Posts Tagged ‘Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer’
Donald A. Patterson, 65, of the 11800 block of Relay Drive in Bridgeton, was charged today with felony burglary and misdemeanor stealing.
It is very important to have the best criminal defense possible when facing a criminal charge.
The SRIS Law Group Maryland criminal defense attorneys can defend you against any type of criminal charge.
Our Maryland criminal defense lawyers have the experience to defend you against any type of criminal charge.
Contact a SRIS Law Group Maryland criminal defense lawyer in Maryland.
MTA WORKER FACES CHARGES OF STEALING MORE THAN $400,000
A Maryland Transit Administration employee is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in Baltimore federal court on charges he stole more than $400,000 in bus fares
It is very important to have the best criminal defense possible when facing a criminal charge.
The SRIS Law Group Virginia criminal defense attorneys can defend you against any type of criminal charge.
Our Virginia criminal defense lawyers have the experience to defend you against any type of criminal charge.
Contact a SRIS Law Group Virginia criminal defense lawyer in Virginia.
MARYLAND LAWYERS DEFENDING KIDNAPPING & STALKING & EXTORTION CHARGES
DEFENDING CLIENTS IN MARYLAND STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS
The Maryland kidnapping, stalking & extortion attorneys of SRIS, P.C. pride themselves in being aggressive trial lawyers. Rarely is there a situation when a client needs nothing less than an aggressive criminal lawyer than when one is charged with either a kidnapping, stalking or extortion in Maryland. The penalties in Maryland for kidnapping, stalking or extortion are incredibly severe. The prosecuting attorney in Maryland will generally pursue charges of this nature very strongly and the Maryland Courts will take a very harsh position if the person is convicted of kidnapping, stalking or extortion and is going to be sentenced by the Court. We have two offices in Maryland. The Maryland law offices of SRIS, P.C. have a number of excellent Maryland kidnapping defense attorneys, stalking defense lawyers & extortion defense attorneys with offices in Rockville and Baltimore. If you wish to consult with a Maryland criminal defense lawyer of SRIS, P.C., please contact us via email or our toll free number. Our Maryland attorneys will be glad to discuss with you as to how they can best assist you.
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND OFFICE: |
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND OFFICE: |
To learn more about the laws pertaining to abduction and kidnapping in Virginia or Massachusetts, please click on the state.
Below are some of the Maryland Kidnapping, Stalking or Extortion Laws.
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Kidnapping
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Child kidnapping
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Extortion generally
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Extortion by State or local government officer or employee
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Inducing another to give up compensation
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Extortion by false accusation
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Extortion by verbal threat
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Extortion by written threat
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Coercing or intimidating another to contribute or donate
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Threat against State or local official
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Stalking
Maryland Law § 3-502. Kidnapping (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not, by force or fraud, carry or cause a person to be carried in or outside the State with the intent to have the person carried or concealed in or outside the State.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of kidnapping and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
Exception
(c) Kidnapping does not include the act of a parent in carrying a minor child of that parent in or outside the State.
Maryland Law § 3-503. Child kidnapping (top)
Prohibited
(a)(1) A person may not, without color of right:
(i) forcibly abduct, take, or carry away a child under the age of 12 years from:
1. the home or usual place of abode of the child; or
2. the custody and control of the child’s parent or legal guardian;
(ii) without the consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian, persuade or entice a child under the age of 12 years from:
1. the child’s home or usual place of abode; or
2. the custody and control of the child’s parent or legal guardian; or
(iii) with the intent of depriving the child’s parent or legal guardian, or any person lawfully possessing the child, of the custody, care, and control of the child, knowingly secrete or harbor a child under the age of 12 years.
(2) In addition to the prohibitions provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a person may not, by force or fraud, kidnap, steal, take, or carry away a child under the age of 16 years.
Penalty
(b)(1) A person who violates subsection (a)(1) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
(2)(i) Except as provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a person, other than a parent of the child, who violates subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
(ii) 1. If a person convicted under subsection (a)(2) of this section is convicted in the same proceeding of rape or a first degree sexual offense under Subtitle 3 of this title, the person is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
2. If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole under sub-subparagraph 1 of this subparagraph, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intent at least 30 days before trial.
Maryland Law § 3-701. Extortion generally (top)
Scope of section
(a) This section does not apply to legitimate efforts by employees or their representatives to obtain certain wages, hours, or working conditions.
Obtaining or attempting to obtain property prohibited
(b) A person may not obtain or attempt to obtain money, property, or anything of value from another person with the person’s consent, if the consent is induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened force or violence, or by wrongful threat of economic injury.
Penalty–Property value of $500 or more
(c) If the value of the property is $500 or more, a person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both
Penalty–Property value less than $500
(d) If the value of the property is less than $500, a person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Limitation
(e) A prosecution for a felony under this section shall be instituted within 5 years after the crime was committed.
Maryland Law § 3-702. Extortion by State or local government officer or employee (top)
“Political subdivision” defined
(a) In this section, “political subdivision” includes a:
(1) county;
(2) municipal corporation;
(3) bicounty or multicounty agency;
(4) county board of education;
(5) public authority; or
(6) special taxing district.
Prohibited
(b) An officer or employee of the State or of a political subdivision may not wrongfully obtain or attempt to obtain money, property, or anything of value from a person with the person’s consent, if the consent is obtained under color or pretense of office, under color of official right, or by wrongful use of actual or threatened force or violence.
Penalty–Property value of $500 or more
(c) If the value of the property is $500 or more, a person who violates this section:
(1) is guilty of the felony of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both; and
(2) notwithstanding any pardon, shall be barred permanently from employment by the State or by a political subdivision.
