Good Samaritan Law

Maryland's Good Samaritan Law protects individuals assisting in emergency overdose situations. This law ensures that those seeking medical assistance during an overdose emergency won't face arrest or prosecution for specific crimes.
 

The Good Samaritan Law covers:

Possession or use of controlled substances.

Possession or use of drug paraphernalia.

Providing alcohol to minors.

The law applies to anyone seeking, providing, or assisting with medical assistance due to alcohol or drug-related emergencies, extending protection to victims aided by someone seeking help for them.

The law shields individuals from violating conditions of pretrial release, probation, or parole if the evidence results solely from seeking, providing, or assisting with medical help.

However, the law doesn't protect those who witness a medical emergency but choose not to help. It safeguards individuals from arrest, charge, or prosecution for six specific misdemeanors where evidence is obtained solely due to seeking medical assistance. These misdemeanors include offenses related to controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, and underage alcohol possession and consumption. Importantly, the Good Samaritan Law doesn't cover drug felonies or other unlisted crimes, nor does it prevent law enforcement from investigating or gathering evidence.