Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Police Duties & Victim Rights For Domestic Violence In Maryland
When domestic violence occurs under Maryland law, there are required duties for any law enforcement officer involved. There are also rights afforded to the victim in these situations. But before delving into the specifics of these rights and duties, it will be helpful to review both sets of legal requirements for domestic violence in… Read More »
Adoption Of A Child Through A Private Agency In Maryland
Maryland family law provides multiple routes for the adoption of minor children. One such method involves private child placement agencies. Often referred to as private agencies under the law, these organizations help place minor children with appropriate individuals or in a suitable home. To operate as a child placement agency in Maryland, an organization… Read More »
How Does Maryland Treat Property Division After Divorce?
Property division can be one of the most important aspects of a Maryland divorce. In this context, marital property refers to anything a couple acquires during their marriage with a few exceptions. The term “marital property” does exclude certain things, such as third-party gift or inheritance. In the course of pursuing a divorce, the… Read More »
Overview Of Prescription Drug Crimes Under Maryland Law
The topic of drug crimes under Maryland law generally evokes the notion of illegal substances, such as cocaine or heroin. But in addition to prohibitions against possession or distribution of illegal drugs, Maryland also has regulations to govern prescription drugs. The sale, possession, and use of prescription drugs are only legal if accomplished in… Read More »
White Collar Crimes Against Vulnerable Adults
Within the domain of white collar crime in Maryland, there is a specific provision to protect vulnerable adults. These individuals require additional safeguards given their status. Accordingly, there are laws against and penalties for this type of offender under the Maryland Code of Criminal Law. Definition of Vulnerable Adults in Maryland The definition of… Read More »
Is It A Crime To Fail To Pay Child Support In Maryland?
Under Maryland family law, child support ensures that minor children have the resources necessary for their physical and emotional well-being. Typically, child support obligations arise out of a court order or a valid agreement between parents. Once this type of obligation is officially recognized, it can be a criminal offense to fail to pay… Read More »
What Is The Victims Of Domestic Violence Program In Maryland?
The victims of domestic violence in Maryland and elsewhere have historically suffered from a lack of protective and supportive services. To address this unfortunate reality, the Maryland General Assembly created the Victims of Domestic Violence Program. Featuring a multifaceted purpose, the Program helps provide support to victims of domestic violence and safeguard them from… Read More »
3 Components Of Joint Custody Agreements Under Maryland Family Law
In Maryland and many other jurisdictions, child custody is an extremely important consideration for divorced or unmarried parents. In many cases, the parents are able to construct a joint custody agreement that is mutually agreeable to all parties involved. But if the parents are unable reach mutual agreement, the Maryland courts may intervene and… Read More »
When Does Maryland Shield Court Records Of Domestic Violence Cases?
When the Maryland courts deny or dismiss a request for a protective order in an alleged domestic violence case, it is possible to shield the records related to that proceeding. These shielded records are not publicly available. Only certain individuals with a legitimate reason may access these records. What Does it Mean to Shield… Read More »
Is It A Gun Crime To Possess An Assault Weapon In Maryland?
Within the arena of gun crimes in Maryland, there are special provisions in place to address assault weapons. From a general standpoint, assault weapons tend to have large magazines and the ability to fire quickly, whether in semiautomatic or automatic fashion. These weapons were likely designed for combat and, thus, are extremely deadly. As… Read More »