Penalty–Property value of less than $500
(d) If the value of the property is less than $500, a person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Limitation
(e) A prosecution for a felony under this section shall be instituted within 5 years after the crime was committed.
Maryland Law § 3-703. Inducing another to give up compensation (top)
Prohibited
(a) An officer or employee of the State or of a county, municipal corporation, bicounty agency, or multicounty agency may not, by force, intimidation, or threat, induce a person employed in work financed wholly or partly by the State or by a county, municipal corporation, bicounty agency, or multicounty agency to give up any compensation to which the person is entitled under a contract or otherwise.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Limitation
(c) A prosecution for a crime under this section shall be instituted within 5 years after the crime was committed.
Maryland Law § 3-704. Extortion by false accusation (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person, with the intent to unlawfully extort money, property, or anything of value from another, may not falsely accuse or threaten to falsely accuse another of a crime or of anything that, if the accusation were true, would tend to bring the other into contempt or disrepute.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Maryland Law § 3-705. Extortion by verbal threat (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person, with the intent to unlawfully extort money, property, or anything of value from another, may not verbally threaten to:
(1) accuse any person of a crime or of anything that, if true, would bring the person into contempt or disrepute; or
(2)(i) cause physical injury to a person;
(ii) inflict emotional distress on a person;
(iii) cause economic damage to a person; or
(iv) cause damage to the property of a person.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Maryland Law § 3-706. Extortion by written threat (top)
Scope of section
(a)(1) This section applies to any writing, whether or not the writing is signed, or if the writing is signed, whether or not it is signed with a fictitious name or any other mark or designation.
(2) This section does not apply to a good faith reasonable notice of dishonor and warning of criminal prosecution under Title 8, Subtitle 1 of this article given by a holder of an instrument to the maker of the instrument.
Prohibited
(b) A person, with the intent to unlawfully extort money, property, or anything of value from another, may not knowingly send or deliver, or make for the purpose of being sent or delivered and part with the possession of, a writing threatening to:
(1) accuse any person of a crime or of anything that, if true, would bring the person into contempt or disrepute; or
(2)(i) cause physical injury to a person;
(ii) inflict emotional distress on a person;
(iii) cause economic damage to a person; or
(iv) cause damage to the property of a person.
Penalty
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Maryland Law § 3-707. Coercing or intimidating another to contribute or donate (top)
Effect of section
(a) This section does not prohibit picketing in connection with a labor dispute, as defined in § 4-301 of the Labor and Employment Article.
Prohibited
(b) A person or group may not engage in an act or conduct solely to coerce or intimidate another person to contribute or donate any money, goods, materials, or services to a social, economic, or political association or organization.
Penalty
(c)(1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.
(2) Each day on which a violation of this section occurs is a separate violation.
Maryland Law § 3-708. Threat against State or local official (top)
Definitions
(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Local official” means an individual serving in a publicly elected office of a local government unit, as defined in § 10-101 of the State Government Article.
(3)(i) “State official” has the meaning stated in § 15-102 of the State Government Article.
(ii) “State official” includes the Governor, Governor-elect, Lieutenant Governor, and Lieutenant Governor-elect.
(4) “Threat” includes:
(i) an oral threat; or
(ii) a threat in any written form, whether or not the writing is signed, or if the writing is signed, whether or not it is signed with a fictitious name or any other mark.
Prohibited–Making threat
(b) A person may not knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, kidnap, or cause physical injury to a State official or local official.
Prohibited–Sending or delivering threat
(c) A person may not knowingly send, deliver, part with, or make for the purpose of sending or delivering a threat prohibited under subsection (b) of this section.
Penalty
(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
Maryland Law § 3-802. Stalking (top)
Stalking” defined
(a) In this section, “stalking” means a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another where the person intends to place or knows or reasonably should have known the conduct would place another in reasonable fear:
(1)(i) of serious bodily injury;
(ii) of an assault in any degree;
(iii) of rape or sexual offense as defined by §§ 3-303 through 3-308 of this article or attempted rape or sexual offense in any degree;
(iv) of false imprisonment; or
(v) of death; or
(2) that a third person likely will suffer any of the acts listed in item (1) of this subsection.
Scope of section
(b) The provisions of this section do not apply to conduct that is:
(1) performed to ensure compliance with a court order;
(2) performed to carry out a specific lawful commercial purpose; or
(3) authorized, required, or protected by local, State, or federal law.
Prohibited
(c) A person may not engage in stalking.
Penalty
(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Sentence
(e) A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any other crime based on the acts establishing a violation of this section.
Our Maryland kidnapping, stalking & extortion defense attorneys and staff speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
MARYLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
DEFENDING FIRST & SECOND DEGREE MURDER & MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES IN MARYLAND
Thou shall not kill and if you do so in Maryland, you may be charged with one of the following charges:
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capital murder
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murder of the first degree
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murder of the second degree
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voluntary manslaughter
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involuntary manslaughter
The Maryland criminal defense attorneys of SRIS, P.C. will not hesitate to defend a client who has been charged with homicide. For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS,P.C. Maryland criminal defense lawyer, please call, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form.
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND OFFICE: |
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND OFFICE: |
To obtain a general overview of homicide, first and second degree murder, and manslaughter defense, please click here.
To learn more about the laws pertaining to homicide, first and second degree murder, and manslaughter defense in Virginia or Massachusetts, please click on the state.
