HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2135

(A)  AUTHORITY OF COURT.

BEFORE TRIAL AND WITH THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE ACCUSED
INDIVIDUAL, OR ON CONVICTION OF THE INDIVIDUAL UNDER § 10-201 OF
THIS SUBTITLE, INSTEAD OF OR IN ADDITION TO IMPOSING A PENALTY
UNDER § 10-201 OF THIS SUBTITLE, THE COURT MAY:

(1)  ORDER THE INDIVIDUAL TO PAY SPOUSAL SUPPORT
PERIODICALLY IN A CERTAIN AMOUNT FOR 3 YEARS; AND

(2)  PLACE THE INDIVIDUAL ON PROBATION ON THE
INDIVIDUAL'S ENTERING INTO A RECOGNIZANCE.

(B)  DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT.

IN PASSING THE ORDER, THE COURT SHALL CONSIDER THE FINANCIAL
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE ACCUSED INDIVIDUAL.

(C)  RECIPIENT.

THE ACCUSED INDIVIDUAL SHALL MAKE THE PAYMENTS TO THE SPOUSE
DIRECTLY OR THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.

(D)  MODIFICATION.

THE COURT MAY MODIFY THE ORDER AS CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived
without substantive change from the second clause of
the third sentence of former Article 27, § 88(a).

In subsection (a) of this section, the reference to
"written" consent is added to conform to practice.
See also § 10-215(b) of this subtitle as to the
requirement of a written consent in Baltimore City.

In subsection (a)(1) of this section, the word
"periodically" is substituted for the former word
"weekly" to conform to practice. This revision is
called to the attention of the General Assembly.

In subsection (c) of this section, "through the
appropriate support enforcement agency" is new
language added to conform to practice.

Defined term: "Support" § 1-101

10-203. NONSUPPORT OF AND DESERTING MINOR CHILD PROHIBITED;
PENALTIES.

(A) FAILING TO SUPPORT MINOR CHILD.

A PARENT MAY NOT WILLFULLY FAIL TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUPPORT
OF HIS OR HER MINOR CHILD.