Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 7 - Claims Procedure, Hearings, and Appeals
Section 9-717 - Noncompliance by Witness

(a)    If, without reasonable cause, a witness refuses to produce a document or to testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the Commission may and, on request of a party to the proceeding, shall apply to a circuit court for an order to show cause.
    (b)    On proof by affidavit that a witness has refused to produce a document or testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the circuit court shall pass an order, returnable within 2 to 5 days, that directs the witness to show cause why the witness should not be imprisoned.
    (c)    (1)    On return of the order, the circuit court shall conduct a hearing to determine if the witness, without reasonable cause or legal excuse, refused to testify or provide a document in accordance with an order of the Commission.
        (2)    The circuit court shall:
            (i)    examine the witness under oath; and
            (ii)    give the witness an opportunity to be heard.
        (3)    If the circuit court finds that the witness, without reasonable cause or legal excuse, refused to produce a document or testify in accordance with an order of the Commission, the circuit court may have the witness immediately imprisoned until the witness:
            (i)    produces the document or testifies; or
            (ii)    is discharged in accordance with law.

Structure Maryland Statutes