The following are some of the different types of homicide and manslaughter charges one could face in the State of Maryland:
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Murder in the first degree
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Murder in the first degree–Sentence of death
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Murder in the first degree–Sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole
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Murder in the second degree
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Attempt to commit murder in the first degree
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Attempt to commit murder in the second degree
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Manslaughter
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Manslaughter by vehicle or vessel
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Viable fetuses
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Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of alcohol per se
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Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by alcohol
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Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by drugs
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Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance
FIRST AND SECOND DEGREE MURDER & MANSLAUGHTER DEFENSE
§ 2-201. Murder in the first degree (top)
In general
(a) A murder is in the first degree if it is:
(1) a deliberate, premeditated, and willful killing;
(2) committed by lying in wait;
(3) committed by poison; or
(4) committed in the perpetration of or an attempt to perpetrate:
(i) arson in the first degree;
(ii) burning a barn, stable, tobacco house, warehouse, or other outbuilding that:
1. is not parcel to a dwelling; and
2. contains cattle, goods, wares, merchandise, horses, grain, hay, or tobacco;
(iii) burglary in the first, second, or third degree;
(iv) carjacking or armed carjacking;
(v) escape in the first degree from a State correctional facility or a local correctional facility;
(vi) kidnapping under § 3-502 or § 3-503(a)(2) of this article;
(vii) mayhem;
(viii) rape;
(ix) robbery under § 3-402 or § 3-403 of this article;
(x) sexual offense in the first or second degree;
(xi) sodomy; or
(xii) a violation of § 4-503 of this article concerning destructive devices.
Penalty
(b)(1) A person who commits a murder in the first degree is guilty of a felony and on conviction shall be sentenced to:
(i) death;
(ii) imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole; or
(iii) imprisonment for life.
(2) Unless a sentence of death is imposed in compliance with § 2-202 of this subtitle and Subtitle 3 of this title, or a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole is imposed in compliance with § 2-203 of this subtitle and § 2-304 of this title, the sentence shall be imprisonment for life.
§ 2-202. Murder in the first degree–Sentence of death (top)
Requirement for imposition
(a) A defendant found guilty of murder in the first degree may be sentenced to death only if:
(1) at least 30 days before trial, the State gave written notice to the defendant of:
(i) the State’s intention to seek a sentence of death; and
(ii) each aggravating circumstance on which the State intends to rely;
(2)(i) with respect to § 2-303(g) of this title, except for § 2- 303(g)(1)(i) and (vii) of this title, the defendant was a principal in the first degree; or
(ii) with respect to § 2-303(g)(1)(i) of this title, a law enforcement officer, as defined in § 2-303(a) of this title, was murdered and the defendant was:
1. a principal in the first degree; or
2. a principal in the second degree who:
A. willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation intended the death of the law enforcement officer;
B. was a major participant in the murder; and
C. was actually present at the time and place of the murder; and
(3) the sentence of death is imposed in accordance with § 2-303 of this title.
Limitations
(b)(1) In this subsection, a defendant is “mentally retarded” if:
(i) the defendant had significantly below average intellectual functioning, as shown by an intelligence quotient of 70 or below on an individually administered intelligence quotient test and an impairment in adaptive behavior; and
(ii) the mental retardation was manifested before the age of 22 years.
(2) A defendant may not be sentenced to death, but shall be sentenced to imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole subject to the requirements of § 2-203(1) of this subtitle or imprisonment for life, if the defendant:
(i) was under the age of 18 years at the time of the murder; or
(ii) proves by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of the murder the defendant was mentally retarded.
§ 2-203. Murder in the first degree–Sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole (top)
A defendant found guilty of murder in the first degree may be sentenced to imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole only if:
(1) at least 30 days before trial, the State gave written notice to the defendant of the State’s intention to seek a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole; and
(2) the sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole is imposed in accordance with § 2-304 of this title.
§ 2-204. Murder in the second degree (top)
(a) A murder that is not in the first degree under § 2-201 of this subtitle is in the second degree.
Penalty
(b) A person who commits a murder in the second degree is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
§ 2-205. Attempt to commit murder in the first degree (top)
A person who attempts to commit murder in the first degree is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life.
§ 2-206. Attempt to commit murder in the second degree (top)
A person who attempts to commit murder in the second degree is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
Penalty
(a) A person who commits manslaughter is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to:
(1) imprisonment not exceeding 10 years; or
(2) imprisonment in a local correctional facility not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Spousal adultery not a mitigating factor
(b) The discovery of one’s spouse engaged in sexual intercourse with another does not constitute legally adequate provocation for the purpose of mitigating a killing from the crime of murder to voluntary manslaughter even though the killing was provoked by that discovery.
§ 2-209. Manslaughter by vehicle or vessel (top)
“Vehicle” defined
(a) In this section, “vehicle” includes a motor vehicle, streetcar, locomotive, engine, and train.
Prohibited
(b) A person may not cause the death of another as a result of the person’s driving, operating, or controlling a vehicle or vessel in a grossly negligent manner.
Name of crime
(c) A violation of this section is manslaughter by vehicle or vessel.
Penalty
(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
“Viable” defined
(a) For purposes of a prosecution under this title, “viable” has the meaning stated in § 20-209 of the Health–General Article.
Murder or manslaughter of viable fetus
(b) Except as provided in subsections (d) through (f) of this section, a prosecution may be instituted for murder or manslaughter of a viable fetus.
Intent
(c) A person prosecuted for murder or manslaughter as provided in subsection (b) of this section must have:
(1) intended to cause the death of the viable fetus;
(2) intended to cause serious physical injury to the viable fetus; or
(3) wantonly or recklessly disregarded the likelihood that the person’s actions would cause the death of or serious physical injury to the viable fetus.
Right to terminate pregnancy
(d) Nothing in this section applies to or infringes on a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy as stated in § 20-209 of the Health–General Article.
