world to come.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Nothing shall prohibit or require the making reference to belief in, reliance upon, or invoking the aid of God or a Supreme Being in any governmental or public document, proceeding, activity, ceremony, school, institution, or place.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Nothing in this article shall constitute an establishment of religion <i>(amended by Chapter 558, Acts of 1970, ratified Nov. 3, 1970)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 37.</b> That no religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God; nor shall the Legislature prescribe any other oath of office than the oath prescribed by this Constitution.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 38.</b> Vacant <i>(amended by Chapter 623, Acts of 1947, ratified Nov. 2, 1948. Repealed by Chapter 681, Acts of 1977, ratified Nov. 7, 1978)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 39.</b> That the manner of administering an oath or affirmation to any person, ought to be such as those of the religious persuasion, profession, or denomination, of which he is a member, generally esteem the most effectual confirmation by the attestation of the Divine Being.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 40.</b> That the liberty of the press ought to be inviolably preserved; that every citizen of the State ought to be allowed to speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that privilege.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 41.</b> That monopolies are odious, contrary to the spirit of a free government and the principles of commerce, and ought not to be suffered.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 42.</b> That no title of nobility or hereditary honors ought to be granted in this State.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 43.</b> That the Legislature ought to encourage the diffusion of knowledge and virtue, the extension of a judicious system of general education, the promotion of literature, the arts, sciences, agriculture, commerce and manufactures, and the general melioration of the condition of the People. The Legislature may provide that land actively devoted to farm or agricultural use shall be assessed on the basis of such use and shall not be assessed as if sub-divided <i>(amended by Chapter 65, Acts of 1960, ratified Nov. 8, 1960)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 44.</b> That the provisions of the Constitution of the United States, and of this State, apply, as well in time of war, as in time of peace; and any departure therefrom, or violation thereof, under the plea of necessity, or any other plea, is subversive of good Government, and tends to anarchy and despotism.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 45.</b> This enumeration of Rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the People.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 46.</b> Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged or denied because of sex <i>(added by Chapter 366, Acts of 1972, ratified Nov. 7, 1972. Amended by Chapter 681, Acts of 1977, ratified Nov. 7, 1978)</i>.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b>Art. 47.</b> (a) A victim of crime shall be treated by agents of the State with dignity, respect, and sensitivity during all phases of the criminal justice process.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;">(b) In a case originating by indictment or information filed in a circuit court, a victim of crime shall have the right to be informed of the rights established in this Article and, upon request and if practicable, to be notified of, to attend, and to be heard at a criminal justice proceeding, as these rights are implemented and the terms "crime", "criminal justice proceeding", and "victim" are specified by law.</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="20" style="color: black; overflow-wrap: break-word;">(c) Nothing in this Article permits any civil cause of action for monetary damages for violation of any of its provisions or authorizes a victim of crime to take any action to stay a criminal justice proceeding <i>(added by Chapter 102, Acts of 1994, ratified Nov. 8, 1994)</i>.</a></div>
Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-25487835308601221362020-03-16T08:53:00.002-07:002020-03-16T08:53:24.141-07:00Coronavirus and current court scheduleBelow is from the Bar Association for Montgomery County. It is helpful if you are a litigant. It was put out on 16 March 2020:<br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Call the courthouse before going to Court. One, check to see if your matter is being heard. Two, if your matter is being heard, is there an option to appear telephonically</b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">? The Court is working on how to have more attorneys and litigants appear remotely.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The Rules Committee is meeting today to decide what rules need to be changed temporarily. We know an extension of the Hicks waiver is being discussed. Unclear if discovery rules will be extended. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Sheriffs will be at the doors of the Circuit Court building starting today and if you don’t need to be in the building for one of the matters listed below or on the docket, you won’t be let into the building. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The dropbox outside Court will be available for filings. Will be checked every 30 min. during business hours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"><u>These matters are considered emergencies and will still be heard</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Bail reviews</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Arraignments</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Emergency habeas corpus</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Juvenile detention hearings/emergency detention hearings</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">CINA shelter and adjudications on shelter care</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Dom. vio. pro. petitions</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Appeals from peace orders</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Family law emergencies</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Temporary restraining orders</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Emergency eval petitions</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Quarantine/isolation petitions</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;"> -will go to J. Greenberg and will be held remotely</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Extraditions</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Hicks waivers determinations</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Search warrants</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Body attachments</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">Contempt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">If I am your attorney you can call me and I will figure it out for you.</span></div>
Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-40709648353739064412020-01-29T11:30:00.001-08:002020-01-29T11:30:05.457-08:00Thoughts on Passenger Opening the Door and Injuring a BicyclistWhat can happen when a driver stops or vehicle in the traveled portion of the roadway adjacent into the left of the bicycle route and the passenger opens the door into that bicycle route? Well, obviously a bicyclist can run into the door injuring herself significantly.<br />
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Who is responsible? The driver? The passenger? The bicyclist? Some combination?<br />
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I think a proper legal analysis requires concentration on the facts.<br />
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This accident happened in Washington DC. In this case the driver stopped the vehicle in the traveled portion of the roadway. The obligation on the driver when stopping to let someone out would be to pull over as far to the right as is practicable. In this case the driver did not do so. The failure of her to do so led to the passenger opening the door causing the collision with the bicyclist. My opinion the driver was negligent for failing to follow the rules of the road and it was reasonably foreseeable that a cyclist would be coming from the right. I believe that the driver is responsible.<br />
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The analysis continues. The passenger has an obligation to use reasonable care when getting out of a vehicle. In fact in this case the passenger opened the passenger door into adjacent traffic in violation of District of Columbia municipal regulation. Rule 18-2214.4 states, “No person shall open any door of a vehicle unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with moving traffic, bicyclists, or pedestrians and with safety to such person and passengers.” Because of that negligence, because of that statutory violation, there was a collision between the bicyclist and the passenger door. I believe that the passenger is also responsible.<br />
