Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Maryland
Sheriff Ethics
In MD, is it legal for an officer with the Sheriff's office to run vehicle tags to find out the name of the owner for his own gain. Specifically, in a neighborhood with unassigned parking, running tags of someone parked directly in front of his home so that he may specifically ask them to move.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Sheriff Ethics
The covenants of a community apply and were parking is unassigned there is no property right. Typically the parking spaces are granted via an easement to the county. Easement matters may be difficult where improvements are needed but nonetheless an officer of the law does not have the right to abuse his/her power to enforce what the covenants and declarations of the community do not provide in conjunction with county law. There are tactful and quite assertive ways to deal with police officers who feel that they are above the law. Contact an attorney should you need assistance.