Posts Tagged ‘Montgomery Maryland’

ABOGADO DE LICENCIA DE MANEJAR SUSPENDIDA EN MONTGOMERY

Manejar con una licencia suspendida es una ofensa criminal de trafico muy seria en Maryland. Si Ud. es acusado de manejar con la licencia suspendida deberia consultar imediatamente con un abogado de  SRIS, P.C en Montgomery.

En Maryland, es contra la ley manejar cuando la licencia de manejar esta suspendida o revocada. Esta ofensa tambien se reconoce como DOS & DWS.

Manejar sin tener una licencia tambien es contra la ley en Maryland. Especialmente si tu derecho para aplicar para una licencia ha sido suspendido o revocado.

Una persona que maneja un automovil en otro estado mientras su licencia es suspendida o revocada en el estado original de registracion pueden ser tambien condenados por esta ofensa.

LA OFICINA LEGAL SRIS, P.C. TIENE UNA OFICINA EN MONTGOMERY PARA MEJOR SERVIRLE A UD.

Si Ud. desea consultar con un abogado sobre el cargo de manejar con licencia suspendida o revocada en Montgomery, póngase en contacto con nosotros al 877-437-7747 o mirenos on-line.

Si su licencia ha sido suspendida en Maryland, entonces su derecho de manejar es revocado durante un periodo de tiempo. Por ejemplo, la licencia es suspendida por un ano por la condena de manejar bajo la influencia de alcohol.

En Maryland, la ley require que el Departamento de Automoviles suspenda o revoque la licencia por ciertos tipos de ofensas como la falta de pagar multas o costos de la corte. Tambien, la ley permite al juez en Maryland suspender la licencia si esta relacionada a una ofensa de trafico como reckless driving.

Su licencia en Maryland hasta puede ser suspendida por falta de obedecer una orden de la corte. Por ejemplo, por falta de completer un programa de rehabilitacion impuesto por la corte.

En Maryland, es necesario tener seguro de auto y falta de proveder a la division de automoviles prueba de esta tambien puede resultar en la suspension de su licencia.

Los abogados de asuntos de trafico de Montgomery en la firma de SRIS, P.C. tienen mucha experiencia asistiendo a clientes acusado de manejar sin licencia o con licencia suspendida. Ponganse en contacto con nosotros al 888-437-7747 o mirenos on-line.

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MARYLAND PRESCRIPTION FORGERY LAWS & DEFENSE

Anybody can become addicted to painkillers and other prescription drugs. Prescription medication can be highly addictive.  As a result of this addiction, people will frequently attempt to obtain drugs and other controlled substances by fraud, deceit, or forgery.

The SRIS Law Group provides its clients with skilled defense against Prescription Drug Charges in Maryland

If you or someone you love has been charged with prescription drug possession, prescription fraud, possession of fraudulent or forged prescriptions, the charge must be taken seriously and defended aggressively to obtain the best result possible.  Don’t wait until it’s too late to hire an experienced Maryland prescription fraud lawyer.   

Our Maryland prescription drug fraud lawyers will discuss your case with you and begin to prepare the defenses available to you against a charge of prescription fraud, possession of prescription drugs, possession with intent to distribute, or other drug charges.

The SRIS Law Group Maryland drug crimes lawyers defend clients against criminal charges and activity related to prescription medication and other drugs, including:

• Prescription drug possession

• Possession of fraudulent prescriptions

• Stolen prescription pads

• Calling in fraudulent prescriptions to a pharmacy

• Using computers to create fraudulent prescriptions

• Illegally altering or changing valid scripts

• Drug treatment and rehabilitation instead of time in jail or prison

The Penalties are very serious for Prescription Drug Fraud in Maryland

In Maryland, whether you are facing a felony or misdemeanor crime will depend on the type of drug and the amount of drug or controlled substance you allegedly possessed:

Schedule II drugs include powerful painkillers and stimulants such as methadone, Ritalin, morphine, cocaine and methamphetamine. Possession of these types of drugs is a felony with a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

Schedule III drugs include medications such as Vicodin, hydrocodone, Special K, Fentanyl, steroids, and other depressants. Possessing these drugs is a misdemeanor and the potential penalty is up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Schedule IV drugs include less-addicting painkillers, tranquilizers and anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax, Valium and others. Possession of a Schedule IV drug is a misdemeanor with a possible penalty of up to 6 months in jail and fines of up to $1,000.

Contact us today if you need to defend yourself against any type of prescription drug charge in Maryland.

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MARYLAND CHILD SUPPORT

OBTAINING, MODIFYING & ENFORCEMENT

Clients in Maryland who need help with either obtaining child support or modifying an existing child support order can encounter some significant hurdles. 

In theory, the Maryland legislature has created some very easy to follow rules in terms of determining child support.  However, there are a variety of different factors to consider when determining child support. 

Some of the different factors the courts have to evaluate when determining support in Maryland are:
• If someone is underemployed or voluntarily unemployed. 
• How to handle a self employed individual’s income?
• How to determine if someone is declaring all of their income?
• What is income?
• How much support should be allocated to a child from a prior marriage?
• How to determine whether someone should get support based on shared custody guidelines vs. primary physical custody guidelines.
• How to go about enforcing a child support order?
• How to deal with a Show Cause Motion filed by one of the parties in a child support case?

These are just some of the issues a client who is dealing with child support in Maryland may have to deal with in a child support case. If you or a loved one is dealing with child support issues in Maryland, then contacting a Maryland child support lawyer may be the best option.

The SRIS Law Group Maryland child support lawyers are familiar with the laws addressing child support in Maryland and can help you navigate this very complicated system.

If you need help with getting child support or modifying an existing child support order or filing a Show Cause Motion for failure to pay child support, the SRIS Law Group child support attorneys can help you with these types of issues.

Contact a SRIS Law Group Maryland child support attorney for help today.

Our Maryland child support attorneys and staff speak the following languages in addition to English: Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi & French.

The following are some of the Maryland child support laws in Maryland:

CHILD SUPPORT STATUTES – MARYLAND

§ 12-101. Award by court — Authorized
   (a) Awarded from time of filing of pleading. –

   (1) Unless the court finds from the evidence that the amount of the award will produce an inequitable result, for an initial pleading that requests child support pendente lite, the court shall award child support for a period from the filing of the pleading that requests child support.

   (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, unless the court finds from the evidence that the amount of the award will produce an inequitable result, for an initial pleading filed by a child support agency that requests child support, the court shall award child support for a period from the filing of the pleading that requests child support.

   (3) For any other pleading that requests child support, the court may award child support for a period from the filing of the pleading that requests child support.
(b) Credit for payments. — The court shall give credit for payments that the court finds have been made during the period beginning from the filing of the pleading that requests child support.

(c) Notice requirement. — Any support order or modification of a support order that is passed on or after July 1, 1997 shall include a statement that:

   (1) each party is required to notify the court and any support enforcement agency ordered to receive payments, within 10 days of any change of address or employment; and
   (2) failure to comply with paragraph (1) of this subsection may result in a party not receiving notice of the initiation of a proceeding to modify or enforce a support order.

