Sec. 14.13.03.12. Disclosure Against Public Interest

A. If, in the opinion of the official custodian, disclosure of any public record that is otherwise required to be disclosed under the Act would do substantial injury to the public interest, the official custodian may temporarily deny the request in writing and apply within 10 working days of the denial to the appropriate circuit court for an order permitting continued denial or restriction of access. Notice of the application filed with the circuit court shall be served on the applicant in the same manner that is provided for service of process by the Maryland Rules of Procedure.

B. The official custodian may solicit and consider the advice and counsel of a person or persons specializing in the fields of law, engineering, or finance in order to form an opinion as to whether the application should be denied.