# Criminal Procedure (GCP)

## Title 5. Release

### Subtitle 1. In General

#### Section 5-101

(a) This section shall be liberally construed to carry out the purpose of relying on criminal sanctions instead of financial loss to ensure the appearance of a defendant in a criminal case before verdict or pending a new trial.

(b)

  (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, if, from all the circumstances, the court believes that a minor or adult defendant in a criminal case will appear as required for trial before verdict or pending trial, the defendant may be released on personal recognizance.

  (2) A failure to appear as required by personal recognizance is subject to the penalties provided in Sec. 5-211 of this title.

(c) A defendant may not be released on personal recognizance if the defendant is charged with:

  (1) a crime listed in Sec. 5-202(d) of this title after having been convicted of a crime listed in Sec. 5-202(d) of this title; or

  (2) a crime punishable by life imprisonment without parole.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)