(d) Maternity expenses; medical support for child.  –

   (1) The court may order either parent to pay all or part of:

      (i) the mother’s medical and hospital expenses for pregnancy, confinement, and recovery; and

      (ii) medical support for the child, including neonatal expenses.
 (2) Subject to the right of any party to subpoena a custodian of records at least 10 days before trial, any records relating to the cost of the mother’s medical and hospital expenses for pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery and any neonatal expenses of the child shall be admissible in evidence without the presence of a custodian of record and shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amount of expenses incurred.

§ 12-102.  Award by court — Inclusion of child on health insurance policy

   (a) Definitions.  –

   (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   (2) “Accessible” means health insurance coverage that insures primary care services located within the lesser of 30 miles or 30 minutes from the child’s primary residence.

   (3) “Actual income” has the meaning stated in § 12-201(b) of this title.

   (4) “Adjusted actual income” has the meaning stated in § 12-201 of this title.

   (5) “Basic child support obligation” has the meaning stated in § 12-201 of this title.

   (6) “Cash medical support” means an amount paid:
(i) toward the cost of health insurance provided by:    
1. a public entity; or
          2. one or both parents through employment or otherwise; or

      (ii) for other medical costs not covered by insurance, including extraordinary medical expenses.

   (7) “Extraordinary medical expenses” has the meaning stated in § 12-201 of this title.

   (8) “Health insurance coverage” means any type of health care coverage under which medical care services can be provided to the child through an insurer.

   (9) “Insurer” means:
      (i) an insurer, a nonprofit health service organization, or a health maintenance organization operating in this State under a certificate of authority issued by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner;
      (ii) an entity that provides a group health plan, as defined in § 607(1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974; or
      (iii) an entity offering a service benefit plan as defined by federal law.

   (10) “Medical support notice” means a notice that is:
      (i) in a format prescribed by federal law; and
      (ii) issued by a child support agency to enforce the health insurance coverage provisions of a child support order.

   (11) “Tribunal” has the meaning stated in § 10-301 of this article.

(b) Conditions allowing inclusion. — Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the court may include in any support order a provision requiring either parent to include the child in the parent’s health insurance coverage if:
   (1) the parent can obtain health insurance coverage through an employer or any form of group health insurance coverage; and
   (2) the child can be included at a reasonable cost to the parent in that health insurance coverage.

(c) Child support order under Title IV, Part D of Social Security Act.  –

   (1) This subsection applies only to a child support order under Title IV, Part D of the Social Security Act.

   (2) (i) The court shall include in any support order that is established or modified a provision requiring one or both parents to include the child in the parent’s health insurance coverage if:

         1. the parent can obtain health insurance coverage through an employer or any form of group health insurance coverage;

         2. the child can be included at a reasonable cost to the parent in that health insurance coverage; and

         3. the health insurance coverage is accessible to the child.

      (ii) For purposes of subparagraph (i)2 of this paragraph, the cost of health insurance coverage is reasonable if the cost of adding the child to existing health insurance coverage, or the difference between self-only and family coverage, does not exceed 5% of the actual income of the parent ordered to pay for health insurance coverage.
   (3) If health insurance coverage at a reasonable cost is not available at the time a support order is established or modified, the court:
      (i) may include a provision requiring one or both parents to include the child in the parent’s health insurance coverage as described in paragraph (2) of this subsection if health insurance coverage at a reasonable cost becomes available in the future; and

      (ii) shall include a provision requiring one or both parents to provide cash medical support in an amount not to exceed 5% of the actual income of the parent ordered to provide cash medical support.
   (4) In addition to requiring one or both parents to provide health insurance coverage, the court may order one or both parents to provide cash medical support in an amount not to exceed 5% of the actual income of the parent ordered to provide cash medical support.

   (5) Cash medical support ordered under this subsection shall be added to the basic child support obligation and divided by the parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes.

   (6) The court may not order the obligee to pay cash medical support toward the cost of health insurance provided by a public entity for which the obligee does not pay a premium, including the Maryland Children’s Health Program under Title 15, Subtitle 3 of the Health – General Article.

(d) Relationship with earnings withholding order. — An order of a court requiring the provision of health insurance coverage for a child may be issued separate from or in conjunction with an earnings withholding order.
(e) Notification of employer. –
   (1) If a court orders a parent to provide health insurance coverage under this section, the parent under the order or the support enforcement agency shall send a copy of the order or medical support notice to the parent’s employer by first-class mail, separate from or in conjunction with an earnings withholding order, as provided in § 10-123 of this article.

   (2) Within 20 business days after the receipt of the order or medical support notice, the employer shall:
      (i) send the appropriate part of the medical support notice to the employer’s insurer;

      (ii) if the employer determines that, based on reasons related to the employee’s employment status, the employee’s child is ineligible for health insurance coverage, complete the appropriate part of the medical support notice and return it to the issuing child support agency;

      (iii) permit the parent, a child support enforcement agency, or the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to enroll the child in any health insurance coverage available to the parent without regard to any enrollment season restrictions;
      (iv) provide a statement to the support enforcement agency and to both parents that the child:

         1. has been enrolled in health insurance coverage;
         2. will be enrolled in health insurance coverage and that the expected date of enrollment will be provided; or
         3. cannot be enrolled in health insurance coverage; and
     
(v) provide information to both parents and to the support enforcement agency concerning the available health insurance coverage, including:
         1. the employee’s Social Security number;
         2. the name, address, and telephone number of the insurer;

         3. the policy number;
         4. the group number;
         5. the effective date of coverage; and
         6. any schedule of benefits.

(f) Withholding upon receipt of order or notice. — On receipt of the order or medical support notice, the employer:

   (1) if the employee’s child is eligible for health insurance coverage, shall withhold from the employee’s next earnings the amount of the employee contribution required to enroll the employee’s child;
 (2) if the employee’s child is not currently eligible for health insurance coverage but will become eligible, shall withhold from the employee’s earnings, at the earliest time the employee’s child becomes eligible, the amount of the employee contribution required to enroll the employee’s child; or
(3) if federal or State withholding limitations or prioritization prevent withholding from the employee’s wages the amount required for enrollment, shall complete and send, to the issuing child support agency, the appropriate part of the medical support notice indicating the employee’s income is insufficient for enrollment.

(g) Deductions of premiums. –

   (1) To the extent consistent with the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the employer shall deduct the premiums for health insurance coverage from the earnings of the employee on a regular and continuing basis and pay the premiums to the insurer.

   (2) The employer shall send to the insurer the amount deducted from the employee’s earnings each pay period within 10 business days after the day on which the earnings are paid to the employee.

(h) Elimination of coverage by employer. — An employer or the child’s parents may not disenroll or eliminate coverage for the child in any manner unless:

   (1) the employer is provided satisfactory written evidence that:
(i) the court order is no longer in effect; or
(ii) the child has been or will be enrolled under other reasonable health insurance coverage, with the coverage to take effect no later than the effective date of disenrollment;
  (2) the employer has eliminated family health coverage for all of its employees; or

   (3) the employer no longer employs the parent under whose name the child has been enrolled for coverage except to the extent that if the parent elects to exercise the provisions of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) then coverage must be provided for the child consistent with the employer’s plan relating to postemployment medical coverage for dependents.