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Under the common law when two or more people are responsible for their negligent acts they can be held jointly and severally liable for their negligence. In other words, claims would be made against both the driver and the passenger.<br />
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Yet the analysis continues. Is the bicyclist responsible? Historically, Washington DC embraced the common-law rule of contributory negligence which states that if the plaintiff is 1% at fault that would be a complete bar to recovery. In other words, if the cyclist was not paying full time and attention, was going to quickly, was intoxicated, was otherwise distracted, some fault could be attributed to the cyclist and it could be a complete bar to recovery.<br />
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In 2016 the law was changed in Washington DC.<br />
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§ 50–2204.52. Contributory negligence limitation.<br />
(a) The negligence of a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other non-motorized user of a public highway involved in a collision with a motor vehicle shall not bar the plaintiff's recovery in any civil action unless the plaintiff's negligence is:<br />
<br />
(1) A proximate cause of the plaintiff's injury; and<br />
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(2) Greater than the aggregated total amount of negligence of all of the defendants that proximately caused the plaintiff's injury.<br />
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(b) Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to:<br />
<br />
(1) Change or affect the doctrine of joint and several liability or the last clear chance doctrine; or<br />
<br />
(2) Reduce the legal protections provided to pedestrians and cyclists under:<br />
<br />
(A) § 7-1004; or<br />
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(B) § 50-1606.<br />
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The way I read this rule is that the bicyclist's claim is only barred if his negligence is greater than 50% of the negligence in the accident.<br />
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In my case the accident happened so suddenly that the cyclist had no chance to react. He was properly riding his bicycle, the cyclist had no clue that the door was about to pop open in his path.<br />
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I was able to persuade the insurance company insuring the driver of the merits of my client's case and we were able to resolve the matter favorably for my client.<br />
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I am a lifetime Washington Area Bicycle Association member and would be pleased to assist you in your bicycle accident related matters.Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-6181448616631788722019-12-05T19:43:00.002-08:002019-12-05T19:43:19.372-08:00Updates on Shielding Protective Order CasesThe state of Maryland has become more generous in providing shielding of protective orders. Initially, protective order cases could only be shielded if they were dismissed or the petitioner's request was denied. Currently, if the respondent consents to a protective order, without a finding of abuse, the respondent is eligible to at least petition the court to have the matter shielded from public record. The 2019 statute is below.<br />
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It is often wise to consider shielding a domestic violence case if possible. If someone is doing a background check and this sort of information comes up it can be viewed in a negative manner. Please call me if I can assist you or advise you in shielding your domestic violence case.<br />
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Section 4-512. Shielding of records.<br />
(a) Definitions. --<br />
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.<br />
<br />
(2)<br />
(i) "Court record" means an official record of a court about a proceeding that the clerk of a court or other court personnel keeps.<br />
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(ii) "Court record" includes:<br />
1. an index, a docket entry, a petition, a memorandum, a transcription of proceedings, an electronic recording, an order, and a judgment; and<br />
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2. any electronic information about a proceeding on the website maintained by the Maryland Judiciary.<br />
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(3) "Shield" means to remove information from public inspection in accordance with this section.<br />
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(4) "Shielding" means:<br />
(i) with respect to a record kept in a courthouse, removing the record to a separate secure area to which persons who do not have a legitimate reason for access are denied access; and<br />
<br />
(ii) with respect to electronic information about a proceeding on the website maintained by the Maryland Judiciary, completely removing all information concerning the proceeding from the public website, including the names of the parties, case numbers, and any reference to the proceeding or any reference to the removal of the proceeding from the public website.<br />
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(5) "Victim services provider" means a nonprofit or governmental organization that has been authorized by the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention to have online access to records of shielded protective orders in order to assist victims of abuse.<br />
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(b) Written request. --<br />
(1) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if a petition filed under this subtitle was denied or dismissed at the interim, temporary, or final protective order stage of a proceeding under this subtitle, the petitioner or the respondent may file a written request to shield all court records relating to the proceeding in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.<br />
<br />
(2) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if the respondent consented to the entry of a protective order under this subtitle, the petitioner or the respondent may file a written request to shield all court records relating to the proceeding in accordance with subsection (e) of this section.<br />
<br />
(c) Timing. -- A request for shielding under this section may not be filed within 3 years after the denial or dismissal of the petition or the consent to the entry of the protective order, unless the requesting party files with the request a general waiver and release of all the party's tort claims related to the proceeding under this subtitle.<br />
<br />
(d) Notice, hearing, and findings. --<br />
(1) If a petition was denied or dismissed at the interim, temporary, or final protective order stage of a proceeding under this subtitle, on the filing of a written request for shielding under this section, the court shall schedule a hearing on the request.<br />
<br />
(2) The court shall give notice of the hearing to the other party or the other party's counsel of record.<br />
<br />
(3) Except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection, after the hearing, the court shall order the shielding of all court records relating to the proceeding if the court finds:<br />
(i) that the petition was denied or dismissed at the interim, temporary, or final protective order stage of the proceeding;<br />
<br />
(ii) that a final protective order or peace order has not been previously issued against the respondent in a proceeding between the petitioner and the respondent;<br />
<br />
(iii) that the respondent has not been found guilty of a crime arising from abuse against the petitioner; and<br />
<br />
(iv) that none of the following are pending at the time of the hearing:<br />
1. an interim or temporary protective order or peace order issued against the respondent in a proceeding between the petitioner and the respondent; or<br />
<br />
2. a criminal charge against the respondent arising from alleged abuse against the petitioner.<br />
<br />
(4)<br />
(i) On its own motion or on the objection of the other party, the court may, for good cause, deny the shielding.<br />
<br />
(ii) In determining whether there is good cause under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the court shall balance the privacy of the petitioner or the respondent and potential danger of adverse consequences to the petitioner or the respondent against the potential risk of future harm and danger to the petitioner and the community.<br />
<br />
(5) Information about the proceeding may not be removed from the Domestic Violence Central Repository.<br />
<br />
(e) Notice, hearing, and findings -- After expiration of protective order. -- (1)<br />
(i) If the respondent consented to the entry of a protective order under this subtitle, the petitioner or the respondent may file a written request for shielding at any time after the protective order expires.<br />
<br />
(ii) On the filing of a request for shielding under this paragraph, the court shall schedule a hearing on the request.<br />
<br />
(iii) The court shall give notice of the hearing to the other party or the other party's counsel of record.<br />
<br />
(iv) Except as provided in subparagraph (vi) of this paragraph and subject to subparagraph (v) of this paragraph, after the hearing, the court may order the shielding of all court records relating to the proceeding if the court finds:<br />
