Williams v. State

Summary

The Supreme Court of Maryland held that the criminal-organization statute creates a general-intent offense, but requires proof that the defendant knew the organization was a criminal organization as statutorily defined. The Court also held that the statute targets organizational leaders or nonmembers exercising discretionary authority consistent with leadership, and that the evidence did not show Williams occupied such a role. The Court therefore reversed the appellate judgment and directed entry of an acquittal.