(i) Notification; reissuance. –

   (1) If the health insurance coverage for the child terminates, the employer shall notify the other parent and, if a support enforcement agency is involved in the case, the support enforcement agency within 15 days of termination of the insurance.

   (2) If, after a lapse in health insurance coverage, health insurance coverage becomes available to the employee for the child, the employer shall:

      (i) enroll the child in health insurance coverage without regard to any enrollment season restrictions; and
      (ii) within 15 days after health insurance coverage becomes available, provide notice to the support enforcement agency and the other parent of the enrollment.

(j) Willful violation by employer. — Subject to the provisions of this section, the parent or the support enforcement agency may bring a civil action against an employer who willfully violates the provisions of this section.

(k) Authority of court to enter order concerning uninsured expenses not limited. — This section does not limit the authority of a court to enter, modify, or enforce an order requiring payment of uninsured health expenses, health care costs, or health insurance premiums.

(l) Prohibited acts against employee.  — An employer may not use the existence of an order or a medical support notice requiring health insurance coverage as a basis for:

   (1) reprisal against an employee;
   (2) dismissal of an employee from employment; or
(3) refusal to hire a person or to promote an employee.

(m) Order binding on present and future employees. — An order entered under this section is binding on a present and future employer of the parent on whom a copy of this order is served.

§ 12-102.1. Award by court — Medical support notice

   (a) Issuance. — A medical support notice:
   (1) may be issued by a child support agency in any child support case in which a circuit court of this State or tribunal of another jurisdiction has ordered a parent to include the child in the parent’s health insurance coverage; and
 (2) shall be issued by a child support agency in all child support cases enforced by the Administration in which a noncustodial parent’s employer is known and a circuit court of this State or tribunal of another jurisdiction has ordered the parent to include the child in the parent’s health insurance coverage, unless the court order or administrative order provides for alternative health insurance coverage.

(b) Format and contents. — A medical support notice shall:
   (1) be in a format approved by the federal government;
   (2) be a separate document that does not include any other orders or pleadings; and
   (3) include the following information:

      (i) a statement explaining the employer’s obligations under this subtitle to withhold any employee contributions due in connection with health insurance coverage for the employee’s child;

      (ii) a statement explaining that, subject to further orders of the circuit court of this State or tribunal of another jurisdiction, the employer is required to withhold the appropriate amount on a regular and continuing basis beginning with the next pay period after receipt of the appropriate part of the medical support notice indicating the employee’s child is eligible for enrollment;

      (iii) an explanation of the application of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limits;

      (iv) an explanation of the applicability of any prioritization required when available funds are insufficient for full withholding for both child support and medical support;

      (v) any other information that the employer needs to comply with the medical support notice;

      (vi) a statement that failure to comply with the medical support notice without good cause may subject the employer or carrier to civil penalties;

      (vii) a statement of the employee’s right to contest the withholding based on a mistake of fact; and

      (viii) the name and telephone number of the appropriate person to contact at the Administration about the medical support notice.

(c) Priority. — Subject to federal law, a medical support notice has priority over any other lien or legal process, except for current support and support arrears withheld under an earnings withholding order or notice.

(d) Force and effect. — A medical support notice that is completed appropriately and satisfies the conditions of § 609(a) of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act shall:

   (1) be treated as a qualified medical child support order by a carrier;

   (2) have the same force and effect as a qualified medical child support order; and

   (3) be enforceable in the same manner as a qualified medical child support order.

(e) Enforcement of notice from another state. — A medical support notice issued in another state shall be enforced in the same manner as a medical support notice issued in this State.

§ 12-102.2. Award by court — Order by foreign court
   An administrative order or a medical support notice for health insurance coverage issued in any other state or territory will be enforced to the same extent in a proceeding under this subtitle as an order or a medical support notice for health insurance coverage issued in this State.

§ 12-102.3. Administrative contests of withholdings
 (a) Application and construction. –
   (1) This section applies to administrative contests of withholdings from an employee’s earnings made by an employer for the purpose of complying with this title.
   (2) Nothing in this section may be construed to limit an employee’s right to judicially contest an underlying court order requiring the employee to provide health insurance coverage for the employee’s child.

(b) Basis for administrative contests. –
   (1) An employee may only contest a withholding under this section based on a mistake of fact.

   (2) The only issues that may be contested are:
      (i) the identity of the employee;
      (ii) whether there is an underlying court order requiring the employee to provide health insurance coverage for the employee’s child;
      (iii) that the amount of the withholding exceeds the limits of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act; and
      (iv) that the child for whom health insurance coverage is sought is emancipated.

(c) Written request.  — An employee may contest a withholding by sending a written request for an investigation to the Administration within 15 days after receiving notice of the withholding from the employer.

(d) Investigation and notification of results. — If an employee requests an investigation, the Administration:

   (1) shall conduct an investigation within 15 days after the request; and

   (2) on completion of the investigation, shall notify the employee of the results of the investigation and the employee’s right to appeal the decision of the Administration to the Office of Administrative Hearings.

(e) Appeal. –

   (1) (i) An employee may appeal the Administration’s decision to the Office of Administrative Hearings by filing a written request for a hearing with the Administration or the Office of Administrative Hearings.

      (ii) The request for a hearing shall be made:
         1. on a form provided by the Administration; and
         2. within 15 days after receiving the written results of the Administration’s investigation.

   (2) The only issues that may be contested in an administrative hearing are:
      (i) the identity of the employee;
      (ii) whether there is an underlying court order requiring the employee to provide health insurance coverage for the employee’s child;
      (iii) that the amount of the withholding exceeds the limits of the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act; and
      (iv) that the child for whom health insurance coverage is sought is emancipated.

   (3) An appeal under this section shall be conducted in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.

(f) Rights of child pending contest. — Enrollment of the employee’s child may not be stayed or terminated until the employer receives written notice that the contest is resolved in the employee’s favor.

§ 12-103. Award of costs and counsel fees

   (a) In general. — The court may award to either party the costs and counsel fees that are just and proper under all the circumstances in any case in which a person:

   (1) applies for a decree or modification of a decree concerning the custody, support, or visitation of a child of the parties; or
   (2) files any form of proceeding:
      (i) to recover arrearages of child support;
      (ii) to enforce a decree of child support; or
      (iii) to enforce a decree of custody or visitation.
(b) Required considerations. — Before a court may award costs and counsel fees under this section, the court shall consider:
   (1) the financial status of each party;
   (2) the needs of each party; and
   (3) whether there was substantial justification for bringing, maintaining, or defending the proceeding.

(c) Absence of substantial justification.  — Upon a finding by the court that there was an absence of substantial justification of a party for prosecuting or defending the proceeding, and absent a finding by the court of good cause to the contrary, the court shall award to the other party costs and counsel fees.

§ 12-104. Modification of child support award
   (a) Prerequisites. — The court may modify a child support award subsequent to the filing of a motion for modification and upon a showing of a material change of circumstance.

(b) Retroactivity of modification. — The court may not retroactively modify a child support award prior to the date of the filing of the motion for modification.

