[MD] Can the county hold me or my family responsible for my son’s past crime?
I’m 54 and have NEVER committed a crime. My youngest son, however, was charged with a sex crime against animals. I went to adopt a dog today and was told it shows “THE FAMILY has been charged with sexual abuse of dogs” and “no one related to this person may adopt from this shelter.” His offense was from 2017. He didn’t live with me then and doesn’t live with me now. My grandson was with me—this dog is for him. This is absolutely embarrassing. I didn’t know anything was happening until detectives came to my door in the middle of the night. How can I be seen as guilty for something I never did?
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Generally, no—they cannot treat your entire family as aligned to a particular conviction. That could impact your civil rights, in my opinion.
Here is the State’s Attorney contact info:
Scott D. Shellenberger, State’s Attorney
County Courts Building, Room 511
401 Bosley Ave., Towson, MD 21204-4420
(410) 887-6660
Website: baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/statesattorney/index.html
Did that answer your question? If you have further questions, let me know.
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Can I be held liable for someone else’s crime if I didn’t know it occurred?
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand you’re concerned about potential liability for someone else’s actions. Were you present when the crime occurred or did you have any involvement?
No.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you received any legal notices or communications regarding this situation?
No.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Yes.
Benjamin
Hello, my name is Benjamin, and I’ve been a licensed attorney for over 19 years. What type of crime is this generally? How would they implicate you?
I’m 54 and have NEVER committed a crime. My youngest son, however, was charged with a sex crime against animals. I went to adopt a dog today and was told it shows “THE FAMILY has been charged with sexual abuse of dogs” and “no one related to this person may adopt from this shelter.”
His offense was from 2017. He didn’t live with me then and doesn’t live with me now. My grandson was with me—this dog is for him. This is absolutely embarrassing. I didn’t know anything was happening until detectives came to my door in the middle of the night. How can I be seen as guilty for something I never did?
Benjamin
I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Legally, that shelter is a private organization and can refuse service to anyone. I understand it’s embarrassing, but there’s no legal recourse to prevent people from having a negative opinion of your family.
I want to know how the county can do this! The shelter told me to contact the County Attorney. My own government deemed me a criminal without a trial.
Benjamin
What county and state are you in?
Baltimore County, Maryland. Are they allowed to place the burden on an entire family for what one person has done?
Benjamin
Generally, no—they cannot treat your entire family as aligned to a particular conviction. That could impact your civil rights, in my opinion.
Here is the State’s Attorney contact info:
Scott D. Shellenberger, State’s Attorney
County Courts Building, Room 511
401 Bosley Ave., Towson, MD 21204-4420
(410) 887-6660
Website: baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/statesattorney/index.html
Did that answer your question? If you have further questions, let me know.
Benjamin
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