Statutes: Maryland

Definitions

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

(2) “Child advocacy center” means a center established under § 11-928 of the Criminal Procedure Article.

(3) “File electronically” means to send, communicate, receive, or store by electronic means.

(4) “Hospital” has the meaning stated in § 19-301 of the Health–General Article.

(5) “Vulnerable adult program” means:

(i) a program implemented under § 14-201 of this article; or

(ii) any program that receives federal or State funding to prevent abuse of or assist vulnerable adults.

Place of filing

(b) A petitioner may file electronically a petition for a temporary protective order with a court from:

(1) a domestic violence prevention or assistance program;

(2) a sexual assault prevention or assistance program;

(3) a human trafficking prevention or assistance program;

(4) a child advocacy center;

(5) a vulnerable adult program;

(6) a hospital where the petitioner is receiving medical treatment, while the petitioner is at the hospital; or

(7) another location approved by the court.

Referral by hospital

(c) The hospital shall refer the petitioner filing a petition on the grounds of:

(1) domestic violence:

(i) to a hospital-based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; or

(ii) if there is not a hospital-based domestic violence prevention or assistance program, to a community-based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; and

(2) sexual assault to a community-based sexual assault prevention or assistance program.

Hearings

(d) A court that receives a petition filed electronically in accordance with this section shall hold a hearing on the petition through the use of video conferencing on:

(1) the same business day if the petition is filed during regular court hours and the court is open; or(2) the next business day the court is open if the petition is not filed during regular court hours.