§ 12-105. Central registry of records
   (a) In general. –
   (1) The Child Support Enforcement Administration of the Department of Human Resources shall maintain a central registry of records of all identifying information that relates to parents who have deserted or who appear to have deserted their children.
   (2) The Child Support Enforcement Administration shall list these parents in the registry whether or not their children are likely to become recipients of public assistance or foster care.

(b) Requests for information. — In accordance with subsections (c) and (d) of this section, to carry out the purposes of this section, the Child Support Enforcement Administration may receive from any agency of this State, political subdivision of this State, employer, public service company, energy provider, or labor union information and assistance that will enable the Child Support Enforcement Administration, the local enforcement office, or the State’s Attorney for the county involved:
   (1) to locate an absent parent or a parent who has deserted or appears to have deserted a child;

   (2) to enforce the liability of the parent for the support of a child of the parent; or

   (3) to obtain other financial and location information concerning parents and putative fathers needed by the administration to carry out its responsibilities under State and federal law.

(c) Information required to be supplied — State, employer, or labor union. –

   (1) Upon written request by the Child Support Enforcement Administration, any agency of this State, political subdivision of this State, employer, or labor union shall provide, if available, a person’s:

      (i) Social Security account number;

      (ii) date of birth;
      (iii) last known residence or mailing address;
      (iv) present or last known employer;
      (v) length of employment;
      (vi) job classification;
      (vii) name of person to be notified in case of emergency and the person’s residence;
      (viii) work hours;
      (ix) amounts of wages or other assets; and
      (x) medical insurance provider.
   (2) As to individuals who were employed within the 3 years preceding a request for information by the Child Support Enforcement Administration, the State agency, political subdivision, employer, or labor union shall provide whatever information is available.

   (3) (i) Upon request and a showing of cause by the Child Support Enforcement Administration, a circuit court may issue an order requiring an employer or labor union to comply with a request for information under this section.

      (ii) If an employer or labor union refuses to provide information from its employee or member files as required by an order by a circuit court issued under this paragraph, the employer or labor union shall be in contempt of court.

(d) Information required to be supplied — Utilities. –
   (1) In accordance with a subpoena issued by the Administration under § 10-108.6 of this article, a public service company or energy provider shall provide, if available:
      (i) a person’s name and address; and
      (ii) the name and address of the person’s employer.

   (2) If a public service company or energy provider fails to comply with a subpoena issued by the Administration, the Administration shall have available the remedies provided under § 10-108.4 of this article.
(e) Immunity. — An employer, public service company, energy provider, or labor union that complies with a request from the Administration made under this section is not liable under State law to any person for any:
   (1) disclosure of information to the Administration under this section; or

   (2) other action taken in good faith to comply with the requirements of this section.

(f) Confidentiality of records.  — Any record compiled from information provided under this section shall be available only to:
   (1) an authorized representative of this State or of a local department of this State; or

   (2) a person who has a statutory right to the records in an official capacity.
 
CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES

§ 12-201. Definitions

   (a) In general. — In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) Actual income.  –

   (1) “Actual income” means income from any source.
   (2) For income from self-employment, rent, royalties, proprietorship of a business, or joint ownership of a partnership or closely held corporation, “actual income” means gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses required to produce income.

   (3) “Actual income” includes:
      (i) salaries;
      (ii) wages;
      (iii) commissions;
      (iv) bonuses;
      (v) dividend income;
      (vi) pension income;
      (vii) interest income;
      (viii) trust income;
      (ix) annuity income;
      (x) Social Security benefits;
      (xi) workers’ compensation benefits;
      (xii) unemployment insurance benefits;
      (xiii) disability insurance benefits;
      (xiv) for the obligor, any third party payment paid to or for a minor child as a result of the obligor’s disability, retirement, or other compensable claim;
      (xv) alimony or maintenance received; and
  (xvi) expense reimbursements or in-kind payments received by a parent in the course of employment, self-employment, or operation of a business to the extent the reimbursements or payments reduce the parent’s personal living expenses.
   (4) Based on the circumstances of the case, the court may consider the following items as actual income:
      (i) severance pay;
      (ii) capital gains;
      (iii) gifts; or
      (iv) prizes.

   (5) “Actual income” does not include benefits received from means-tested public assistance programs, including temporary cash assistance, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, and transitional emergency, medical, and housing assistance.

(c) Adjusted actual income. — “Adjusted actual income” means actual income minus:

   (1) preexisting reasonable child support obligations actually paid; and

   (2) except as provided in § 12-204(a)(2) of this subtitle, alimony or maintenance obligations actually paid.

(d) Adjusted basic child support obligation. — “Adjusted basic child support obligation” means an adjustment of the basic child support obligation for shared physical custody.

(e) Basic child support obligation. — “Basic child support obligation” means the base amount due for child support based on the combined adjusted actual incomes of both parents.

(f) Combined adjusted actual income.  — “Combined adjusted actual income” means the combined monthly adjusted actual incomes of both parents.

(g) Extraordinary medical expenses. –
   (1) “Extraordinary medical expenses” means uninsured expenses over $ 100 for a single illness or condition.
   (2) “Extraordinary medical expenses” includes uninsured, reasonable, and necessary costs for orthodontia, dental treatment, asthma treatment, physical therapy, treatment for any chronic health problem, and professional counseling or psychiatric therapy for diagnosed mental disorders.

(h) Income.  — “Income” means:
   (1) actual income of a parent, if the parent is employed to full capacity; or

   (2) potential income of a parent, if the parent is voluntarily impoverished.

(i) Ordinary and necessary expenses.  — “Ordinary and necessary expenses” does not include amounts allowable by the Internal Revenue Service for the accelerated component of depreciation expenses or investment tax credits or any other business expenses determined by the court to be inappropriate for determining actual income for purposes of calculating child support.

(j) Potential income.  — “Potential income” means income attributed to a parent determined by the parent’s employment potential and probable earnings level based on, but not limited to, recent work history, occupational qualifications, prevailing job opportunities, and earnings levels in the community.

(k) Shared physical custody.  –

   (1) “Shared physical custody” means that each parent keeps the child or children overnight for more than 35% of the year and that both parents contribute to the expenses of the child or children in addition to the payment of child support.

   (2) Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, the court may base a child support award on shared physical custody:
      (i) solely on the amount of visitation awarded; and
      (ii) regardless of whether joint custody has been granted.
§ 12-202.  Use of guidelines; modification of orders; review

   (a) Use required; presumptions; departure from guidelines.  –

   (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, in any proceeding to establish or modify child support, whether pendente lite or permanent, the court shall use the child support guidelines set forth in this subtitle.

   (2) (i) There is a rebuttable presumption that the amount of child support which would result from the application of the child support guidelines set forth in this subtitle is the correct amount of child support to be awarded.

      (ii) The presumption may be rebutted by evidence that the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case.