1. for cases in which the respondent requests shielding, that the petitioner consents to the shielding;<br />
<br />
2. that the respondent did not violate the protective order during its term;<br />
<br />
3. that a final peace order or protective order has not been previously issued against the respondent in a proceeding between the petitioner and the respondent;<br />
<br />
4. that the respondent has not been found guilty of a crime arising from abuse against the petitioner; and<br />
<br />
5. that none of the following are pending at the time of the hearing:<br />
A. an interim or temporary peace order or protective order issued against the respondent; or<br />
<br />
B. a criminal charge against the respondent arising from alleged abuse against an individual.<br />
<br />
(v) In determining whether court records should be shielded under this paragraph, the court shall balance the privacy of the petitioner or the respondent and potential danger of adverse consequences to the petitioner or the respondent against the potential risk of future harm and danger to the petitioner and the community.<br />
<br />
(vi) Information about the proceeding may not be removed from the Domestic Violence Central Repository.<br />
<br />
(2)<br />
(i) If the respondent consented to the entry of a protective order under this subtitle, but the petitioner did not consent to shielding at the hearing under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the respondent may refile a written request for shielding after 1 year from the date of the hearing under paragraph (1) of this subsection.<br />
<br />
(ii) On the filing of a request for shielding under this paragraph, the court shall schedule a hearing on the request.<br />
<br />
(iii) The court shall give notice of the hearing to the other party or the other party's counsel of record.<br />
<br />
(iv) Except as provided in subparagraph (vi) of this paragraph and subject to subparagraph (v) of this paragraph, after the hearing, the court may order the shielding of all court records relating to the proceeding if the court finds: 1. A. that the petitioner consents to the shielding; or<br />
B. that the petitioner does not consent to the shielding, but that it is unlikely that the respondent will commit an act of abuse against the petitioner in the future;<br />
<br />
2. that the respondent did not violate the protective order during its term;<br />
<br />
3. that a final peace order or protective order has not been previously issued against the respondent in a proceeding between the petitioner and the respondent;<br />
<br />
4. that the respondent has not been found guilty of a crime arising from abuse against the petitioner; and<br />
<br />
5. that none of the following are pending at the time of the hearing:<br />
A. an interim or temporary peace order or protective order issued against the respondent; or<br />
<br />
B. a criminal charge against the respondent arising from alleged abuse against an individual.<br />
<br />
(v) In determining whether court records should be shielded under this paragraph, the court shall balance the privacy of the petitioner or the respondent and potential danger of adverse consequences to the petitioner or the respondent against the potential risk of future harm and danger to the petitioner and the community.<br />
<br />
(vi) Information about the proceeding may not be removed from the Domestic Violence Central Repository.<br />
<br />
(f) Access to shielded record. -- (1) This section does not preclude the following persons from accessing a shielded record for a legitimate reason:<br />
(i) a law enforcement officer;<br />
<br />
(ii) an attorney who represents or has represented the petitioner or the respondent in a proceeding;<br />
<br />
(iii) a State's Attorney;<br />
<br />
(iv) an employee of a local department; or<br />
<br />
(v) a victim services provider.<br />
<br />
(2)<br />
(i) A person not listed in paragraph (1) of this subsection may subpoena, or file a motion for access to, a record shielded under this section.<br />
<br />
(ii) If the court finds that the person has a legitimate reason for access, the court may grant the person access to the shielded record under the terms and conditions that the court determines.<br />
<br />
(iii) In ruling on a motion under this paragraph, the court shall balance the person's need for access to the record with the petitioner's or the respondent's right to privacy and the potential harm of unwarranted adverse consequences to the petitioner or the respondent that the disclosure may create.<br />
<br />
(g) Compliance with order. -- Within 60 days after entry of an order for shielding under this section, each custodian of court records that are subject to the order of shielding shall advise in writing the court and the respondent of compliance with the order.<br />
<br />
(h) Regulations. -- The Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, in consultation with the Maryland Judiciary, may adopt regulations governing online access to shielded records by a victim services provider. MD Code Fam. Law. 4-512 Shielding of records (Maryland Code (2019 Edition))Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-19444864125285802882019-11-20T09:22:00.003-08:002019-11-20T09:22:37.894-08:00Converting Arrest Warrants to Criminal Summons in Montgomery CountyA question which I receive in Montgomery County is whether an arrest warrant can be quashed or converted to a summons. The general answer in Montgomery County is in the negative. I was successful in converting an arrest warrant in Prince Georges County. In that case the prosecutor consented to the request.<br />
<br />
Below is directly from our administrative judge:<br /><br />
It is the position of our District Court that it does not have authority to convert an unserved arrest warrant to a criminal summons. District Court administrative regulation XV authorizes judges to recall bench warrants and failure to appear warrants only. Arrest warrants issued by commissioners must be served on the defendant.<br /><br />A possible exception is that the state's attorney can intervene and take action prior to service of a warrant on a defendant.Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-4005832106929412032019-11-15T11:46:00.002-08:002019-11-15T11:46:52.331-08:00Addressing uninsured motor vehicle claims in Maryland§ 10-921. Burden of proof in uninsured motorist coverage actions.<br />
(a) In general. -- In an action against an insurer or the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund under a policy providing uninsured motor vehicle liability coverage, the person asserting the uninsured status of a motor vehicle shall have the burden to prove that status.<br />
<br />
(b) Vehicles registered in the State. -- For a motor vehicle registered in the State on the date of the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose, the burden of proof shall be deemed satisfied when the person asserting the uninsured status of the motor vehicle introduces:<br />
(1) A certified copy of the official record of the Motor Vehicle Administration for that motor vehicle indicating the absence of a record that the motor vehicle was covered by the security required by § 17-104 of the Transportation Article on the date of the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose; or<br />
<br />
(2) A denial of coverage based on the absence of an in-force policy of insurance covering the vehicle on the date of the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose by the insurer that has been identified as the insurer of the motor vehicle:<br />
(i) By the Motor Vehicle Administration;<br />
<br />
(ii) In writing, if any, by the driver or owner of the motor vehicle; and<br />
<br />
(iii) In a report, if any, prepared by an officer of a federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency who investigated the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose.<br />
<br />
(c) Vehicles registered out-of-state. -- For a motor vehicle registered outside the State on the date of the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose, the burden of proof shall be deemed satisfied when the person asserting the uninsured status of the motor vehicle introduces:<br />
(1) A certified copy of the official records of the governmental unit, if any, that maintains records of insurance coverage for motor vehicles registered in that state indicating the absence of a record that the motor vehicle was covered by insurance on the date of the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose; or<br />
<br />
(2) A denial of coverage based on the absence of an in-force policy of insurance covering the vehicle on the date of the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose by the insurer that has been identified as the insurer of the vehicle:<br />
(i) By the governmental unit, if any, that maintains records of whether motor vehicles in the state are insured;<br />
<br />
(ii) In writing, if any, by the driver or owner of the motor vehicle; and<br />
<br />
(iii) In a report, if any, prepared by an officer of a federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency who investigated the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose.<br />
<br />