Liability of medical professionals
(e) Nothing in this section subjects a physician or other licensed medical professional to liability for fetal death that occurs in the course of administering lawful medical care.
Act or failure to act of pregnant woman
(f) Nothing in this section applies to an act or failure to act of a pregnant woman with regard to her own fetus.
Personhood or rights of fetus
(g) Nothing in this section shall be construed to confer personhood or any rights on the fetus.
Death penalty
(h) The commission of first degree murder of a viable fetus under this section, in conjunction with the commission of another first degree murder arising out of the same incident, does not constitute an aggravating circumstance subjecting a defendant to the death penalty under § 2-303(g)(ix) of this title.
§ 2-503. Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of alcohol per se (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not cause the death of another as a result of the person’s negligently driving, operating, or controlling a motor vehicle or vessel while:
(1) under the influence of alcohol; or
(2) under the influence of alcohol per se.
Name of crime
(b) A violation of this section is:
(1) homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of alcohol; or
(2) homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of alcohol per se.
Penalty
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
§ 2-504. Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by alcohol (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not cause the death of another as a result of the person’s negligently driving, operating, or controlling a motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by alcohol.
Name of crime
(b) A violation of this section is homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by alcohol.
Penalty
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
§ 2-505. Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by drugs (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not cause the death of another as a result of the person’s negligently driving, operating, or controlling a motor vehicle or vessel while the person is so far impaired by a drug, a combination of drugs, or a combination of one or more drugs and alcohol that the person cannot drive, operate, or control a motor vehicle or vessel safely.
Name of crime
(b) A violation of this section is homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by drugs.
Penalty
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Prohibited defense
(d) It is not a defense to a charge of violating this section that the person is or was entitled under the laws of this State to use a drug, combination of drugs, or combination of one or more drugs and alcohol, unless the person was unaware that the drug, combination of drugs, or combination of one or more drugs and alcohol would make the person incapable of driving, operating, or controlling a motor vehicle or vessel in a safe manner.
§ 2-506. Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not cause the death of another as a result of the person’s negligently driving, operating, or controlling a motor vehicle or vessel while the person is impaired by a controlled dangerous substance, as defined in § 5-101 of this article.
Name of crime
(b) A violation of this section is homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance.
Penalty
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Exception
(d) This section does not apply to a person who is entitled to use the controlled dangerous substance under the laws of this State.
The Maryland attorneys and Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., are located in Rockville & Baltimore .
Our Maryland criminal defense attorneys and staff speak various languages, including English, Tamil, Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Telugu.
For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS, P.C., please call, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form.
We Are a Designated Debt Relief Agency under Federal Law. We Provide Legal Assistance to Consumers Seeking Relief Under the Bankruptcy Code.
Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer
DEFENDING CLIENTS CHARGED WITH SOLICITATION IN MD, PROSTITUTION IN MD OR PANDERING IN MD
Maryland does not tolerate Prostitution, Pandering, or Solicitation. Now more than ever, these offenses are being targeted and prosecuted. Maryland routinely does sting operations in an attempt to stop these offenses. Unfortunately, even being charged with an offense of prostitution, pandering or solicitation causes tremendous public humiliation. Not to mention, marital strife. We empathize with clients who face these difficulties and work closely with them in an endeavor to avoid conviction. The Maryland prostitution defense attorneys of SRIS, P.C. regularly defend clients who are charged with offenses related to prostitution in Maryland, solicitation in Maryland or pandering in Maryland. For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS, P.C. Maryland prostitution defense lawyer, please call, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form.
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ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND OFFICE: |
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND OFFICE: |
If you have been arrested or charged with an act of prostitution in Maryland or solicitation in Maryland you need to contact the Maryland prostitution defense attorneys at SRIS, P.C.
To obtain a general overview of solicitation, prostitution, & pandering defense, please click here.
To learn more about the laws pertaining to solicitation, prostitution, & pandering defense in Virginia or Massachusetts, please click on the state.
Here are some of the different types of offenses the State of Maryland may charge regarding prostitution, solicitation, or pandering:
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House of prostitution
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Pandering
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Receiving earnings of prostitute
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Unnatural or perverted sexual practice
MD Code § 11-306. House of prostitution (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not knowingly:
(1) engage in prostitution or assignation by any means;
(2) keep, set up, occupy, maintain, or operate a building, structure, or conveyance for prostitution or assignation;
(3) allow a building, structure, or conveyance owned or under the person’s control to be used for prostitution or assignation;
(4) allow or agree to allow a person into a building, structure, or conveyance for prostitution or assignation; or
(5) procure or solicit or offer to procure or solicit for prostitution or assignation.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
MD Code § 11-303. Pandering (top)
Prohibited–In general(a) A person may not knowingly:
(1) take or cause another to be taken to any place for prostitution;
(2) place, cause to be placed, or harbor another in any place for prostitution;
(3) persuade or encourage by threat or promise another to be taken to or placed in any place for prostitution;
(4) unlawfully take or detain another with the intent to use force, threat, or persuasion to compel the other to marry the person or a third person or perform a sexual act, sexual contact, or vaginal intercourse; or
(5) receive consideration to procure for or place in a house of prostitution or elsewhere another with the intent of causing the other to engage in prostitution or assignation.
Prohibited–Consent of parent or guardian
(b) A parent, guardian, or person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for supervision of another may not consent to the taking or detention of the other for prostitution.
Penalty
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of pandering and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Statute of limitations and in banc review
(d) A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
Venue
(e) A person who violates this section may be charged, tried, and sentenced in any county in or through which the person transported or attempted to transport the other.