      (iii) In determining whether the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case, the court may consider:

         1. the terms of any existing separation or property settlement agreement or court order, including any provisions for payment of mortgages or marital debts, payment of college education expenses, the terms of any use and possession order or right to occupy the family home under an agreement, any direct payments made for the benefit of the children required by agreement or order, or any other financial considerations set out in an existing separation or property settlement agreement or court order; and

         2. the presence in the household of either parent of other children to whom that parent owes a duty of support and the expenses for whom that parent is directly contributing.

      (iv) The presumption may not be rebutted solely on the basis of evidence of the presence in the household of either parent of other children to whom that parent owes a duty of support and the expenses for whom that parent is directly contributing.

      (v) 1. If the court determines that the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case, the court shall make a written finding or specific finding on the record stating the reasons for departing from the guidelines.
         2. The court’s finding shall state:
            A. the amount of child support that would have been required under the guidelines;

            B. how the order varies from the guidelines;

            C. how the finding serves the best interests of the child; and

            D. in cases in which items of value are conveyed instead of a portion of the support presumed under the guidelines, the estimated value of the items conveyed.

(b) Modification of orders. –
   (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, the adoption or revision of the guidelines set forth in this subtitle may be grounds for requesting a modification of a child support award based on a material change in circumstances.

   (2) The adoption or revision of the guidelines set forth in this subtitle may not be grounds for requesting a modification of a child support award based on a material change in circumstances unless the use of the guidelines would result in a change in the award of 25% or more.

(c) Review of guidelines.  — On or before January 1, 1993, and at least every 4 years after that date, the Child Support Enforcement Administration of the Department of Human Resources shall:

   (1) review the guidelines set forth in this subtitle to ensure that the application of the guidelines results in the determination of appropriate child support award amounts; and

   (2) report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article.

§ 12-203.  Forms; verification of income

   (a) Forms.  — The Court of Appeals may issue standardized worksheet forms to be used in applying the child support guidelines set forth in this subtitle.
(b) Verification of income.  –
   (1) Income statements of the parents shall be verified with documentation of both current and past actual income.
   (2) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, suitable documentation of actual income includes pay stubs, employer statements otherwise admissible under the rules of evidence, or receipts and expenses if self-employed, and copies of each parent’s 3 most recent federal tax returns.
      (ii) If a parent is self-employed or has received an increase or decrease in income of 20% or more in a 1-year period within the past 3 years, the court may require that parent to provide copies of federal tax returns for the 5 most recent years.

§ 12-204. Determination of child support obligation

   (a) Schedule to be used; division among parents; maintenance and alimony awards.  –

   (1) The basic child support obligation shall be determined in accordance with the schedule of basic child support obligations in subsection (e) of this section.  The basic child support obligation shall be divided between the parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes.

   (2) (i) If one or both parents have made a request for alimony or maintenance in the proceeding in which a child support award is sought, the court shall decide the issue and amount of alimony or maintenance before determining the child support obligation under these guidelines.

      (ii) If the court awards alimony or maintenance, the amount of alimony or maintenance awarded shall be considered actual income for the recipient of the alimony or maintenance and shall be subtracted from the income of the payor of the alimony or maintenance under § 12-201(c)(2) of this subtitle before the court determines the amount of a child support award.

(b) Voluntarily impoverished parent. –

   (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a parent is voluntarily impoverished, child support may be calculated based on a determination of potential income.

   (2) A determination of potential income may not be made for a parent who:

      (i) is unable to work because of a physical or mental disability; or

      (ii) is caring for a child under the age of 2 years for whom the parents are jointly and severally responsible.

(c) Income between amounts in schedule. — If a combined adjusted actual income amount falls between amounts shown in the schedule, the basic child support amount shall be extrapolated to the next higher amount.

(d) Income above schedule levels. — If the combined adjusted actual income exceeds the highest level specified in the schedule in subsection (e) of this section, the court may use its discretion in setting the amount of child support.

(e) Basic child support obligation. — Schedule of basic child support obligations:

 Combined                                                                    
 Adjusted                                                         6 or       
 Actual       1         2          3          4          5        More       
 Income      Child   Children   Children   Children   Children   Children    
  0-850                     $ 20 – $ 150 Per Month, Based                    
                               On Resources And Living                       
                           Expenses Of Obligor And Number                    
                               Of Children Due Support                       
    900      184        273        276        279        282        285      
    950      191        296        304        307        311        314      
   1000      198        307        332        336        340        343      
   1050      205        318        360        364        368        372      
   1100      212        329        389        393        397        401      
   1150      219        339        416        421        425        430      
   1200      226        350        438        449        454        458      
   1250      233        360        451        477        482        487      
   1300      239        371        465        504        510        515      
   1350      246        382        478        532        538        544      
   1400      253        392        491        554        566        572      
   1450      260        403        504        569        594        601      
   1500      267        413        517        584        623        629      
   1550      274        424        531        599        651        658      
   1600      282        436        546        616        672        691      
   1650      288        447        559        631        688        725      
   1700      295        457        572        645        704        753      
   1750      302        467        585        660        720        770      
   1800      308        477        598        674        735        787      
   1850      315        488        611        689        751        804      
   1900      321        498        624        703        767        821      
   1950      327        506        634        715        780        835      
   2000      332        515        645        727        793        848      
   2050      338        523        655        739        806        862      
   2100      343        531        666        751        819        876      
   2150      349        540        677        763        832        890      
   2200      354        548        687        774        845        904      
   2250      359        557        698        786        858        918      
   2300      365        565        708        798        871        931      
   2350      370        573        719        810        884        945      
   2400      376        582        729        822        897        959      
   2450      381        590        740        833        909        973      
   2500      386        598        750        845        922        987      
   2550      392        607        761        857        935       1000      
   2600      397        615        771        869        948       1014      
   2650      403        624        782        881        961       1028      
   2700      408        632        793        893        974       1042      
   2750      413        640        803        904        987       1056      
   2800      419        649        814        916       1000       1070      
   2850      424        657        824        928       1013       1083      
   2900      429        666        835        940       1026       1097      
   2950      435        675        846        953       1039       1112      
   3000      441        684        857        965       1053       1126      
   3050      446        693        868        978       1067       1141      
   3100      452        702        879        990       1080       1156      
   3150      458        710        890       1003       1094       1170      
   3200      463        719        901       1015       1108       1185      
   3250      469        728        912       1028       1121       1199      
   3300      475        737        923       1040       1135       1214      
   3350      480        746        934       1053       1148       1228      
   3400      486        755        945       1065       1162       1243      
   3450      491        764        957       1078       1176       1258      
   3500      497        773        968       1090       1189       1272      
   3550      503        782        979       1103       1203       1287      
   3600      508        790        990       1115       1216       1301      
   3650      514        799       1001       1128       1230       1316      
   3700      520        808       1012       1140       1244       1330      
   3750      525        817       1023       1152       1257       1345      
   3800      532        827       1035       1166       1273       1361      
   3850      538        837       1048       1181       1288       1378      
   3900      544        847       1060       1195       1303       1394      

