Terms Used In Maryland Code, FAMILY LAW 10-215

  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • state: means :

    (1) a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or

    (2) the District of Columbia. See
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(a) After a pretrial inquiry before the State‘s Attorney, a deputy State’s Attorney, or an assistant State’s Attorney, the State’s Attorney may:

(1) file an information that charges the accused individual with nonsupport or desertion, as appropriate; or

(2) seek an indictment that charges the accused individual with nonsupport or desertion, as appropriate.

(b) After an information is filed and before trial, the court, with the written consent of the accused individual, may pass an order under § 10-202 or § 10-204 of this subtitle.

(c) If the accused individual fails or refuses to consent to a court order being passed, the individual has a right to be tried on the charge.