reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety › Part III - Alcoholic Beverage Consumption or Possession of Open Container in Passenger Area of Motor Vehicle › Section 10-123 - Definitions

(a)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Alcoholic beverage” has the meaning stated in § 21–903 of the Transportation Article.
(c)    “Bus” has the meaning stated in § 11–105 of the Transportation Article.
(d)    “Cannabis” has the meaning stated in § 5–101 of this article.
(e)    “Highway” has the meaning stated in § 11–127 of the Transportation Article.
(f)    “Limousine” has the meaning stated in § 11–129.1 of the Transportation Article.
(g)    “Motor home” has the meaning stated in § 11–134.3 of the Transportation Article.
(h)    (1)    “Motor vehicle” means a vehicle that:
(i)    is self–propelled or propelled by electric power obtained from overhead electrical wires; and
(ii)    is not operated on rails.
(2)    “Motor vehicle” includes:
(i)    a low speed vehicle, as defined in § 11–130.1 of the Transportation Article;
(ii)    a moped, as defined in § 11–134.1 of the Transportation Article; and
(iii)    a motor scooter, as defined in § 11–134.5 of the Transportation Article.
(i)    “Moving violation” has the meaning stated in § 11–136.1 of the Transportation Article.
(j)    “Open container” means a bottle, can, or other receptacle:
(1)    that is open;
(2)    that has a broken seal; or
(3)    from which the contents are partially removed.
(k)    “Passenger area” has the meaning stated in § 21–903 of the Transportation Article.
(l)    “Taxicab” has the meaning stated in § 11–165 of the Transportation Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety › Part III - Alcoholic Beverage Consumption or Possession of Open Container in Passenger Area of Motor Vehicle › Section 10-124 - Application of Part

(a)    This part applies to a motor vehicle that is driven, stopped, standing, or otherwise located on a highway.
(b)    This part does not affect the provisions of § 21-903 of the Transportation Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety › Part III - Alcoholic Beverage Consumption or Possession of Open Container in Passenger Area of Motor Vehicle › Section 10-125 - Violations

(a)    (1)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, an occupant of a motor vehicle may not possess an open container that contains any amount of an alcoholic beverage in a passenger area of a motor vehicle on a highway.
(2)    A driver of a motor vehicle may not be subject to prosecution for a violation of this subsection based solely on possession of an open container that contains any amount of an alcoholic beverage by another occupant of the motor vehicle.
(b)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to the driver of a motor vehicle.
(2)    Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, an occupant of a motor vehicle may not consume an alcoholic beverage in a passenger area of a motor vehicle on a highway.
(3)    An occupant of a motor vehicle may not smoke cannabis in a passenger area of a motor vehicle on a highway.
(c)    Subsections (a)(1) and (b)(2) of this section do not apply to an occupant, who is not the driver, in:
(1)    a motor vehicle designed, maintained, and used primarily for the transportation of a person for compensation, including:
(i)    a bus;
(ii)    a taxicab; or
(iii)    a limousine; or
(2)    the living quarters of a motor home, motor coach, or recreational vehicle.
(d)    Notwithstanding § 6–320, § 6–321, or § 6–322 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article, or any other provision of law, the prohibitions contained in this section apply throughout the State.
(e)    A violation of this section is not:
(1)    a moving violation for the purposes of § 16–402 of the Transportation Article; or
(2)    a traffic violation for the purposes of the Maryland Vehicle Law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety › Part III - Alcoholic Beverage Consumption or Possession of Open Container in Passenger Area of Motor Vehicle › Section 10-126 - Citation; Civil Offense

(a)    A police officer may issue a citation to a person who the police officer has probable cause to believe has committed a violation under this part.
(b)    (1)    A violation under this part is a civil offense.
(2)    Adjudication of a violation under this part:
(i)    is not a criminal conviction for any purpose; and
(ii)    does not impose any of the civil disabilities that may result from a criminal conviction.
(c)    A citation issued under this part shall be signed by the police officer who issues the citation and shall contain:
(1)    the name and address of the person charged;
(2)    the statute allegedly violated;
(3)    the date, location, and time that the violation occurred;
(4)    the fine that may be imposed;
(5)    a notice stating that prepayment of the fine is allowed; and
(6)    a notice that states that the District Court shall promptly send the person a summons to appear for trial.
(d)    The form of the citation shall be uniform throughout the State and shall be prescribed by the District Court.
(e)    The Chief Judge of the District Court shall establish a schedule for the prepayment of a fine.
(f)    (1)    The law enforcement agency of the police officer who issued the citation shall forward to the District Court having venue a copy of the citation and a request for trial.
(2)    The District Court shall promptly schedule the case for trial and summon the defendant to appear.
(g)    If a person is found to have committed a violation under this part, the person is subject to a fine not exceeding $25.
(h)    The court costs for a violation under this part are $5.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety › Part III - Alcoholic Beverage Consumption or Possession of Open Container in Passenger Area of Motor Vehicle › Section 10-127 - Procedure

