The Law Office Of Caroline Norman Frost | Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
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The Law Office Of Caroline Norman Frost | Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney

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Committing crimes in the presence of a child or committing crimes with a child in Maryland

On Behalf of | Jan 16, 2025 | Criminal Defense

In Maryland, certain crimes committed in the presence of a child can lead to enhanced penalties. Here are some examples:

  1. Child Abuse: Committing any crime that results in physical or emotional harm to a child can lead to severe penalties, including felony charges and significant prison time.
  2. Domestic Violence: If domestic violence occurs in the presence of a child, it can result in enhanced penalties, including increased sentencing for the perpetrator.
  3. Drug Offenses: Selling or distributing drugs in the presence of a child can lead to harsher penalties, as the law takes into account the risk to the child’s health and safety.
  4. Sexual Offenses: Committing sexual offenses, such as sexual assault, in the presence of a minor can lead to enhanced charges and penalties, including longer prison sentences.
  5. Assault: If an assault occurs in the presence of a child, the offender may face enhanced sentencing due to the impact of witnessing violence on a minor.
  6. Disorderly Conduct: Engaging in disorderly conduct or public disturbances in front of a child can result in increased penalties, especially if it poses a risk to the child’s well-being.

These enhanced penalties reflect Maryland’s focus on protecting children and addressing the additional trauma and risks associated with witnessing criminal behavior.

In Maryland, there are enhanced penalties for DUI (driving under the influence) offenses when a child is in the vehicle. If a driver is convicted of DUI or DWI (driving while impaired) with a minor under the age of 16 in the car, they can face:

  1. Increased Fines: The fines for DUI can be significantly higher if a child is present.
  2. Increased Jail Time: The potential jail sentence may be lengthened, with mandatory minimum sentences in some cases.
  3. Points on Driving Record: Additional points may be added to the driver’s record, which can affect their driving privileges.
  4. Child Endangerment Charges: The driver may also face separate charges for child endangerment, which can carry additional legal consequences.

These enhanced penalties are aimed at emphasizing the seriousness of driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle, recognizing the increased risk to the child’s safety.

 

 

In Maryland, conspiring with a child to commit a crime can lead to enhanced charges and penalties. Here are key points regarding this situation:

 

  1. Conspiracy Charges: If an adult conspires with a minor to commit a crime, the adult can be charged with conspiracy, which may carry serious penalties depending on the underlying crime.
  2. Child Endangerment: Involving a child in criminal activity can lead to additional charges of child endangerment, which may result in harsher penalties.
  3. Increased Sentencing: If the crime involves a minor, sentencing guidelines may be more severe due to the exploitation of the child’s age and vulnerability.
  4. Juvenile Justice System: Depending on the circumstances, the minor involved may be handled within the juvenile justice system, while the adult may face adult criminal charges.

 

These laws aim to protect minors and deter adults from involving children in criminal activities. If faced with such a situation, consulting a legal professional is crucial.