(d) Satisfaction of burden of proof. -- If a person satisfies the burden of proof under subsection (b) or (c) of this section, the finder of fact shall find the motor vehicle at issue to be uninsured, unless an adverse party establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the motor vehicle or the driver of the motor vehicle was covered by a valid, enforceable motor vehicle liability insurance policy, bond, or security that provides coverage for the occurrence out of which the cause of action arose.<br />
<br />
<br />
MD Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. 10-921 Burden of proof in uninsured motorist coverage actions (Maryland Code (2019 Edition))Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-72019051586616172832019-11-10T19:10:00.000-08:002019-11-10T19:10:11.373-08:00Whether a Defendant Serving a Sentence for a Crime of Violence Is Entitled to Immediate Relief under Health General 8-505?As indicated below, Maryland provides that at almost any time a defendant may be evaluated to determine whether because of drug or alcohol abuse the defendant is in need and may benefit from treatment.<br /><br />Many times someone will demand treatment in lieu of incarceration based on the statute. There is a strong body of evidence that someone with a drug or alcohol problem is not cured simply by abstinence from the drug or alcohol be it months or years. They come in an addict and they leave an addict without treatment. Often times the evaluation and subsequent treatment can help lead to a healthier, safer and crime free life.<br /><br />One of the ways in which Maryland categorizes crime is whether it is a crime of violence or not a crime of violence. The definition of crime of violence is more broad than one might think. The problem if one is convicted of a crime of violence is that relief under Health Gen. 8-505 is not available until after the defendant is first parole eligible.<br /><br />In Maryland, if a person is convicted of a crime of violence, parole eligibility begins at 50% of the actual sentence. In other words, if someone receives 25 years for a 1st° assault, they are not parole eligible until 12 1/2 years and consequently not eligible for consideration of 8-505 until 12 1/2 years. The statute below makes this clear in my opinion.<br />
<br />
<br />
§ 8-505. Evaluation of criminal defendants<br />
(a) In general. -- (1) (i) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, before or during a criminal trial, before or after sentencing, or before or during a term of probation, the court may order the Department to evaluate a defendant to determine whether, by reason of drug or alcohol abuse, the defendant is in need of and may benefit from treatment if:<br />
1. It appears to the court that the defendant has an alcohol or drug abuse problem; or<br />
<br />
2. The defendant alleges an alcohol or drug dependency.<br />
(ii) A court shall set and may change the conditions under which an examination is to be conducted under this section.<br />
<br />
(iii) The Department shall ensure that each evaluation under this section is conducted in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department.<br />
<br />
(2)<br />
(i) If a defendant is serving a sentence for a crime of violence, as defined in § 14-101 of the Criminal Law Article, a court may not order the Department to evaluate a defendant under this section until the defendant is eligible for parole.<br />
<br />
(ii) Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit a defendant who is serving a sentence for a crime of violence, as defined in § 14-101 of the Criminal Law Article from participating in any other treatment program or receiving treatment under the supervision of the Department under any other provision of law.<br />
<br />
(b) Outpatient examinations. -- On consideration of the nature of the charge, the court:<br />
(1) May require or permit an examination to be conducted on an outpatient basis; and<br />
<br />
(2) If an outpatient examination is authorized, shall set bail for the defendant or authorize the release of the defendant on personal recognizance.<br />
<br />
(c) Custodial examinations; detention and examination; habeas corpus. -- (1) If a defendant is to be held in custody for examination under this section:<br />
(i) The defendant may be confined in a detention facility until the Department is able to conduct the examination; or<br />
<br />
(ii) The court may order confinement of the defendant in a medical wing or other isolated and secure unit of a detention facility, if the court finds it appropriate for the health or safety of the defendant.<br />
<br />
(2) (i) If the court finds that, because of the apparent severity of the alcohol or drug dependency or other medical or psychiatric complications, a defendant in custody would be endangered by confinement in a jail, the court may order the Department to either:<br />
1. Place the defendant, pending examination, in an appropriate health care facility; or<br />
<br />
2. Immediately conduct an evaluation of the defendant.<br />
(ii) Unless the Department retains a defendant, the defendant shall be promptly returned to the court after an examination.<br />
<br />
(iii) A defendant who is detained for an examination under this section may question at any time the legality of the detention by a petition for a writ of habeas corpus.<br />
<br />
(d) Duties of evaluator. -- (1) If a court orders an evaluation under this section, the evaluator shall:<br />
(i) Conduct an evaluation of the defendant; and<br />
<br />
(ii) Submit a complete report of the evaluation within 7 days to the:<br />
1. Court;<br />
<br />
2. Department; and<br />
<br />
3. Defendant or the defendant's attorney.<br />
<br />
(2) On good cause shown, a court may extend the time for an evaluation under this section.<br />
<br />
(3) Whenever an evaluator recommends treatment, the evaluator's report shall:<br />
(i) Name a specific program able to immediately provide the recommended treatment; and<br />
<br />
(ii) Give an actual or estimated date when the program can begin treatment of the defendant.<br />
<br />
(e) Department to provide services. --<br />
(1) The Department shall immediately provide the services required by this section.<br />
<br />
(2) A designee of the Department may carry out any of its duties under this section.<br />
<br />
(f) Administration to perform evaluations. -- Evaluations performed in facilities operated by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services shall be conducted by the Administration.<br />
MD Code Health-Gen. 8-505 Evaluation of criminal defendants (Maryland Code (2019 Edition))Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-12768330297349283522019-11-10T18:55:00.003-08:002019-11-10T18:55:26.375-08:00Credit for Time Spent in CustodyIt is not unusual for a criminal defendant to be held in custody prior to trial on several different cases. For example a defendant might be convicted, receive a suspended sentence and be placed on probation. While on probation the defendant commits a new crime and is arrested and held without bond.<br /><br />At some point the defendant is convicted for the new crime. The court imposes incarceration. Because of the conviction for the new crime that violates the defendant's probation and the defendant is incarcerated for the original crime.<br /><br />Must each sentencing judge give credit for time served in custody? I believe that the criminal procedure article of Maryland would answer that question in the negative. I think the correct answer is that each sentencing judge may give credit for time served in custody.<br /><br />What do you think?<br /><br />
§ 6-218. Credit against sentence for time spent in custody<br />
(a) Scope of section. -- This section does not apply to a parolee who is returned to the custody of the Division of Correction because of a subsequent crime and is confined before being sentenced for the subsequent crime.<br />
<br />
(b) In general. -- (1) A defendant who is convicted and sentenced shall receive credit against and a reduction of the term of a definite or life sentence, or the minimum and maximum terms of an indeterminate sentence, for all time spent in the custody of a correctional facility, hospital, facility for persons with mental disorders, or other unit because of:<br />
(i) the charge for which the sentence is imposed; or<br />
<br />
(ii) the conduct on which the charge is based.<br />
<br />
(2) If a defendant is in custody because of a charge that results in a dismissal or acquittal, the time that would have been credited if a sentence had been imposed shall be credited against any sentence that is based on a charge for which a warrant or commitment was filed during that custody.<br />
<br />
(3) In a case other than a case described in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the sentencing court may apply credit against a sentence for time spent in custody for another charge or crime.<br />
<br />
(c) Credit when prior sentence set aside. -- A defendant whose sentence is set aside because of a direct or collateral attack and who is reprosecuted or resentenced for the same crime or for another crime based on the same transaction shall receive credit against and a reduction of the term of a definite or life sentence, or the minimum and maximum terms of an indeterminate sentence, for all time spent in custody under the prior sentence, including credit applied against the prior sentence in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.<br />
