Ch. 632                                    1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

guide to the Committee's reasoning in revising the law on assault-related crimes. These
notes have not been adopted by the General Assembly and may not be considered to be
a part of the law.

Article 10 - Legal Officials

[37.

In cases where recognizances to prosecute have been entered into, and before
presentment or indictment found, the several courts of this State having jurisdiction of
crimes and offenses, upon the motion of the State's Attorney, with the consent of the
parties injured and accused, may compromise any assault and battery, the party accused
paying the same costs as would have been incurred by the finding a true bill and plea of
guilty; provided, such court shall consider it proper in reference to the peace of the State
so to do.]

COMMITTEE NOTE (COMMITTEE TO REVISE ARTICLE 27): For current
provisions dealing with compromising cases of assault, see Article 27, § 12A-5.

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

[Assault with Intent to Murder, Ravish or Rob]

[12.

Every person convicted of the crime of an assault with intent to rob, is guilty of a
felony and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years or more than
ten years. Every person convicted of the crime of an assault with intent to murder is guilty
of a felony and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years nor more
than 30 years. Every person convicted of the crime of an assault with intent to commit a
rape in any degree or a sexual offense in the first or second degree is guilty of a felony
and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years nor more than 15
years.]

COMMITTEE NOTE (COMMITTEE TO REVISE ARTICLE 27): For current
provisions dealing with this offense, see the Assault subheading in this article. See also,
Article 27, § 411A (attempted murder), § 464F (attempted rape or sexual offense), and §§
486 and 488 (attempted robbery and attempted robbery with a dangerous or deadly
weapon).

[Assault - Third Person Aiding One Being Assaulted]

[ 12A.

Any person witnessing a violent assault upon the person of another may lawfully aid
the person being assaulted by assisting in that person's defense. The force exerted upon
the attacker or attackers by the person witnessing the assault may be that degree of force
which the assaulted person is allowed to assert in defending himself.]

COMMITTEE NOTE (COMMITTEE TO REVISE ARTICLE 27): For the
current provision dealing with defenses in assault cases, see Article 27, § 12A-3.

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