Can I be Reased on Recognizance in Maryland?

Experienced Baltimore criminal defense attorneys Attorney Eric T. Kirk know that if a defendant is admitted to bail, that bail cannot be excessive.

With certain exceptions, every defendant may be released “ROR” [released on recognizance].

Of course we argue our clients should be released on recognizance in every case. The law requires that the court must be satisfied that accused will appear for trial.

A defendant may not be released on recognizance if charged with a crime punishable by life imprisonment without parole, or, if the defendant has been accused of a crime below, after having previously convicted of:

• aiding, counseling, or procuring arson in the first degree under Section 6-102 of the Criminal Law Article
• arson in the second degree or attempting, aiding, counseling, or procuring arson in the second degree under Section 6-103 of the Criminal Law Article
• (burglary in the first degree under Section 6-202 of the Criminal Law Article
• burglary in the second degree under Section 6-203 of the Criminal Law Article;
• burglary in the third degree under Section 6-204 of the Criminal Law Article
• causing abuse to a child under Section 3-601 or Section 3-602 of the Criminal Law Article
• a crime that relates to a destructive device under Section 4-503 of the Criminal Law Article
• a crime that relates to a controlled dangerous substance under Sections 5-602 through 5-609 or Section 5-612 or Section 5-613 of the Criminal Law Article
• (manslaughter by vehicle or vessel under Section 2-209 of the Criminal Law Article; and
• a crime of violence. [Source Md. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE Code Ann. Section 5-202]

If the State has brought charges against you: Call me. 410 591 2835, or fill out the contact template on the page. The most important thing you can do at this point is to act quickly, and effectively, to protect your interests.