   3950      551        857       1073       1209       1319       1411      
   4000      557        867       1085       1223       1334       1427      
   4050      563        877       1097       1236       1349       1442      
   4100      569        886       1109       1249       1363       1458      
   4150      575        895       1120       1262       1377       1473      
   4200      581        905       1132       1275       1391       1488      
   4250      587        914       1143       1288       1405       1503      
   4300      593        923       1155       1301       1420       1518      
   4350      598        932       1166       1314       1434       1534      
   4400      604        942       1178       1327       1448       1549      
   4450      610        951       1189       1340       1462       1564      
   4500      616        960       1201       1353       1477       1579      
   4550      622        970       1212       1366       1491       1594      
   4600      628        979       1224       1379       1505       1610      
   4650      634        987       1234       1391       1518       1624      
   4700      639        995       1244       1403       1530       1637      
   4750      644       1003       1254       1414       1543       1650      
   4800      649       1011       1264       1425       1555       1663      
   4850      655       1019       1274       1437       1567       1676      
   4900      660       1027       1284       1448       1580       1689      
   4950      665       1035       1294       1459       1592       1703      
   5000      670       1043       1304       1470       1604       1716      
   5050      676       1051       1314       1482       1617       1729      
   5100      681       1059       1324       1493       1629       1742      
   5150      686       1067       1334       1504       1641       1755      
   5200      691       1075       1344       1515       1654       1768      
   5250      696       1083       1354       1527       1666       1781      
   5300      702       1091       1364       1538       1678       1794      
   5350      707       1099       1374       1549       1691       1807      
   5400      712       1107       1384       1561       1703       1821      
   5450      717       1115       1394       1572       1715       1834      
   5500      722       1123       1404       1583       1728       1847      
   5550      728       1131       1414       1594       1740       1860      
   5600      733       1139       1424       1606       1752       1873      
   5650      738       1147       1434       1617       1765       1886      
   5700      743       1155       1444       1628       1777       1899      
   5750      748       1163       1454       1639       1789       1912      
   5800      754       1171       1464       1651       1801       1926      
   5850      759       1179       1474       1662       1814       1939      
   5900      764       1187       1484       1673       1826       1952      
   5950      769       1195       1494       1685       1838       1965      
   6000      774       1203       1504       1696       1851       1978      
   6050      780       1211       1513       1707       1863       1991      
   6100      785       1219       1523       1718       1875       2004      
   6150      790       1227       1533       1730       1888       2017      
   6200      795       1235       1543       1741       1900       2030      
   6250      800       1243       1553       1752       1912       2044      
   6300      806       1251       1563       1763       1925       2057      
   6350      811       1259       1573       1775       1937       2070      
   6400      815       1266       1582       1785       1947       2081      
   6450      819       1271       1589       1793       1956       2091      
   6500      823       1277       1597       1801       1965       2100      
   6550      827       1283       1604       1809       1974       2110      
   6600      831       1289       1611       1817       1983       2119      
   6650      834       1294       1618       1826       1992       2129      
   6700      838       1300       1626       1834       2001       2138      
   6750      842       1306       1633       1842       2010       2148      
   6800      846       1311       1640       1850       2019       2157      
   6850      850       1317       1647       1858       2028       2167      
   6900      854       1323       1654       1866       2037       2176      
   6950      857       1329       1662       1874       2045       2186      
   7000      861       1334       1669       1882       2054       2195      
   7050      865       1340       1676       1891       2063       2205      
   7100      869       1346       1683       1899       2072       2214      
   7150      873       1351       1691       1907       2081       2224      
   7200      876       1357       1698       1915       2090       2233      

   7250      880       1363       1705       1923       2099       2243      
   7300      884       1369       1712       1931       2108       2253      
   7350      888       1374       1720       1939       2117       2262      
   7400      892       1380       1727       1947       2126       2272      
   7450      895       1386       1734       1956       2135       2281      
   7500      899       1391       1741       1964       2144       2291      
   7550      903       1397       1748       1972       2153       2300      
   7600      906       1402       1755       1979       2161       2309      
   7650      909       1407       1761       1986       2168       2317      
   7700      912       1412       1768       1993       2175       2325      
   7750      915       1417       1774       1999       2182       2333      
   7800      918       1422       1780       2006       2190       2340      
   7850      921       1427       1786       2012       2197       2348      
   7900      923       1431       1792       2019       2204       2356      
   7950      926       1436       1798       2026       2211       2364      
   8000      929       1441       1804       2032       2219       2372      
   8050      932       1446       1810       2039       2226       2380      
   8100      935       1451       1817       2045       2233       2388      
   8150      938       1456       1823       2052       2240       2396      
   8200      941       1461       1829       2059       2248       2404      
   8250      944       1465       1835       2065       2255       2412      
   8300      947       1470       1841       2072       2262       2420      
   8350      949       1475       1847       2078       2270       2428      
   8400      952       1480       1853       2085       2277       2436      
   8450      955       1485       1860       2092       2284       2444      
   8500      958       1490       1866       2098       2291       2452      
   8550      961       1494       1872       2105       2299       2460      
   8600      964       1499       1878       2111       2306       2468      
   8650      967       1504       1884       2118       2313       2476      
   8700      970       1509       1890       2125       2320       2484      
   8750      973       1514       1896       2131       2328       2492      
   8800      975       1518       1901       2137       2334       2498      
   8850      978       1521       1906       2142       2340       2504      
   8900      980       1525       1910       2147       2345       2510      
   8950      982       1528       1915       2152       2351       2516      
   9000      989       1539       1928       2168       2367       2534      
   9050      992       1543       1933       2173       2373       2540      
   9100      994       1547       1938       2179       2379       2546      
   9150      997       1551       1943       2184       2385       2552      
   9200      999       1554       1948       2190       2391       2559      
   9250     1002       1558       1953       2195       2397       2565      
   9300     1004       1562       1958       2201       2403       2571      
   9350     1007       1566       1963       2206       2409       2578      
   9400     1009       1570       1967       2212       2415       2584      
   9450     1012       1574       1972       2217       2421       2590      
   9500     1014       1577       1977       2223       2427       2596      
   9550     1017       1581       1982       2228       2433       2603      
   9600     1020       1585       1987       2234       2439       2609      
   9650     1022       1589       1992       2239       2445       2615      
   9700     1025       1593       1997       2245       2451       2622      
   9750     1027       1597       2001       2250       2457       2628      
   9800     1030       1601       2006       2256       2463       2634      
   9850     1032       1604       2011       2261       2469       2640      
   9900     1035       1608       2016       2267       2475       2647      
   9950     1037       1612       2021       2272       2481       2653      
  10000     1040       1616       2026       2278       2487       2659      

(f) Adjusted basic child support obligation. — The adjusted basic child support obligation shall be determined by multiplying the basic child support obligation by one and one-half.

(g) Child care expenses. –

   (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, actual child care expenses incurred on behalf of a child due to employment or job search of either parent shall be added to the basic obligation and shall be divided between the parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes.

   (2) Child care expenses shall be:

      (i) determined by actual family experience, unless the court determines that the actual family experience is not in the best interest of the child; or

      (ii) if there is no actual family experience or if the court determines that actual family experience is not in the best interest of the child:
         1. the level required to provide quality care from a licensed source; or

         2. if the custodial parent chooses quality child care with an actual cost of an amount less than the level required to provide quality care from a licensed source, the actual cost of the child care expense.
   (3) Additional child care expenses may be considered if a child has special needs.

