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Terms Used In Maryland Code, CRIMINAL LAW 3-605

  • Adult: means an individual at least 18 years old. See
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Person: includes an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, corporation, partnership, business trust, statutory trust, limited liability company, firm, association, or other nongovernmental entity. See
(a) This section does not apply to abuse that involves sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult.

(b) (1) A caregiver, a parent, or other person who has permanent or temporary care or responsibility for the supervision of a vulnerable adult may not:

(i) cause abuse or neglect of the vulnerable adult; or

(ii) intentionally and maliciously inflict severe emotional distress on the vulnerable adult.

(2) A household member or family member may not:

(i) cause abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult; or

(ii) intentionally and maliciously inflict severe emotional distress on a vulnerable adult.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

(d) A sentence imposed under this section shall be in addition to any other sentence imposed for a conviction arising from the same facts and circumstances unless the evidence required to prove each crime is substantially identical.