1774

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 159

attorney may not reveal certain information unless certain

conditions are met; and generally relating to the

publication release of addresses and telephone numbers of
certain victims and witnesses.

BY adding to

Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings

Section 9-501 to be under the new subtitle "Subtitle 5.

Victims and Witnesses - Publication Release of

Addresses and Telephone Numbers"
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1984 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

Preamble

It is the public policy of this State to protect the rights
of victims or witnesses from harassment. To that end, it is the
legislative intent of this Act to limit the publication of the
addresses and telephone numbers of victims and witnesses to the

extent that this goal does not conflict with the proper

administration of justice or the preparation of the cases or
arguments by attorneys, now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings

SUBTITLE 5. VICTIMS AND WITNESSES -
PUBLICATION RELEASE OF ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS

9-501.

(A) UNLESS DISCLOSURE HAS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN PLACE ON MOTION
OF EITHER PARTY, DURING A CRIMINAL TRIAL, A JUDGE MAY NOT REQUIRE
PROHIBIT THE RELEASE OF THE ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE
VICTIM OR WITNESS UNLESS THE JUDGE DETERMINES THAT, UNDER THE
PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, THE INFORMATION IS NECESSARY AND
RELEVANT AND THE VICTIM OR WITNESS IS FIRST NOTIFIED THAT THIS
INFORMATION IS TO BE RELEASED.

(B) A DEFENSE ATTORNEY MAY NOT REVEAL TO THE DEFENDANT OR
MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC THE ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER OF A VICTIM
OR A STATE'S WITNESS OF A CRIME, OTHER THAN A LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICER, WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE VICTIM OR WITNESS.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1985.

Approved May 21, 1985.