King George, VA asked in Tax Law and Criminal Law for Maryland

Q: Hi i own a store in Maryland and we didn’t know about tobacco products tax

we have got 2 tickets there code

TG.13.1014.b

BR 16.5-218

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2 Lawyer Answers
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Rockville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: The Tax-General code citation is a criminal misdemeanor that carries up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine, and the Business Regulation code citation is a criminal misdemeanor that carries up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Both are "must appear" charges, meaning you can't just pay a fine. You need a criminal defense attorney, and there is a fair expectation of avoiding a guilty finding/conviction if this is a first offense, and potentially a resolution with the prosecutor that avoids even a fine or any admission of wrongdoing. There may be civil regulatory actions taken against your business as well, separate from these criminal charges, that could impact your ability to sell tobacco products. Retain experienced counsel.

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Towson, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: This is a crime in Maryland that carries possible jail time. You should retain counsel to represent you. An attorney should be able to keep a conviction off your record if this is a first offense.

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