<br />
(d) Credit when one of multiple sentences set aside. -- A defendant who is serving multiple sentences, one of which is set aside as the result of a direct or collateral attack, shall receive credit against and a reduction of the remaining term of a definite or life sentence, or the remaining minimum and maximum terms of an indeterminate sentence, for all time spent in custody under the sentence set aside, including credit applied against the sentence set aside in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.<br />
<br />
(e) Credit awarded at sentencing. --<br />
(1) The court shall award the credit required by this section at the time of sentencing.<br />
<br />
(2) After having communicated with the parties, the court shall tell the defendant and shall state on the record the amount of the credit and the facts on which the credit is based. MD Code Crim. Proc. 6-218 Credit against sentence for time spent in custody (Maryland Code (2019 Edition))Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-45121166485078517242019-11-08T08:27:00.004-08:002019-11-08T08:27:43.839-08:00Immigration consequences of alcohol related offenses in MarylandThis is taken directly from two exceptional Maryland attorneys, Nadine Whetstein, Esq. and Maureen Sweeney, Esq. I put it here as a public service was great thanks for their research and writing.<br /><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 61.19999999999999pt; margin-right: 61.19999999999999pt; margin-top: 85.91999999999999pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">IMMIGRATION IMPACTS OF DUI ALCOHOL CONVICTIONS FOR OUR NONCITIZEN CLIENTS</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.399999936421711pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">1 </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: 342pt; margin-top: 16.56pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">FOR ALL NONCITIZENS: </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: -16.32000000000005pt; margin-top: 2.4pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Immigration authorities do not distinguish between alcohol-related convictions for driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while impaired (DWI) or other alcohol-related driving offenses.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.399999936421711pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">2 </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">That is, it is not necessarily helpful to have a DWI rather than DUI conviction. In this advisory, both are referred to as DUI. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 33.839999999999975pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Maryland TA 21-902 includes both driving and attempting to drive. Similarly, under immigration case law, attempt convictions have the same impact as convictions for the underlying offense. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: -8.159999999999968pt; margin-top: 17.28pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Receiving a PBJ will not alter any of the outcomes described here. A PBJ is a conviction for immigration purposes (unless there is absolutely no penalty, punishment, or restraint on liberty. Probation is a restraint on liberty. Court fines are a punishment). </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 74.16000000000003pt; margin-top: 17.28pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">A sentence of less than one year for a DUI conviction does not make it “safe.” </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: -14.879999999999995pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">A DUI charge – even short of a conviction – is “a significant adverse consideration” for eligibility to bond out of ICE custody, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) held.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.399999936421711pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">3 </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The BIA said immigration judges should set a monetary bond only if the detainee first establishes that he or she is not a “danger to the community.” “Drunk driving is an extremely dangerous crime,” the BIA said. A deportation case can take months or years to adjudicate, so this may be a significant consideration for your client. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: -9.120000000000005pt; margin-top: 17.28pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">If available, driving without a license (DWOL) would be a better plea option, as would be reckless or negligent driving or other non-alcohol related conviction. The client still might need to explain the incident to an immigration judge or official, and provide evidence of successful completion of probation and any treatment. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -16.559999999999945pt; margin-top: 23.28pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 6.960000038146972pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">1 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">© Maryland OPD 11-6-2019. </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">This advisory discusses Maryland </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">alcohol</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">-related convictions under TA 21- </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.039999961853027pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">902(a) and (b). Convictions under 21-902(c) and (d), regarding drugs, potentially are even more problematic. This advisory is not intended to be legal advice. Check for updates: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.039999961853027pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">A.G. and BIA decisions can be challenged by litigants and rejected by federal courts! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.039999961853027pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The author of this advisory is Nadine Wettstein, who is grateful for as- always helpful comments and suggestions by Prof. Maureen Sweeney of the University of Maryland. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 6.960000038146972pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">2 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">Matter of Castillo-Perez</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">, 27 I&N Dec. 664, 665, n.1 (AG October 25, 2019). </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 6.960000038146972pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">3 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">Matter of Siniauskas</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">, 27 I&N Dec. 207, 208, 209, 210 (BIA 2018). The BIA is the immigration appellate board </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.039999961853027pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">for the entire United States. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -16.559999999999945pt; margin-top: 13.920000000000002pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">BY CLIENT’S STATUS: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">A DUI conviction affects noncitizens differently depending upon their immigration status. Immigration advice to our clients must be </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">accurate</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">. To provide accurate advice about the immigration impact, you must know the client’s current immigration status. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -11.519999999999982pt; margin-top: 17.52pt; text-indent: 54pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Undocumented person (entered U.S. without inspection, or overstayed a visa) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">An undocumented person includes someone who entered the United States without inspection, and someone who initially entered the U.S. with a visa but stayed longer than permitted. An undocumented person is deportable regardless of a conviction. A DUI conviction will make her even more of an ICE enforcement priority and will raise her profile, especially if her fingerprints were taken when she was arrested. Fingerprints automatically go to ICE. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -14.159999999999968pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Some undocumented people may have a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">defense to deportation </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">called “10-year cancellation of removal.” To qualify, the applicant must prove he has lived in the United States for at least 10 years and has had “good moral character” for all that time. One DUI conviction will not disqualify him from this defense but it will be a very negative factor. He might have to show that this one incident was an aberration and that he acted promptly and successfully to address any alcohol issues. He will have to provide information about the charges and disposition and certified copies. