2013 Maryland Code
FAMILY LAW
§ 4-503 - Notice of victim's rights to victim

§4-503.

(a) A law enforcement officer who responds to a request for help under § 4-502 of this Part I of this subtitle shall give the victim a written notice that:

(1) includes the telephone number of a local domestic violence program that receives funding from the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention; and

(2) states that:

(i) the victim may request that a District Court commissioner file a criminal charging document against the alleged abuser;

(ii) if the commissioner declines to charge the alleged abuser, the victim may request that the State’s Attorney file a criminal charging document against the alleged abuser;

(iii) the victim may file in the District Court or a circuit court or, when neither the office of the clerk of the circuit court nor the Office of the District Court Clerk is open, with a commissioner, a petition under this subtitle; and

(iv) the victim may obtain a copy of the incident report, as provided under § 4-503.1 of this Part I of this subtitle.

(b) A law enforcement officer may not be held liable in a civil action that arises from the officer’s failure to provide the notice required under subsection (a) of this section.

§ 4-503 - 1. Report of abuse to State Police and victim

(a) In general. -- If an incident report is filed when a law enforcement officer responds to a request for help under § 4-502 of this Part I of this subtitle, the law enforcement unit shall provide a copy of the report:

(1) to the Department of State Police; and

(2) on request, to the victim.

(b) Subpoena not necessary. -- The victim need not obtain a subpoena to receive a copy of the incident report.

§ 4-503 - 2. Domestic Violence Unit Pilot Program Fund

Abrogated.