MD Code § 11-304. Receiving earnings of prostitute (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not receive or acquire money or proceeds from the earnings of a person engaged in prostitution with the intent to:
(1) promote a crime under this subtitle;
(2) profit from a crime under this subtitle; or(3) conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of money or proceeds of a crime under this subtitle.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Statute of limitations and in banc review
(c) A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
MD Code § 3-322. Unnatural or perverted sexual practice (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not:
(1) take the sexual organ of another or of an animal in the person’s mouth;
(2) place the person’s sexual organ in the mouth of another or of an animal; or
(3) commit another unnatural or perverted sexual practice with another or with an animal.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
Statute of limitations and in banc review
(c) A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
Charging document
(d) An indictment for a violation of this section:
(1) is sufficient if it states that the defendant committed an unnatural and perverted sexual practice with a person or animal as applicable; but
(2) need not state the particular:
(i) unnatural or perverted sexual practice with which the defendant is charged; or
(ii) manner in which the defendant committed the unnatural or perverted sexual practice.
Our Maryland criminal defense lawyers and staff speak various languages, including English, Tamil, Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Telugu.
For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS, P.C., please call, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form.
We Are a Designated Debt Relief Agency under Federal Law. We Provide Legal Assistance to Consumers Seeking Relief Under the Bankruptcy Code.
MASSACHUSETTS DISORDERLY CONDUCT, MARYLAND BREACH OF PEACE & VIRGINIA DISORDERLY CONDUCT DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. & Massachusetts
There is virtually no state in the United States that does not have some form of law regarding disorderly conduct. This law is commonly described as a catch-all law. The disorderly conduct law in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts prohibits people from being drunk in public, disturbing the peace, etc. The law is designed to try and prevent people from making a nuisance of themselves in public. When a person is doing something that the police consider a nuisance in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts, they usually charge the person with disorderly conduct. What many people do not realize is that simply being a nuisance does violate the law of disorderly conduct as written in most states. Therefore, people who are charged with disorderly conduct plead guilty without getting the assistance of an criminal defense attorney. Unfortunately, this results in the person being convicted of a crime that carries the possibility of jail time and a fine. Even if the person convicted of disorderly conduct does not receive jail, they will certainly receive a permanent mark on their criminal record. Do not let this happen to you.
Please contact a Maryland, Massachusetts or Virginia criminal defense attorney of SRIS, P.C. today, if you have been charged with disorderly conduct in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts. You can call us 888-437-7747, email, or our fast on line form. A Virginia criminal defense lawyer, Maryland criminal defense lawyer or Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer from our firm will consult with you as to your options and possible defenses.
We have offices in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
- Our offices in Virginia are in Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond & Virginia Beach.
- Our offices in Maryland are in Baltimore & Rockville.
- Our office in Massachusetts is in Boston.
Please click on the state, if you wish to read some of the laws regarding disorderly conduct in:
- Virginia Disorderly Conduct Laws
- Maryland Breach of Peace Laws
- Massachusetts Disorderly Conduct Laws
Our criminal defense attorneys and staff in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Tamil, Arabic, Hindi, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
Our criminal defense lawyers are licensed to handle disorderly cases in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. & Massachusetts, however we handle disorderly conduct cases only in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
Please click on attorneys to learn more about the criminal defense lawyers who assist clients with disorderly conduct charges in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts.
Call us today!
Criminal Defense Attorneys - Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts
Licensed in Virginia (VA), Maryland (MD), D.C. & Massachusetts (MA)
If you are facing a criminal charge in Virginia, criminal charge in Maryland or criminal charge in Massachusetts, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend you. You can count on the court to provide you with a lawyer to defend you or you can hire a SRIS, P.C. criminal defense lawyer. Look at what other clients have said about us, before you make a choice as to who is going to defend you. Our Virginia criminal defense lawyers, Maryland criminal defense lawyers and Massachusetts criminal defense lawyers are experienced criminal defense attorneys.
Very often, criminal cases in Virginia, criminal cases in Maryland & criminal cases in Massachusetts have flaws or weaknesses that the prosecution does not want you to know. These flaws in a criminal case will allow an experienced SRIS, P.C. criminal defense lawyer in Virginia, Maryland criminal defense lawyer or Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer to exploit those weaknesses and either have the criminal offense lowered to a lesser criminal charge or have the case dismissed or win an acquittal for you at trial. The SRIS, P.C. criminal defense attorneys in Virginia, Maryland criminal defense lawyers & Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys are very skilled at negotiating pleas as well. Our criminal defense lawyers will plea bargain on your behalf to obtain the best result possible even if the prosecution’s case is pretty solid. This plea bargaining will result in you receiving either a lesser punishment for the criminal offense that is charged, a lesser criminal charge or in some instances a dismissal of the criminal charge in lieu of community service.
The Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is an aggressive criminal defense firm in Virginia, criminal defense firm in Maryland & criminal defense firm in Massachusetts, that has offices in each state.
Remember there is no substitute for the benefit you will get from receiving the advice of a criminal lawyer who is familiar with the criminal statutes, criminal procedure and criminal court system in the jurisdiction you have been charged in. That is why we have provided you with an easy to fill out criminal case evaluation on line form. You can also call us toll free at 888-437-SRIS (7747) to discuss your case with a SRIS, P.C. criminal lawyer in Virginia, criminal lawyer in Maryland or criminal lawyer in Massachusetts.
Juvenile Criminal Defense
What are the main types of juvenile criminal cases defended by SRIS, P.C. in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts?
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Delinquent – A child who is alleged to be a juvenile delinquent is a child who is accused of an act which would be a crime if committed by an adult.
-
Traffic violations – Cases involving juveniles accused of traffic violations such as reckless driving ticket, racing, driving without a license, speeding tickets, etc.