(a)    In a proceeding for a violation under this part:
(1)    the State has the burden to prove the guilt of the defendant to the same extent as is required by law in the trial of a criminal case;
(2)    the court shall apply the evidentiary standards as prescribed by law for the trial of a criminal case;
(3)    the court shall ensure that the defendant has received a copy of the charges against the defendant and that the defendant understands those charges;
(4)    the defendant is entitled to:
(i)    cross-examine each witness who appears against the defendant;
(ii)    produce evidence and witnesses on the defendant’s own behalf;
(iii)    testify on the defendant’s own behalf if the defendant chooses to do so; and
(iv)    be represented by counsel of the defendant’s own selection and expense;
(5)    the defendant may enter a plea of guilty or not guilty;
(6)    the verdict shall be:
(i)    guilty of a civil violation; or
(ii)    not guilty of a civil violation; and
(7)    before entering a judgment, a court may place the defendant on probation in the same manner and to the same extent as is permitted by law in a criminal case.
(b)    If a defendant is found guilty of a violation under this part and a fine is imposed, a court may direct that the payment of the fine be suspended or deferred under conditions determined by the court.
(c)    A defendant’s willful failure to pay a fine imposed under this part may be treated as a criminal contempt punishable as provided by law.
(d)    A defendant who is found guilty of a violation under this part, as provided by law for a criminal case, may file:
(1)    an appeal;
(2)    a motion for a new trial; or
(3)    a motion for a revision of a judgment.
(e)    The State’s Attorney for each county may:
(1)    prosecute a violation under this part in the same manner as a prosecution of a criminal case, including entering a nolle prosequi or placing the case on violation on a stet docket; and
(2)    exercise authority in the same manner prescribed by law for a violation of the criminal laws of the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety › Part IV - Salvia Divinorum › Section 10-130 - In General

(a)    In this part, “Salvia divinorum” includes Salvinorin A and any material, compound, mixture, preparation, or product that contains Salvia divinorum or Salvinorin A.
(b)    Nothing in this part shall prohibit an accredited academic or medical institution or research facility from conducting research on Salvia divinorum or Salvinorin A or a derivative of Salvia divinorum or Salvinorin A.
(c)    This part does not preempt any local or municipal law regulating the use, possession, or distribution of Salvia divinorum or Salvinorin A.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety › Part IV - Salvia Divinorum › Section 10-131 - Violations; Defenses; Penalties

(a)    A person may not distribute Salvia divinorum to an individual under the age of 21 years.
(b)    In a prosecution for a violation of this section, it is a defense that the defendant examined the purchaser’s or recipient’s driver’s license or other valid identification issued by an employer, a government unit, or an institution of higher education that positively identified the purchaser or recipient as at least 21 years of age.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding:
(1)    $1,000 for a first violation;
(2)    $2,000 for a second violation occurring within 2 years after the first violation; and
(3)    $6,000 for each subsequent violation occurring within 2 years after the preceding violation.
(d)    For purposes of this section, each separate incident at a different time and occasion is a separate violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Against Public Health and Safety › Part V - Table Game and Video Lottery Terminal Violations › Section 10-136 - Definitions; Prohibited Persons

(a)    (1)    In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Table games” has the meaning stated in § 9–1A–01 of the State Government Article.
(3)    “Video lottery employee” has the meaning stated in § 9–1A–01 of the State Government Article.
(4)    “Video lottery facility” has the meaning stated in § 9–1A–01 of the State Government Article.
(5)    “Video lottery terminal” has the meaning stated in § 9–1A–01 of the State Government Article.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, an individual under the age of 21 years may not:
(i)    play a table game or video lottery terminal in a video lottery facility; or
(ii)    enter or remain in an area within a video lottery facility that is designated for table game or video lottery terminal activities.
(2)    A video lottery employee who is an adult may enter or remain in an area within a video lottery facility that is designated for table game or video lottery terminal activities if the video lottery employee is working.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 2 - Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, and Related Crimes › Section 10-201 - Disturbing the Public Peace and Disorderly Conduct

