Maryland Family Law Section 10-219

      (a)      An individual who has care, custody, or control of a minor child may not desert the child:

            (1)      with the intent that the child become a public charge; or

            (2)      without providing for the child's support for at least 3 years by a responsible individual or a licensed child care facility.

      (b)      A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year.