# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 10. Support in General

### Subtitle 2. Criminal Nonsupport and Desertion

#### Section 10-204

(a) Before trial and with the written consent of the accused individual, or on conviction of the individual under Sec. 10-203 of this subtitle, instead of or in addition to imposing a penalty under Sec. 10-203 of this subtitle, the court may:

  (1) order the individual to pay child support periodically in a certain amount for 3 years, or, if there is an agreement with respect to support of the child, order the individual to make payments as provided in the agreement; and

  (2) place the individual on probation on the individual's entering into a recognizance.

(b) In passing the order, the court shall consider the financial circumstances of the accused individual.

(c) The accused individual shall make the payments:

  (1) to the person who has custody of the minor child, through the appropriate support enforcement agency; or

  (2) if there is an agreement with respect to support of the child, to the recipient designated in the agreement.

(d) The court may modify the order as circumstances require.

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