These types of cases originate in the Virginia Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, Maryland Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court & Massachusetts Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
Clients frequently ask us, what happens in the Massachusetts, Maryland or Virginia Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court if my son or daughter is charged with a criminal or traffic offense?
Any person who is under the age of eighteen (18) and is alleged to have committed an act that would be a crime in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts if done by an adult will have his/her case originate in the juvenile and domestic relations district court as a delinquent act by a juvenile.
The juvenile in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts will be notified to appear before a judge for an advisement where the criminal charges will be explained. The law requires that one or both of the juvenile’s parents or legal guardian be present during all proceedings, or an attorney must be appointed for the minor to ensure that the child’s right are being protected.
If the juvenile is over the age of 14 and the delinquent act by the juvenile is serious enough, the prosecuting attorney may ask the juvenile court judge to transfer the case to circuit court where the juvenile will be prosecuted as an adult. This is called certifying the juvenile as an adult.
All people who are accused of a crime or delinquent act are entitled to an attorney. Even a juvenile has the right to a lawyer. The court may appoint a lawyer to represent the juvenile if the juvenile’s family cannot afford a lawyer.
Contact us for a skilled, effective criminal defense in Virginia, criminal defense in Maryland or criminal defense in Massachusetts. You can either call one of our offices in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts or send us an e-mail.
We have several office locations to conveniently serve you.
Our criminal defense attorneys are licensed to handle criminal cases in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. & Massachusetts. However, our criminal defense attorneys handle criminal defense only in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts at the present time.
Our attorneys who provide criminal defense and staff in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts, speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
Please click on attorneys to learn more about the criminal defense lawyers who handle criminal defense in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts.
Trespass Defense Attorneys
Licensed in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., & Massachusetts
Trespassing in Virginia, trespassing in Maryland or trespassing in Massachusetts is the act of entering into another person’s land or property without the permission of the owner. The offense of trespass is a misdemeanor in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
If a person trespasses on the property of another, then the person should be told to leave and if the trespasser does not leave, then the remedy is to call the police and have them removed in most states. In a few states, reasonable force may be used to remove a trespasser if the person has been told to leave and does not leave the property.
Please contact a Massachusetts, Maryland or Virginia criminal defense attorney of SRIS, P.C. today, if you have been charged with trespass. You can call us 888-437-7747, email, or our fast on line form. A SRIS, P.C. Virginia criminal defense lawyer, Maryland criminal defense lawyer or Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer from our firm will consult with you as to your options and possible defenses.
We have offices in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts
- Our offices in Virginia are in Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond & Virginia Beach.
- Our offices in Maryland are in Baltimore & Rockville.
- Our office in Massachusetts is in Boston.
Please click on the state, if you wish to read some of the laws regarding trespass defense in:
- Trespass Laws in Virginia
- Trespass Laws in Maryland
- Trespass Laws in Massachusetts
Our criminal defense attorneys and staff in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Tamil, Arabic, Hindi, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
Our attorneys are licensed to to defend trespass cases in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. & Massachusetts, however we defend trespass cases only in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts.
Call us today!
Criminal Defense Attorneys - Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts
Licensed in Virginia (VA), Maryland (MD), D.C. & Massachusetts (MA)
If you are facing a criminal charge in Virginia, criminal charge in Maryland or criminal charge in Massachusetts, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend you. You can count on the court to provide you with a lawyer to defend you or you can hire a SRIS, P.C. criminal defense lawyer. Look at what other clients have said about us, before you make a choice as to who is going to defend you. Our Virginia criminal defense lawyers, Maryland criminal defense lawyers and Massachusetts criminal defense lawyers are experienced criminal defense attorneys.
Very often, criminal cases in Virginia, criminal cases in Maryland & criminal cases in Massachusetts have flaws or weaknesses that the prosecution does not want you to know. These flaws in a criminal case will allow an experienced SRIS, P.C. criminal defense lawyer in Virginia, Maryland criminal defense lawyer or Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer to exploit those weaknesses and either have the criminal offense lowered to a lesser criminal charge or have the case dismissed or win an acquittal for you at trial. The SRIS, P.C. criminal defense attorneys in Virginia, Maryland criminal defense lawyers & Massachusetts criminal defense attorneys are very skilled at negotiating pleas as well. Our criminal defense lawyers will plea bargain on your behalf to obtain the best result possible even if the prosecution’s case is pretty solid. This plea bargaining will result in you receiving either a lesser punishment for the criminal offense that is charged, a lesser criminal charge or in some instances a dismissal of the criminal charge in lieu of community service.
The Law Offices of SRIS, P.C. is an aggressive criminal defense firm in Virginia, criminal defense firm in Maryland & criminal defense firm in Massachusetts, that has offices in each state.
Remember there is no substitute for the benefit you will get from receiving the advice of a criminal lawyer who is familiar with the criminal statutes, criminal procedure and criminal court system in the jurisdiction you have been charged in. That is why we have provided you with an easy to fill out criminal case evaluation on line form. You can also call us toll free at 888-437-SRIS (7747) to discuss your case with a SRIS, P.C. criminal lawyer in Virginia, criminal lawyer in Maryland or criminal lawyer in Massachusetts.
Juvenile Criminal Defense
What are the main types of juvenile criminal cases defended by SRIS, P.C. in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts?
-
Delinquent – A child who is alleged to be a juvenile delinquent is a child who is accused of an act which would be a crime if committed by an adult.
-
Traffic violations – Cases involving juveniles accused of traffic violations such as reckless driving ticket, racing, driving without a license, speeding tickets, etc.
