Criminal Procedure - Admission of Out-of-Court Statements - Assault in the Second Degree

HB 281 modifies Maryland's criminal procedure rules to allow certain out-of-court statements in assault in the second degree cases. It permits statements (like sworn testimony, written affidavits, or recorded statements) to be admitted as evidence if the defendant caused the witness's unavailability through wrongdoing. Before admission, a judge must hold a separate hearing to verify the defendant's wrongdoing by a preponderance of evidence, applying strict evidence rules. This directly affects defendants charged with assault in the second degree and the prosecution's ability to use such statements in trial. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025.