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Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 3-602

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Family member” has the meaning stated in § 3-601 of this subtitle.

(3) “Household member” has the meaning stated in § 3-601 of this subtitle.

(4)(i) “Sexual abuse” means an act that involves sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor, whether physical injuries are sustained or not.

(ii) “Sexual abuse” includes:

1. incest;

2. rape;

3. sexual offense in any degree; and

4. any other sexual conduct that is a crime.

(b)(1) A parent or other person who has permanent or temporary care or custody or responsibility for the supervision of a minor may not cause sexual abuse to the minor.

(2) A household member or family member may not cause sexual abuse to a minor.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years.

(d) A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for:

(1) any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section; or

(2) a violation of § 3-601 of this subtitle involving an act of abuse separate from sexual abuse under this section.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 3-602 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/criminal-law/md-code-crim-law-sect-3-602/

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