These types of cases originate in the Virginia Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court, Maryland Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court & Massachusetts Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court.
Clients frequently ask us, what happens in the Massachusetts, Maryland or Virginia Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court if my son or daughter is charged with a criminal or traffic offense?
Any person who is under the age of eighteen (18) and is alleged to have committed an act that would be a crime in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts if done by an adult will have his/her case originate in the juvenile and domestic relations district court as a delinquent act by a juvenile.
The juvenile in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts will be notified to appear before a judge for an advisement where the criminal charges will be explained. The law requires that one or both of the juvenile’s parents or legal guardian be present during all proceedings, or an attorney must be appointed for the minor to ensure that the child’s right are being protected.
If the juvenile is over the age of 14 and the delinquent act by the juvenile is serious enough, the prosecuting attorney may ask the juvenile court judge to transfer the case to circuit court where the juvenile will be prosecuted as an adult. This is called certifying the juvenile as an adult.
All people who are accused of a crime or delinquent act are entitled to an attorney. Even a juvenile has the right to a lawyer. The court may appoint a lawyer to represent the juvenile if the juvenile’s family cannot afford a lawyer.
Contact us for a skilled, effective criminal defense in Virginia, criminal defense in Maryland or criminal defense in Massachusetts. You can either call one of our offices in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts or send us an e-mail.
We have several office locations to conveniently serve you.
Our criminal defense attorneys are licensed to handle criminal cases in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. & Massachusetts. However, our criminal defense attorneys handle criminal defense only in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts at the present time.
Our attorneys who provide criminal defense and staff in Virginia, Maryland & Massachusetts, speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
Please click on attorneys to learn more about the criminal defense lawyers who handle criminal defense in Virginia, Maryland or Massachusetts.
MARYLAND LAWYERS DEFENDING KIDNAPPING & STALKING & EXTORTION CHARGES
DEFENDING CLIENTS IN MARYLAND STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS
The Maryland kidnapping, stalking & extortion attorneys of SRIS, P.C. pride themselves in being aggressive trial lawyers. Rarely is there a situation when a client needs nothing less than an aggressive criminal lawyer than when one is charged with either a kidnapping, stalking or extortion in Maryland. The penalties in Maryland for kidnapping, stalking or extortion are incredibly severe. The prosecuting attorney in Maryland will generally pursue charges of this nature very strongly and the Maryland Courts will take a very harsh position if the person is convicted of kidnapping, stalking or extortion and is going to be sentenced by the Court. We have two offices in Maryland. The Maryland law offices of SRIS, P.C. have a number of excellent Maryland kidnapping defense attorneys, stalking defense lawyers & extortion defense attorneys with offices in Rockville and Baltimore. If you wish to consult with a Maryland criminal defense lawyer of SRIS, P.C., please contact us via email or our toll free number. Our Maryland attorneys will be glad to discuss with you as to how they can best assist you.
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND OFFICE: |
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND OFFICE: |
To learn more about the laws pertaining to abduction and kidnapping in Virginia or Massachusetts, please click on the state.
Below are some of the Maryland Kidnapping, Stalking or Extortion Laws.
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Kidnapping
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Child kidnapping
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Extortion generally
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Extortion by State or local government officer or employee
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Inducing another to give up compensation
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Extortion by false accusation
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Extortion by verbal threat
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Extortion by written threat
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Coercing or intimidating another to contribute or donate
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Threat against State or local official
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Stalking
Maryland Law § 3-502. Kidnapping (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person may not, by force or fraud, carry or cause a person to be carried in or outside the State with the intent to have the person carried or concealed in or outside the State.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of kidnapping and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
Exception
(c) Kidnapping does not include the act of a parent in carrying a minor child of that parent in or outside the State.
Maryland Law § 3-503. Child kidnapping (top)
Prohibited
(a)(1) A person may not, without color of right:
(i) forcibly abduct, take, or carry away a child under the age of 12 years from:
1. the home or usual place of abode of the child; or
2. the custody and control of the child’s parent or legal guardian;
(ii) without the consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian, persuade or entice a child under the age of 12 years from:
1. the child’s home or usual place of abode; or
2. the custody and control of the child’s parent or legal guardian; or
(iii) with the intent of depriving the child’s parent or legal guardian, or any person lawfully possessing the child, of the custody, care, and control of the child, knowingly secrete or harbor a child under the age of 12 years.
(2) In addition to the prohibitions provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection, a person may not, by force or fraud, kidnap, steal, take, or carry away a child under the age of 16 years.
Penalty
(b)(1) A person who violates subsection (a)(1) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
(2)(i) Except as provided under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a person, other than a parent of the child, who violates subsection (a)(2) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years.
(ii) 1. If a person convicted under subsection (a)(2) of this section is convicted in the same proceeding of rape or a first degree sexual offense under Subtitle 3 of this title, the person is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding life without the possibility of parole.
2. If the State intends to seek a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole under sub-subparagraph 1 of this subparagraph, the State shall notify the person in writing of the State’s intent at least 30 days before trial.
Maryland Law § 3-701. Extortion generally (top)
Scope of section
(a) This section does not apply to legitimate efforts by employees or their representatives to obtain certain wages, hours, or working conditions.
Obtaining or attempting to obtain property prohibited
(b) A person may not obtain or attempt to obtain money, property, or anything of value from another person with the person’s consent, if the consent is induced by wrongful use of actual or threatened force or violence, or by wrongful threat of economic injury.
Penalty–Property value of $500 or more
(c) If the value of the property is $500 or more, a person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both
Penalty–Property value less than $500
(d) If the value of the property is less than $500, a person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Limitation
(e) A prosecution for a felony under this section shall be instituted within 5 years after the crime was committed.
