# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 10. Support in General

### Subtitle 2. Criminal Nonsupport and Desertion

#### Section 10-215

(a) After a pretrial inquiry before the State's Attorney, a deputy State's Attorney, or an assistant State's Attorney, the State's Attorney may:

  (1) file an information that charges the accused individual with nonsupport or desertion, as appropriate; or

  (2) seek an indictment that charges the accused individual with nonsupport or desertion, as appropriate.

(b) After an information is filed and before trial, the court, with the written consent of the accused individual, may pass an order under Sec. 10-202 or Sec. 10-204 of this subtitle.

(c) If the accused individual fails or refuses to consent to a court order being passed, the individual has a right to be tried on the charge.

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