Maryland Criminal Procedure §11-930 (Enacted April 22, 2025)
This law establishes clear requirements and procedures for certifying U nonimmigrant status petitions (U-Visas) in Maryland.An individual is considered helpful if, since the initiation of cooperation, they have not unreasonably refused to assist or failed to provide reasonably requested information or assistance to a certifying entity. If a certifying entity declines to issue certification, it must provide a written explanation when the evidence does not support issuance.
The law sets a time limit for certifying entities to respond: 45 days in most cases; or 7 days if the applicant is in removal proceedings. There is no statute of limitations, meaning survivors may seek certification regardless of when the crime occurred. Importantly, the law clarifies that certification does not require a current investigation, filing of charges, prosecution, or conviction.