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -14.879999999999995pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Under current agency case law, having two DUI convictions during the 10-year statutory period creates a very strong presumption that the person lacks good moral character and is thus disqualified from cancellation of removal.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.399999936421711pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">4 </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Proof of rehabilitation alone will not be enough to overcome the presumption. He also will have to show that his positive attributes outweigh the negatives, and that the DUIs were an aberration in a record that otherwise shows entirely good character. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -11.759999999999991pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">An applicant for 10-year cancellation of removal also cannot have spent 180 days or more in custody as a result of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">any and all </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">convictions including DWOL and other traffic matters. This refers to the actual time spent in custody including before trial if the person is convicted. It does not include back-up time. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -12.480000000000018pt; margin-top: 17.76pt; text-indent: 54pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Applicant for asylum or withholding of removal, or asylee </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">One or more DUI convictions will not disqualify the applicant for asylum, however it will be a negative discretionary factor that must be overcome by positive factors. A related fear-based defense to deportation, withholding of removal, is not discretionary so should not be denied based on DUI conviction(s). One or more DUI convictions will not cause an asylee to lose asylee status. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -12pt; margin-top: 17.76pt; text-indent: 54pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Asylee or other person applying for lawful permanent resident status (“green card”) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">After one year as an asylee, the asylee can apply to “adjust status” to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Other people adjust status from Special Immigration Juvenile; from a nonimmigrant visa; from a visa overstay; or other situations. Immigration officials have discretion to deny adjustment to LPR status. If the person has had DUI conviction(s), officials might deny adjustment on that basis. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 6.960000038146972pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">4 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">Matter of Castillo-Perez</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">, 27 I&N Dec. 664 (AG October 25, 2019). Affected individuals likely will challenge </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.039999961853027pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">this decision in federal courts across the country, so it is not necessarily the final word. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -13.440000000000055pt; margin-top: 28.560000000000002pt; text-indent: 54pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Students and others in the United States on a temporary visa </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The DUI conviction(s) itself should not create a criminal basis for deportation. However, if she spends so much time in jail that it interferes with the reason she was admitted to the United States, she could be violating her status. E.g., if the student cannot attend school or drops below the required number of credit hours, she may have violated the terms of her admission and risks deportation. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -12.960000000000036pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Also, the U.S. State Department says that a DUI indicates a possible visa ineligibility for a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">“physical or mental disorder” with associated harmful behavior that is likely to pose a threat to the property, safety or welfare of the person or others. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">This means that just based on the person’s arrest (and more likely if he is convicted), the visa could be revoked even while he is in the United States He will not necessarily be deported at that point, but if he leaves United States, he will have to apply for a new visa to return. He may have to go to an approved medical doctor to confirm that he does not have a physical or mental disorder related to alcohol that would cause a safety risk to the him or others. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -4.559999999999945pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Also, if the person is sentenced to an aggregated total of five years or more – including suspended or backup time – for two or more convictions of any kind, the person will be inadmissible, that is, not eligible to return to the United States. DUI, DWOL, and all other convictions count for this five-year inadmissibility rule. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -17.039999999999964pt; margin-top: 17.76pt; text-indent: 54pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">A DACA recipient has a permit that protects her from deportation and allows her to work, attend school, etc. One DUI conviction </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">disqualifies </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">her from DACA. She can expect the DACA permit to be automatically and quickly revoked. She then will revert to being undocumented. ICE may take her into custody. The conviction will be a negative discretionary and/ or good moral character factor in any applications for bond or defenses to deportation. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -13.200000000000045pt; margin-top: 17.52pt; text-indent: 54pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">TPS (Temporary Protected Status): </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">TPS still is in effect and many clients have a valid TPS work permit that protects them from deportation and allows them to work with authorization. However, any two convictions for any offense that carries a potential sentence of at least five days of jail time will disqualify the person from TPS. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -15.600000000000023pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">A DUI conviction counts as one conviction for TPS. If a client has a prior conviction for </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">any </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">jailable offense – including a prior DWOL – a new DUI conviction, or </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">any </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">second conviction for an offense carrying at least five days of jail time, disqualifies him from TPS. His TPS permit could be revoked and he will revert to being undocumented. ICE may take him into custody. The conviction will be a negative factor in any applications for bond or defenses to deportation. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-right: 185.76pt; margin-top: 17.76pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Lawful permanent residents (LPR or “green card”) </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -11.759999999999991pt; margin-top: 2.4pt; text-indent: 90pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Not ground for deportation </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Some good news! For an LPR, Maryland DUI </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">alcohol </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">convictions – even multiple such convictions – do not make him deportable. A DUI conviction is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">not </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">an aggravated felony or a crime involving moral </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -5.279999999999973pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">turpitude or otherwise a basis for revoking his status or causing his deportation (Caution: DUI / </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">drugs</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">, 21-902(c) or (d) could be different result!) Also see below re inadmissibility and naturalization. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -15.360000000000014pt; margin-top: 17.28pt; text-indent: 105.12pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Inadmissibility: re-entering United States after a trip </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">A DUI conviction – especially if there has been more than one – may affect the LPR’s “admissibility,” that is, his ability to return after a trip outside the United States. Among the reasons the government can keep a person out is that that he has “a physical or mental disorder and a history of behavior associated with the disorder ... [that poses] a threat to the property, safety, or welfare ...” of the person seeking admission, or others. Also, an aggregated total of five years’ sentence including suspended time for two or more convictions of any type creates a basis for inadmissibility. Especially if an LPR has more than one DUI or any other conviction, he should be cautious about leaving the U.S. even for a short trip, and before leaving should consult with an immigration attorney or immigration nonprofit organization. