Author Archives: Jay Butchko
4 Kinds of Property Couples Split Up After Maryland Divorces
When a formerly married couple pursues divorce or annulment, they must go through the process of property division as well. During this process, the soon-to-be divorced couple decide how to split up various types of property that they acquired during their marriage. In common practice, there are generally four different kinds of property that… Read More »
Overview of Maryland Laws Against Destructive Devices
Destructive device laws in Maryland exist under the umbrella of weapon possession crimes. Destructive devices have the potential to inflict severe harm due to the presence of harmful materials or substances. Accordingly, Maryland applies criminal penalties for violations of destructive device laws. What is the Definition of a Destructive Device? Maryland Code, Criminal Law… Read More »
Rejection of Child Visitation Rights Under Maryland Law
Maryland law enables parents, grandparents, and other family members to secure child visitation rights under certain circumstances. These rights allow a non-custodial party, without child custody rights, to spend time with the child in question. At the same time, the Maryland courts have a duty to protect the best interests of any children involved…. Read More »
Possession vs. Distribution of a Controlled Substance in Maryland
In Maryland, it is a drug crime to possess or distribute a controlled substance. These substances are regulated and controlled due to their addictiveness and potential medical use, if any. Illegal drugs like heroin, cocaine, or marijuana are referred to legally as controlled substances. The criminal punishment changes based on whether a person possessed… Read More »
What Happens When Domestic Violence Victims Seek Help in Maryland?
Under Maryland family law, domestic violence is a criminal offense that only occurs when the abuser and the victim are related to each other. When a person becomes a victim of domestic violence, Maryland law requires law enforcement to protect the victim and provide assistance in various other ways. Who Qualifies as a Domestic… Read More »
What are Several Types of Child Custody in Maryland?
When unmarried or divorced parents have a minor child in Maryland, they must figure out several aspects of child custody. Depending on the circumstances — not to mention agreements between the parents, if any — there can be numerous types of child custody arrangements. In certain cases, one parent has full legal and physical… Read More »
Reporting Rules for 3 Types of Child Abuse & Neglect in Maryland
Not every case of child abuse or neglect is readily apparent. Sometimes there are no signs of injury or hunger or poor hygiene. Sometimes children are placed in situations where the danger to them is less visible, but still quite real. Accordingly, Maryland law provides specific reporting rules for individuals who observe or suspect… Read More »
Dissecting 3 Variations of Adoption in Maryland
The Maryland Code of Family Law institutes a multifaceted system of rules and regulations to govern the process of child adoption. These rules and regulations exist to safeguard the best interests of any children involved as well as protect parental rights from unreasonable interference. There are three types of adoption under Maryland state law:… Read More »
What is the Maryland Approach to Alimony?
Alimony is a type of support payment available to a spouse during divorce proceeding and/or after completing their divorce. These support payments are designed to address financial imbalances between formerly married spouses and promote future self-sufficiency. Alimony can be awarded to either spouse, even if that spouse contributed to the grounds for divorce. When… Read More »
Manslaughter & Homicide by Vehicle or Vessel in Maryland
The Maryland Criminal Code prohibits any person from driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs. When a person loses the ability to drive safely and carefully due to consumption of these substances, DUI charges are often appropriate. In certain situations, a person can face charges other than DUI for negligent operation or… Read More »