(h) Extraordinary medical expenses.  –
   (1) Any actual cost of providing health insurance coverage for a child for whom the parents are jointly and severally responsible shall be added to the basic child support obligation and shall be divided by the parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes.

   (2) Any extraordinary medical expenses incurred on behalf of a child shall be added to the basic child support obligation and shall be divided between the parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes.

(i) School and transportation expenses. — By agreement of the parties or by order of court, the following expenses incurred on behalf of a child may be divided between the parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes:

   (1) any expenses for attending a special or private elementary or secondary school to meet the particular educational needs of the child; or

   (2) any expenses for transportation of the child between the homes of the parents.

(j) Setoff for third party payments.  –

 (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, when a disability dependency benefit, a retirement dependency benefit, or other third party dependency benefit is paid to or for a child of an obligor who is disabled, retired, or is receiving benefits from any source as a result of a compensable claim, the amount of the compensation shall be set off against the child support obligation calculated using the guidelines.
(2) (i) If the amount paid to or for a child exceeds the current child support obligation calculated using the guidelines, the excess payment shall be credited to any existing child support arrearage that accrued after the effective date the benefits were awarded.
      (ii) The excess payment may not be credited to any future child support obligation.

(k) Use, possession or occupancy of family home.  –
   (1) Upon the expiration of a use and possession order or the expiration of the right to occupy the family home under a separation or property settlement agreement and upon motion of either party, the court shall review the child support award.

   (2) If the allocation of financial responsibility for the family home was a factor in departing from the guidelines under subsection (a) of this section, the court may modify the child support, if appropriate in all the circumstances, upon the expiration of the use and possession order or the expiration of the right to occupy the family home under a separation or property settlement agreement.

(l) Cases other than shared physical custody cases.  –

   (1) Except in cases of shared physical custody, each parent’s child support obligation shall be determined by adding each parent’s respective share of the basic child support obligation, work-related child care expenses, health insurance expenses, extraordinary medical expenses, and additional expenses under subsection (i) of this section.

   (2) The custodial parent shall be presumed to spend that parent’s total child support obligation directly on the child or children.

   (3) The noncustodial parent shall owe that parent’s total child support obligation as child support to the custodial parent minus any ordered payments included in the calculations made directly by the noncustodial parent on behalf of the child or children for work-related child care expenses, health insurance expenses, extraordinary medical expenses, or additional expenses under subsection (i) of this section.

(m) Shared physical custody cases. –
   (1) In cases of shared physical custody, the adjusted basic child support obligation shall first be divided between the parents in proportion to their respective adjusted actual incomes.

   (2) Each parent’s share of the adjusted basic child support obligation shall then be multiplied by the percentage of time the child or children spend with the other parent to determine the theoretical basic child support obligation owed to the other parent.

   (3) Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this subsection, the parent owing the greater amount under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall owe the difference in the 2 amounts as child support.

   (4) In addition to the amount of the child support owed under paragraph (3) of this subsection, if either parent incurs child care expenses under subsection (g) of this section, health insurance expenses under subsection (h)(1) of this section, extraordinary medical expenses under subsection (h)(2) of this section, or additional expenses under subsection (i) of this section, the expense shall be divided between the parents in proportion to their respective adjusted actual incomes. The parent not incurring the expense shall pay that parent’s proportionate share to:

      (i) the parent making direct payments to the provider of the service; or

      (ii) the provider directly, if a court order requires direct payments to the provider.

   (5) The amount owed under paragraph (3) of this subsection may not exceed the amount that would be owed under subsection (l) of this section if the obligor parent were a noncustodial parent.

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Maryland Drug Offense Attorneys

Former Prosecutors Defend Against All Maryland Drug Charges

If you are facing a Maryland drug charge in Federal Court or State Court, it is critical to retain an experienced Maryland drug offense attorney as quickly as possible after you are charged.  The SRIS Law Group Maryland drug crimes attorneys have the knowledge and the skill required to assemble the best defense possible against federal or state drug charges.

The penalties for illegal drugs crimes are very severe.  Possession of drugs & possession of distribution of illegal drugs such as cocaine, crack, heroin, marijuana, meth, and many prescription medications are criminal offenses at both the state and federal levels.

Experienced Criminal Defense In Maryland

Our Maryland drug defense attorneys have successfully challenged all types of drug cases, including:

  • Cultivation, Manufacture, and Sale
  • Importation, Transportation, or Trafficking
  • Possession or Possession for Sale
  • Distribution
  • Prescription Fraud
  • Conspiracy or Attempt

The SRIS Law Group Maryland drug defense lawyers have defended clients throughout Maryland.  Our offices are in Montgomery, Maryland & Baltimore, Maryland.

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Experienced Federal Criminal Defense In Maryland

A federal criminal charge is significantly more complex than a state charge and carries very serious consequences.  Federal charges frequently stem from an offense committed on federal or military property, including roadways, or are committed directly against a federal government entity.

The SRIS Law Group Maryland Federal attorneys provide experienced legal help to clients facing federal criminal charged in Marylnd.  We handle federal DUI charges and other traffic violations occurring on federal property, including:

  • Andrews Air Force Base
  • Fort Meade
  • Baltimore/Washington Parkway (where DUI charges can be either state or federal charges depending on circumstances)

We have represented many clients facing federal offense charges at the United States District Court in Greenbelt and Baltimore, as well as court facilities at military installations, and can also handle your federal appeals case.

Almost all of our Maryland federal criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors.

In addition to federal DUI/drunk driving charges in Maryland, we handle federal charges ranging from weapons charges and drug conspiracy/trafficking charges to racketeering in Maryland. For more information regarding our firm and your rights following federal charges, contact us at 888-437-7747.

 We have offices in Montgomery, Maryland & Baltimore Maryland.

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MONTGOMERY MARYLAND LAW FIRM

Assisting Clients with Divorce, DUI, Child Custody & Traffic Violations

The Montgomery Maryland SRIS Law Group lawyers assist clients from the Montgomery Maryland area in the following practice areas:

  • Divorce
  • DUI
  • Child Custody
  • Reckless Driving
  • Criminal Law
  • Traffic Violations
  • Immigration

Regardless of whether you need a Montgomery Maryland Divorce Lawyer, Montgomery Maryland DUI lawyer, Montgomery Maryland Child Custody Lawyer, Montgomery Reckless Driving lawyer or any other criminal or traffic law attorney, you can count on the Maryland attorneys of the SRIS Law Group to help you.

Our Montgomery Maryland attorneys are experienced attorneys and understand that clients need an aggressive lawyer to defend their interests.

Our Montgomery Maryland lawyers were former prosecutors and possess the skills necessary to be effective trial lawyers.

So if you need a Montgomery Maryland lawyer, do not hesitate to contact the SRIS Law Group for help.

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Maryland Shoplifting & Theft Defense

Theft Charges in Maryland?

Get the help of an Aggressive Maryland Defense Lawyer

Theft encompasses any incident where someone takes the property of another with the intent to permanently deprive the true owner of that property.