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -11.039999999999964pt; margin-top: 16.56pt; text-indent: 90pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Complicating, delaying application for U.S. citizenship </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Even one DUI conviction is a very negative discretionary factor when an LPR applies for U.S. citizenship, and may result in delay of approval or denial of her application. She may have to show she successfully acted to address any alcohol issues. She may need to obtain a medical certificate establishing she does not have a medical or physical condition related to alcohol that may make her a danger to herself or others. She will have to provide information about the charges and disposition and certified copies. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: 4.7999999999999545pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In addition, the LPR must successfully complete probation before her citizenship application will be approved. A cautious approach is for her to wait as much as five years (the usual “good moral character” period) after one DUI conviction before applying.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.399999936421711pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">5 </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -12pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Two DUI convictions within the statutory period (usually five years) will create a rebuttal presumption that the LPR is not a person of good moral character and should be denied U.S. citizenship.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.399999936421711pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">6 </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Two DUI convictions at any time – even if one or both was more than five years ago – very likely will be considered very negative factors and will have to be overcome with the passage of time and demonstration of clear rehabilitation. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -14.159999999999968pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Whatever the conviction(s), to qualify for U.S. citizenship, the LPR cannot have spent an aggregated total of 180 days or more in custody during the five-year “good moral character” period. This refers to the actual time spent in custody for any and all convictions, including time served before conviction and as a result of any probation violation. It does not include back-up or suspended time or time spent in jail if the person was not later convicted. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: 6.720000000000027pt; margin-top: 17.52pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The LPR should consult with an immigration attorney or immigration nonprofit organization before applying for U.S. citizenship. </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-4a463b17-7fff-add8-3cf6-7e2920e4b1d3"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -18pt; margin-right: -8.399999999999977pt; margin-top: 46.08pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 6.960000038146972pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">5 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">The five-year period is not a bright line or an “all clear.” The government can and does deny citizenship based </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.039999961853027pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">on prior conduct. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 6.960000038146972pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">6 </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">Matter of Castillo-Perez</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.399999936421715pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: sub;">, 27 I&N Dec. 664 (AG October 25, 2019). </span></span></div>
Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-90857339069438624002019-10-29T18:55:00.002-07:002019-10-29T18:55:23.893-07:00Limited Discovery in Breach of Lease?In a District Court breach of lease case, is limited discovery allowed to? In other words can the landlord find out about the tenant's case prior to trial and vice versa?<br />
<br />
Hudson v. Housing Authority, 935 A.2d 395, 402 Md. (2007) seems to indicate that limited discovery in certain types of landlord-tenant cases is allowed. In a footnote it cites the following:<br /><br />
1. Maryland Rule 3-711 (2006), entitled "Landlord-Tenant and Grantee Actions," states:<br />
<br />
<br />
Landlord-tenant and grantee actions shall be governed by (1) the procedural provisions of all applicable general statutes, public local laws, and municipal and county ordinances, and (2) unless inconsistent with the applicable laws, the rules of this Title, except that no pretrial discovery under Chapter 400 of this Title shall be permitted in a grantee action, or an action for summary ejectment, wrongful detainer, or distress for rent, or an action involving tenants holding over. Hudson v. Housing Authority, 935 A.2d 395, 402 Md. 18 (Md. App., 2007)Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-75784917768289097332019-10-20T19:11:00.004-07:002019-10-20T19:11:44.802-07:00Right to A Jury Trial in a Criminal Case<br />
It is generally thought that a criminal defendant may only have a jury trial if the crime charged exposes the defendant to more than 90 days of incarceration. While this is true in the District Court of Maryland, it does not apply in the Circuit Court. If the defendant is convicted in the District Court of, for example, driving while impaired, which generally only has a maximum of 60 days of incarceration, and the defendant appeals that matter to the Circuit Court, the defendant is entitled to a jury trial if the defendant so wishes based on the below statute.<br /><br />Criminal Procedure<br />
§ 6-101. Right to trial by jury<br />
In a criminal case tried in a court of general jurisdiction, there is no right to a jury trial unless:<br />
(1) the crime charged is subject to a penalty of imprisonment; or<br />
<br />
(2) there is a constitutional right to a jury trial for the crime.<br />
MD Code Crim. Proc. 6-101 Right to trial by jury (Maryland Code (2019 Edition))Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-63892065279040858262019-09-20T14:55:00.001-07:002019-10-14T17:04:15.990-07:00Must the clerk accept a proper filing?According to statute, generally yes:<br />
<br />
<br />
§ 2-201. In general<br />
(a) Enumeration. -- The clerk of a court shall:<br />
(1) Have custody of the books, records, and papers of his office;<br />
<br />
(2) Make proper legible entries of all proceedings of the court and keep them in well-bound books or other permanent form;<br />
<br />
(3) When requested in writing to do so, record any paper filed with his office and required by law to be recorded in the appropriate place, whether or not the title to land is involved;<br />
<br />
(4) Unless prohibited by law or order of court, provide copies of records or papers in his custody to a person requesting a copy, under the seal of the court if required;<br />
<br />
(5) Issue all writs which may legally be issued from the court;<br />
<br />
(6) Deliver a full statement of the costs of a suit to a party requesting a copy;<br />
<br />
(7) <b>Receive all books, documents</b>, public letters, and packages sent to him pursuant to law, and carefully dispose of them as the law requires;<br />
<br />
(8) Administer an oath;<br />
<br />
(9) Replace worn books and records with new ones;<br />
<br />
(10) In conjunction with the Motor Vehicle Administrator, establish uniform procedures for reporting both traffic cases and criminal cases involving a motor vehicle in the circuit court to the Motor Vehicle Administration; and<br />
<br />
(11) Perform any other duty required by law or rule.<br />
<br />
(b) No duty to record until costs paid. -- Unless otherwise provided by law, a clerk is not required to record any paper filed with him or to provide any person with a copy of a paper until the applicable charge has been paid.<br />
MD Code Cts. & Jud. Proc. 2-201 In general (Maryland Code (2019 Edition))<br />
<br />
Act of filing papers with court is as ministerial and inflexibly mandatory as any of clerk's responsibilities. Maccray versus Maryland 456 F2d 1 (Fourth Circuit 1972)<br />
<br />
There are some restrictions, the item must be in proper form, generally there must be a certificate of service, if these need to be paid, etc. but in general the court must accept documents for filing.Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-70508385186206738972019-09-20T14:42:00.002-07:002019-09-20T14:42:36.048-07:00What does "shall" mean?In Maryland there is some debate as to the term shall. Sometimes I like to equate shall with must. Excerpts from this opinion seem to support that position:<br /><br />
<span style="background-color: #454545; color: #eeeeee; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;">Lovero v. Joelma Da Silva., 200 Md.App. 433, 28 A.3d 43 (Md. App., 2011</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #454545; color: #eeeeee; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span>