Maryland Law § 3-702. Extortion by State or local government officer or employee (top)
“Political subdivision” defined
(a) In this section, “political subdivision” includes a:
(1) county;
(2) municipal corporation;
(3) bicounty or multicounty agency;
(4) county board of education;
(5) public authority; or
(6) special taxing district.
Prohibited
(b) An officer or employee of the State or of a political subdivision may not wrongfully obtain or attempt to obtain money, property, or anything of value from a person with the person’s consent, if the consent is obtained under color or pretense of office, under color of official right, or by wrongful use of actual or threatened force or violence.
Penalty–Property value of $500 or more
(c) If the value of the property is $500 or more, a person who violates this section:
(1) is guilty of the felony of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both; and
(2) notwithstanding any pardon, shall be barred permanently from employment by the State or by a political subdivision.
Penalty–Property value of less than $500
(d) If the value of the property is less than $500, a person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of extortion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Limitation
(e) A prosecution for a felony under this section shall be instituted within 5 years after the crime was committed.
Maryland Law § 3-703. Inducing another to give up compensation (top)
Prohibited
(a) An officer or employee of the State or of a county, municipal corporation, bicounty agency, or multicounty agency may not, by force, intimidation, or threat, induce a person employed in work financed wholly or partly by the State or by a county, municipal corporation, bicounty agency, or multicounty agency to give up any compensation to which the person is entitled under a contract or otherwise.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Limitation
(c) A prosecution for a crime under this section shall be instituted within 5 years after the crime was committed.
Maryland Law § 3-704. Extortion by false accusation (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person, with the intent to unlawfully extort money, property, or anything of value from another, may not falsely accuse or threaten to falsely accuse another of a crime or of anything that, if the accusation were true, would tend to bring the other into contempt or disrepute.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Maryland Law § 3-705. Extortion by verbal threat (top)
Prohibited
(a) A person, with the intent to unlawfully extort money, property, or anything of value from another, may not verbally threaten to:
(1) accuse any person of a crime or of anything that, if true, would bring the person into contempt or disrepute; or
(2)(i) cause physical injury to a person;
(ii) inflict emotional distress on a person;
(iii) cause economic damage to a person; or
(iv) cause damage to the property of a person.
Penalty
(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Maryland Law § 3-706. Extortion by written threat (top)
Scope of section
(a)(1) This section applies to any writing, whether or not the writing is signed, or if the writing is signed, whether or not it is signed with a fictitious name or any other mark or designation.
(2) This section does not apply to a good faith reasonable notice of dishonor and warning of criminal prosecution under Title 8, Subtitle 1 of this article given by a holder of an instrument to the maker of the instrument.
Prohibited
(b) A person, with the intent to unlawfully extort money, property, or anything of value from another, may not knowingly send or deliver, or make for the purpose of being sent or delivered and part with the possession of, a writing threatening to:
(1) accuse any person of a crime or of anything that, if true, would bring the person into contempt or disrepute; or
(2)(i) cause physical injury to a person;
(ii) inflict emotional distress on a person;
(iii) cause economic damage to a person; or
(iv) cause damage to the property of a person.
Penalty
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Maryland Law § 3-707. Coercing or intimidating another to contribute or donate (top)
Effect of section
(a) This section does not prohibit picketing in connection with a labor dispute, as defined in § 4-301 of the Labor and Employment Article.
Prohibited
(b) A person or group may not engage in an act or conduct solely to coerce or intimidate another person to contribute or donate any money, goods, materials, or services to a social, economic, or political association or organization.
Penalty
(c)(1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.
(2) Each day on which a violation of this section occurs is a separate violation.
Maryland Law § 3-708. Threat against State or local official (top)
Definitions
(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Local official” means an individual serving in a publicly elected office of a local government unit, as defined in § 10-101 of the State Government Article.
(3)(i) “State official” has the meaning stated in § 15-102 of the State Government Article.
(ii) “State official” includes the Governor, Governor-elect, Lieutenant Governor, and Lieutenant Governor-elect.
(4) “Threat” includes:
(i) an oral threat; or
(ii) a threat in any written form, whether or not the writing is signed, or if the writing is signed, whether or not it is signed with a fictitious name or any other mark.
Prohibited–Making threat
(b) A person may not knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, kidnap, or cause physical injury to a State official or local official.
Prohibited–Sending or delivering threat
(c) A person may not knowingly send, deliver, part with, or make for the purpose of sending or delivering a threat prohibited under subsection (b) of this section.
Penalty
(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
Maryland Law § 3-802. Stalking (top)
Stalking” defined
(a) In this section, “stalking” means a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another where the person intends to place or knows or reasonably should have known the conduct would place another in reasonable fear:
(1)(i) of serious bodily injury;
(ii) of an assault in any degree;
(iii) of rape or sexual offense as defined by §§ 3-303 through 3-308 of this article or attempted rape or sexual offense in any degree;
(iv) of false imprisonment; or
(v) of death; or
(2) that a third person likely will suffer any of the acts listed in item (1) of this subsection.
Scope of section
(b) The provisions of this section do not apply to conduct that is:
(1) performed to ensure compliance with a court order;
(2) performed to carry out a specific lawful commercial purpose; or
(3) authorized, required, or protected by local, State, or federal law.
Prohibited
(c) A person may not engage in stalking.
Penalty
(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Sentence
(e) A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any other crime based on the acts establishing a violation of this section.
Our Maryland kidnapping, stalking & extortion defense attorneys and staff speak the following languages in addition to English: Spanish, French, Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Cantonese, Mandarin & Malaysian.