Theft can refer to many types of theft offenses under Maryland Laws (MGA §7–102) Examples of theft in Maryland are shoplifting, larceny, false pretenses, and receiving stolen property.   Therefore, Maryland shoplifting laws are the same as theft laws.

The penalties for theft directly relate to the cost or value of goods stolen.

More serious offenses related to theft in Maryland are:

Burglary: Burglary is breaking and entering in the house, car, boat, business, etc. of another with the intent of committing a felony therein is deemed to be theft pursuant to Maryland law.

Robbery: Robbery is taking something directly from a person by use of force, threat, or intimidation. In Maryland, robbery is a theft and an assault.

Maryland Theft/Shoplifting Penalties

Per Maryland Criminal theft law, the penalty for a theft crime is directly related to the value of the goods stolen.

Value of the stolen property is over $500, then the crime is a felony.

Value of the property is under $500, then the crime is a misdemeanor.

Additionally, Maryland law requires the property to be restored to the owner or that the owner be compensated for the value of the stolen property, i.e. restitution.

MARYLAND CRIMES INVOLVING THEFT & PENALTIES

Charge Penalty
Theft, Less than $100 Maximum of 90 days in jail
Theft, Less than $500 Maximum—18 months; Fine—$500
Theft, Greater than $500 Felony Charge. Maximum—15 years; Fine—$25,000
Theft by Use of Computer Service, Less than $500 Maximum—18 months; Fine—$500
Theft by Use of Computer Service, Greater than $500 Maximum—15 years; Fine—$25,000
Theft of Motor Vehicle* Maximum—5 years; Fine—$5,000

If you are facing a shoplifting charge or any other type of theft charge in Maryland, contact the SRIS Law Group Maryland theft attorneys for help. 

Our Maryland theft attorneys have helped numerous clients charged with theft crimes such as shoplifting, robbery, burglary, etc.

We have offices in Baltimore, Maryland & Montogomery County, Maryland.

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Montgomery County Divorce Lawyers

The SRIS Law Group Maryland Divorce Lawyers in our Montgomery Maryland office assist clients with Divorce cases throughout Maryland.

If you need a Maryland Divorce Lawyer in any of following Maryland counties to help you with a Divorce case, contact us at 888-437-7747.

Contact our Maryland Divorce Attorneys today for help.

Montgomery Office

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, HOWARD COUNTY, CHARLES COUNTY, FREDERICK COUNTY, CECIL COUNTY, DORCHESTER COUNTY, ROCKVILLE, SOMERSET COUNTY, WORCESTER COUNTY

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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:

  • capital murder
  • murder of the first degree
  • murder of the second degree
  • voluntary manslaughter
  • 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.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND OFFICE:
Inner Harbor Center
400 East Pratt Street, 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (240) 399-0304

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND OFFICE:
One Research Court, Suite 450
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Phone: (240) 399-0304

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:

  • Murder in the first degree
  • Murder in the first degree–Sentence of death
  • Murder in the first degree–Sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole
  • Murder in the second degree
  • Attempt to commit murder in the first degree
  • Attempt to commit murder in the second degree
  • Manslaughter
  • Manslaughter by vehicle or vessel
  • Viable fetuses
  • Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while under the influence of alcohol or under the influence of alcohol per se
  • Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by alcohol
  • Homicide by motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by drugs
  • 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)

In general

(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.

§ 2-207. Manslaughter (top)

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.

§ 2-103. Viable fetuses (top)

“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.

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MARYLAND DISORDERLY CONDUCT DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

DEFENDING CLIENTS CHARGED WITH DISORDERLY CONDUCT IN MARYLAND

If you are accused of creating a disturbance in any public place in Maryland and as a result of that disturbance, you or someone else acts violently, then you may be charged with disorderly conduct in Maryland. The Maryland law offices of SRIS, P.C. have a number of excellent Maryland disorderly conduct defense attorneys in its offices in Rockville & Baltimore. For more information or to make an appointment with SRIS, P.C., please call, send an e-mail or complete the on-line form.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND OFFICE:
Inner Harbor Center
400 East Pratt Street, 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (240) 399-0304

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND OFFICE:
One Research Court, Suite 450
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Phone: (240) 399-0304

To obtain a general overview of disorderly conduct defense, please click here.

To learn more about the laws pertaining to disorderly conduct defense in Virginia or Massachusetts, please click on the state.

The following is what the Maryland Code on disorderly Conduct states:

MARYLAND DISORDERLY CONDUCT DEFENSE

MD Code, Criminal Law,§ 10-201. Disturbing the public peace and disorderly conduct

Definitions
(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)(i) “Public conveyance” means a conveyance to which the public or a portion of the public has access to and a right to use for transportation.
(ii) “Public conveyance” includes an airplane, vessel, bus, railway car, school vehicle, and subway car.
(3)(i) “Public place” means a place to which the public or a portion of the public has access and a right to resort for business, dwelling, entertainment, or other lawful purpose.
(ii) “Public place” includes:
1. a restaurant, shop, shopping center, store, tavern, or other place of business;
2. a public building;
3. a public parking lot;
4. a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way;
5. a public park or other public grounds;
6. the common areas of a building containing four or more separate dwelling units, including a corridor, elevator, lobby, and stairwell;
7. a hotel or motel;
8. a place used for public resort or amusement, including an amusement park, golf course, race track, sports arena, swimming pool, and theater;
9. an institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education;
10. a place of public worship;
11. a place or building used for entering or exiting a public conveyance, including an airport terminal, bus station, dock, railway station, subway station, and wharf; and
12. the parking areas, sidewalks, and other grounds and structures that are part of a public place.

Construction of section

(b) For purposes of a prosecution under this section, a public conveyance or a public place need not be devoted solely to public use.

Prohibited

(c)(1) A person may not willfully and without lawful purpose obstruct or hinder the free passage of another in a public place or on a public conveyance.
(2) A person may not willfully act in a disorderly manner that disturbs the public peace.
(3) A person may not willfully fail to obey a reasonable and lawful order that a law enforcement officer makes to prevent a disturbance to the public peace.
(4) A person who enters the land or premises of another, whether an owner or lessee, or a beach adjacent to residential riparian property, may not willfully:
(i) disturb the peace of persons on the land, premises, or beach by making an unreasonably loud noise; or
(ii) act in a disorderly manner.
(5) A person from any location may not, by making an unreasonably loud noise, willfully disturb the peace of another:
(i) on the other’s land or premises;
(ii) in a public place; or
(iii) on a public conveyance.
(6) In Worcester County, a person may not build a bonfire or allow a bonfire to burn on a beach or other property between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Penalty

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

The Maryland disorderly conduct defense attorneys and Law Offices of SRIS, P.C., are located in Rockville and Annapolis.

Our Maryland 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.

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SRIS Law Group Offices

VA Offices:
Fairfax County & Prince William County - 703-278-0405

Richmond & Fredericksburg - 804-201-9009

Virginia Beach - 757-512-5002

Lynchburg County - 434-509-4004

MD Offices: Montgomery County & Baltimore - 240-399-0304

MA Offices: Boston & Cambridge - 617-861-4358

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