It is important to note that in each iteration of the rule the clerk is directed not to “file” any paper or pleading requiring service that does not contain the appropriate proof of service. See Rule 1–323 (“The clerk shall not accept for filing....”); Rule 306 a.2. (“The clerk shall not accept or file ....”); and Rule 1(a)(2) (a paper “shall not be received and filed by the clerk ...”). The use of the word “shall” in a rule means that the conduct proscribed is mandatory. See Rule 1–201(a); 5 Owens v. Prince George's Cnty. Dep't of Soc. Servs., 182 Md.App. 31, 43–44, 957 A.2d 191 (adopting the view that the use of the word “shall” with respect to commands found in the Maryland Rules is mandatory), cert. denied, 406 Md. 746, 962 A.2d 372 (2008); Tranen v. Aziz, 59 Md.App. 528, 534, 476 A.2d 1170 (1984) (explaining that the term “<b>shall” in a rule “is presumed mandatory</b> ..., denoting an imperative obligation inconsistent with the exercise of discretion” (citation and quotations omitted)), aff'd, 304 Md. 605, 500 A.2d 636 (1985). Therefore, it is clear that in adopting Rule 1–323, and its predecessors, the Court of Appeals intended that a<br />
<br />
[28 A.3d 50]<br />
<br />
pleading or paper requiring service that did not contain the appropriate proof of service was not to become a part of any court [200 Md.App. 446] proceeding by being “filed” in the court file of such proceeding.<br />
Lovero v. Joelma Da Silva., 200 Md.App. 433, 28 A.3d 43 (Md. App., 2011)<br />
<br />
<br />Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-17949483142468309922019-07-11T14:28:00.002-07:002019-07-11T14:28:49.340-07:00Diversion of Prosecution in Prince Georges County District CourtPrince Georges County has a diversion system in place for certain categories of crime. There are a variety of factors which affect a defendant's ability to enter into a diversion program. There are many upsides to entering into a diversion program such as certainty of outcome and eventual dismissal of charges with the possibility of expungement. There are some downsides, actual innocence or inability of the state to prove its case could result in an acquittal with no further effort or expense from the defendant. You should consult with an attorney prior to making these important choices. Below is some information obtained from the District Court in Prince Georges County.<br />
<br />
COURT ORDERED COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM<br />
You were just advised by the Courts to perform Community Service. Listed below are the office locations and steps you need to take, to successfully satisfy your court ordered requirements:<br />
Upper Marlboro<br />
2927 Brown Station Road Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 Residential House with Blue and White Siding<br />
⦁<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Monday - Friday<br />
⦁<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Enrollment Hours<br />
⦁<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 08:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.<br />
301-952-3940/5357 Office<br />
<br />
Hyattsville<br />
District 1 County Police Station<br />
5000 Rhode Island Avenue, Suite 104<br />
Hyattsville, MD 20784<br />
Center of the Courtyard<br />
<br />
<br />
The enrollment process should take less than thirty minutes to complete. The program will take in<br />
consideration your means of transportation, work/school schedule and logistics of your residence. You are<br />
required to pay a $40.00 Administrative Fee in the form of a Money Order or Certified Check. No cash,<br />
personal checks or credit cards will be accepted.<br />
If you are not a resident of Prince Georges County or Washington DC, you may request in person a transfer<br />
through this Community Service Office to your jurisdiction. We will coordinate all paperwork regarding<br />
transferring your case. You are required to pay a $40.00 Administrative Fee in the form of a Money Order or<br />
Certified Check.<br />
For enrollment, you should have the following items:<br />
⦁<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Copy of your Court Order<br />
⦁<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Picture ID<br />
⦁<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Administrative User Fee<br />
4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> You must enroll with this program to receive court credit for all hours of Community Service you perform.<br />
This program will assign you to a specific work site to complete your community service hours.<br />
5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span> You may start your community service hours immediately after the enrollment or thereafter. This will be<br />
discussed and agreed upon during your enrollment process.<br />
The courts have assigned you a time frame to complete your hours. To figure out your completion date, count today as day one and every day thereafter, including holidays and weekends. This program will submit to the court on that date, your satisfactory or unsatisfactory compliance notice.<br />
<br />
Spanish-speaking interpreters are available<br />
<br />
13400 Dilie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772 (301) 952-4800 • 711 Maryland Relay Service • www.princegeorgescountymd.govTom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-70206214928765170212019-07-09T15:38:00.001-07:002019-07-09T15:38:08.866-07:00What does it mean if my case is put on the stet docketMaryland has a rule allowing a case to resolve other than a trial, dismissal or guilty plea. With the defendant's consent the case can be put on the stet docket. The following is from an information sheet found in the District Court for Prince Georges County and it summarizes the situation neatly:<br />
<br />
If the state moves to place your case on the stet docket, and you agree to the stet, and the judge agrees to the stet, then your case is placed on an inactive status for three years. Essentially, the state puts the file on a shelf and stops time on the case.<br />
The stet is not a conviction or an acquittal. It is a compromise between dropping the case and prosecuting you. Because it is not a conviction, you do not have to tell employers about it if they ask whether you have ever been convicted of any crime.<br />
For tlie first year, either you dr the state may request that the case be reactivated. The case would be removed from the shelf and brought back into court for trial. Time is restarted, and you are back in the same position as you are now, i.e., about to stand trial.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>. .<br />
For the last two years, the case may only be brought back into court upon written petition to a judge, who must agree there is good cause to reactivate the case.<br />
To receive the stet, you must waive your right to speedy trial. In other words, if the case is reactivated in the next three years, you may not say you did not get your trial.quickly enough.<br />
You keep all your other trial rights. .<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>’<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>' • *;~<br />
Tlie state may put some conditions on the stet, such as paying money to someone or some organization, staying -away from someone or some place, getting counselling, clearing up your driver's license, or anything else appropriate to your case. The state may also set a time, limit in which you must meet the condition(s) or eise have the case reactivated. It is your choice whether or not to agree to the condition(s), but you cannot have the stet disposition for your case unless you do agree and do meet the condition(s).Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5817781395889247608.post-87410848039483983102019-07-03T08:46:00.001-07:002019-07-03T08:46:14.482-07:00Child Support StatuteChild support and the general assembly. Under Maryland law an individual is entitled to child support under the following conditions: an individual who has attained the age of 18 years and he was enrolled in secondary school has the right to receive support and maintenance from both of the individual's parents until the first to occur of the following events:<br />
<br />
The individual dies<br />
<br />
The individual marries<br />
<br />
The individual is emancipated<br />
<br />
The individual graduates from or is no longer enrolled in secondary school or<br />
<br />
The individual attains the age of 19 years.<br />
<br />
You would think that the general assembly would put this particular provision in the Family Law Article under child support. Instead, it is in the Maryland code, Gen. Provisions 1-401. Even experienced family practitioners are hard-pressed to find this particular section.<br />
<br />
The Maryland Gen. Provisions Article, in case you are interested contains the following titles:<br />
<br />
Rules of interpretation<br />
official oath<br />
open meetings act<br />
Public information act<br />
Maryland public ethics law<br />
United States<br />
emblems, designations, commemorative days and months<br />
and false claims.<br />
<br />
Quite the potpourri of laws.Tom Witkophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12494462125611959834noreply@blogger.com0