Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Analyzing Identity Theft Laws & Penalties in Maryland
In the digital age of the Internet, identity theft and other forms of white collar crime seem to be on the rise. Electronic communications and payment methods have opened the doors for many criminals to steal personal information for unlawful purposes. Accordingly, the State of Maryland has designed a series of laws against and… Read More »
What are the Rules for Marital Separation Agreements in Maryland?
When a married couple pursues a permanent divorce in Maryland, it does not have to be a contentious or drawn-out process. If the parties to a divorce are able to compromise and reach mutual understanding, they can pursue a marital separation agreement. Under Maryland Code of Family Law Section 7-103, the state courts may… Read More »
When Does Maryland Require Background Checks for Child Care Workers?
In order to safeguard the best interests of children residing within the state, Maryland law requires certain employers and employees to undergo a criminal background check. In order to work with children, these employers and employees must submit to a review of their criminal history at both the state and federal levels. Which Facilities… Read More »
Who Gets to Stay in the Family Home After a Maryland Divorce?
When married spouses decide to pursue a divorce in Maryland, they must decide how to split up their property. While engaging in the exercise of property division, the spouses must consider how to handle their family home, where they live with any of their children. Before allowing either spouse to enjoy possession and use… Read More »
Surveying Maryland Laws for Alimony Support Payments
When a married couple decides to pursue an annulment or divorce in Maryland, they are deciding to end their marriage. Even after a marriage ends, however, circumstances often require one spouse to pay support to the other spouse by making alimony payments. These support payments help address imbalances between the spouses. When Is it… Read More »
How Does Noah’s Law Impact Drunk Drivers in Maryland?
In Spring 2016, the State of Maryland introduced Noah’s Law to help combat driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. This law came into being after a drunk driver collided with and subsequently killed a Maryland police officer. Recognizing the terrible cost of this type of incident, Maryland instituted Noah’s Law in… Read More »
Unlawful Removal of a Child from a Maryland Custodian
Maryland child custody laws provide one or both parents with the authority to exercise control of their minor children. A parent with custody rights is allowed to make certain decisions on behalf of their child, such as education or healthcare. If a family relative takes the child away from their lawful custodian without reasonable… Read More »
Criminal Nonsupport & Desertion in Maryland Family Law
When a Maryland court orders someone to pay spousal support or child support, that person must satisfy any corresponding financial obligations. If a person fails to make on-time payments as required by the courts, Maryland law can impose criminal charges and penalties. Though with all support payments, the Maryland courts must consider the financial… Read More »
Examining the 8 Grounds for Absolute Divorce in Maryland
An absolute divorce in Maryland is permanent, final, and irreversible. Unlike limited divorces, absolute divorces cannot roll back. Correspondingly, there are only certain grounds — or legal reasons — for which a person may pursue an absolute divorce in Maryland. Unless a spouse can demonstrate one of the eight grounds below, the Maryland courts… Read More »
How Does Maryland Address & Penalize Drug Distribution?
Due to the risk of addiction and overall health danger, the State of Maryland has outlawed the use, possession, and distribution of various illegal drugs. When a person merely uses or possesses a small quantity of illegal drugs, the Maryland penalties are relatively slight. But as explained below, the Maryland laws against and penalties… Read More »
