2014 Maryland Code
Criminal Law
Title 3 - Other Crimes Against the Person
Subtitle 6 - Abuse and Other Offensive Conduct
§ 3-601. Child abuse

(a) Definitions. --

(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) "Abuse" means physical injury sustained by a minor as a result of cruel or inhumane treatment or as a result of a malicious act under circumstances that indicate that the minor's health or welfare is harmed or threatened by the treatment or act.

(3) "Family member" means a relative of a minor by blood, adoption, or marriage.

(4) "Household member" means a person who lives with or is a regular presence in a home of a minor at the time of the alleged abuse.

(5) "Severe physical injury" means:

(i) brain injury or bleeding within the skull;

(ii) starvation; or

(iii) physical injury that:

1. creates a substantial risk of death; or

2. causes permanent or protracted serious:

A. disfigurement;

B. loss of the function of any bodily member or organ; or

C. impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

(b) First-degree child abuse. --

(1) A parent, family member, household member, or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for the supervision of a minor may not cause abuse to the minor that:

(i) results in the death of the minor; or

(ii) causes severe physical injury to the minor.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection is guilty of the felony of child abuse in the first degree and on conviction is subject to:

(i) imprisonment not exceeding 25 years; or

(ii) if the violation results in the death of the victim, imprisonment not exceeding 40 years.

(c) Repeated offense. -- A person who violates this section after being convicted of a previous violation of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to:

(1) imprisonment not exceeding 25 years; or

(2) if the violation results in the death of the victim, imprisonment not exceeding 40 years.

(d) Second-degree child abuse. --

(1) (i) A parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for the supervision of a minor may not cause abuse to the minor.

(ii) A household member or family member may not cause abuse to a minor.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection is guilty of the felony of child abuse in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 15 years.

(e) Sentencing. -- A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section.