Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence

The Police and Criminal Court System 

In case of an emergency
Dial 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency. The police can help you get to a safe place and obtain medical treatment, if necessary. Once you are out of immediate danger, call our hotline (1-800-927-4673) end_of_the_skype_highlighting for information and support.
Non-Emergency Law Enforcement Phone Numbers

Probable Cause Arrest
Probable Cause is a reasonable belief that a person has committed a crime. The test the court of appeals employs to determine whether probable cause existed for purposes of arrest is whether facts and circumstances within the officer's knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent person to believe a suspect has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. U.S. v. Puerta, 982 F.2d 1297, 1300 (9th Cir. 1992)

A police officer without a warrant may arrest a person if:
    1) the police officer has a probable cause to believe that
        a) the person battered the person’s spouse or another person with whom the person resides:
        b) there is evidence of physical injury; and
        c) unless the person is arrested immediately , the person
            i) may not be apprehended;
            ii) may cause physical injury or property damage to another; or
            iii) may temper with, dispose of, or destroy evidence   
    2) a report to the police was made within 48 hours of the alleged incident
   
If the police officer has probable cause to believe that mutual battery occurred and arrest is necessary under the subsection (above), the police officer shall consider whether one of the persons acted in self-defense when determining whether to arrest the person whom the police officer believes to be primary aggressor (Criminal Procedure Article §2-204)
 

Bail Conditions
The abuser will be released from jail as soon as he/she makes bail. Let the police know of the abuser’s history of domestic violence. The Court Commissioner considers this information when setting bail.

Criminal Court Proceedings
If the abuser is found guilty or pleads guilty, the sentence could include a fine, jail time, court-mandated counselling, or a combination of these things.

Vine Offender Information Program
You can receive a free notification call when your abuser is released from jail. To register call 1-866-634-8463 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting    

STATE'S ATTORNEY'S PHONE NUMBERS