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Public conveyance” means a conveyance to which the public or a portion of the public has access to and a right to use for transportation.
(ii)    “Public conveyance” includes an airplane, vessel, bus, railway car, school vehicle, and subway car.
(3)    (i)    “Public place” means a place to which the public or a portion of the public has access and a right to resort for business, dwelling, entertainment, or other lawful purpose.
(ii)    “Public place” includes:
1.    a restaurant, shop, shopping center, store, tavern, or other place of business;
2.    a public building;
3.    a public parking lot;
4.    a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way;
5.    a public park or other public grounds;
6.    the common areas of a building containing four or more separate dwelling units, including a corridor, elevator, lobby, and stairwell;
7.    a hotel or motel;
8.    a place used for public resort or amusement, including an amusement park, golf course, race track, sports arena, swimming pool, and theater;
9.    an institution of elementary, secondary, or higher education;
10.    a place of public worship;
11.    a place or building used for entering or exiting a public conveyance, including an airport terminal, bus station, dock, railway station, subway station, and wharf; and
12.    the parking areas, sidewalks, and other grounds and structures that are part of a public place.
(b)    For purposes of a prosecution under this section, a public conveyance or a public place need not be devoted solely to public use.
(c)    (1)    A person may not willfully and without lawful purpose obstruct or hinder the free passage of another in a public place or on a public conveyance.
(2)    A person may not willfully act in a disorderly manner that disturbs the public peace.
(3)    A person may not willfully fail to obey a reasonable and lawful order that a law enforcement officer makes to prevent a disturbance to the public peace.
(4)    A person who enters the land or premises of another, whether an owner or lessee, or a beach adjacent to residential riparian property, may not willfully:
(i)    disturb the peace of persons on the land, premises, or beach by making an unreasonably loud noise; or
(ii)    act in a disorderly manner.
(5)    A person from any location may not, by making an unreasonably loud noise, willfully disturb the peace of another:
(i)    on the other’s land or premises;
(ii)    in a public place; or
(iii)    on a public conveyance.
(6)    In Worcester County, a person may not build a bonfire or allow a bonfire to burn on a beach or other property between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 2 - Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, and Related Crimes › Section 10-202 - Keeping Disorderly House -- Penalty

A person who keeps a disorderly house is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not less than 10 days and not exceeding 6 months or a fine not less than $50 and not exceeding $300 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 2 - Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, and Related Crimes › Section 10-203 - Interference With Commercial Athletic Event

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Commercial athletic contest” means an athletic or sporting event held in a public arena, field, hall, or stadium for admission to which the general public must pay an admission charge.
(3)    “Object” means an item that may cause injury to a participant in or observer of the commercial athletic contest.
(b)    A person may not disrupt or interfere with a commercial athletic contest by throwing or projecting an object on the playing field or seating area.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $250 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 2 - Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, and Related Crimes › Section 10-204 - Interference With Access to or Egress From a Medical Facility

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Medical facility” means:
1.    a facility as defined in § 10–101 of the Health – General Article; or
2.    a health care facility as defined in § 19–114 of the Health – General Article.
(ii)    “Medical facility” includes an agency, clinic, or office operated under the direction of the local health officer or under the regulatory authority of the Maryland Department of Health.
(b)    (1)    This section does not apply to:
(i)    the chief executive officer of the medical facility;
(ii)    a designee of the chief executive officer of the medical facility;
(iii)    an agent of the medical facility; or
(iv)    a law enforcement officer.
(2)    This section does not prohibit:
(i)    speech; or
(ii)    picketing in connection with a labor dispute as defined in § 4–301 of the Labor and Employment Article.
(c)    A person may not intentionally act, alone or with others, to prevent another from entering or exiting a medical facility by physically:
(1)    detaining the other; or
(2)    obstructing, impeding, or hindering the other’s passage.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 2 - Disturbing the Peace, Disorderly Conduct, and Related Crimes › Section 10-205 - Obstruction, etc., of Entry to or Exit From Funeral, Burial, Memorial Service, or Funeral Procession

(a)    (1)    This subsection does not apply to a person who conducts a funeral, burial, memorial service, or funeral procession.
(2)    A person may not knowingly obstruct, hinder, impede, or block another person’s entry to or exit from a funeral, burial, memorial service, or funeral procession.
(b)    A person may not address speech to a person attending a funeral, burial, memorial service, or funeral procession that is likely to incite or produce an imminent breach of the peace.
(c)    A person may not engage in picketing activity within 500 feet of a funeral, burial, memorial service, or funeral procession that is targeted at one or more persons attending the funeral, burial, memorial service, or funeral procession.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 3 - Hate Crimes › Section 10-301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Gender identity” has the meaning stated in § 20–101 of the State Government Article.
(c)    “Homeless” means:
(1)    lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; or
(2)    having a primary nighttime residence that is:
(i)    a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations; or
(ii)    a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
(d)    “Sexual orientation” means the identification of an individual as to male or female homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 3 - Hate Crimes › Section 10-302 - Damaging Property of Religious Entity

A person may not deface, damage, or destroy, or attempt or threaten to deface, damage, or destroy, personal or real property that is owned, leased, or used by a religious entity or for any religious purpose including:
(1)    a place of worship;
(2)    a cemetery;
(3)    a religious school, educational facility, or community center; and
(4)    the grounds adjacent to them.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 3 - Hate Crimes › Section 10-304 - Harassment; Destruction of Property

Motivated either in whole or in substantial part by another person’s or group’s race, color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, or national origin, or because another person or group is homeless, a person may not:
(1)    (i)    commit a crime or attempt or threaten to commit a crime against that person or group;
(ii)    deface, damage, or destroy, or attempt or threaten to deface, damage, or destroy the real or personal property of that person or group;
(iii)    burn or attempt or threaten to burn an object on the real or personal property of that person or group; or
(iv)    make or cause to be made a false statement, report, or complaint that the person knows to be false as a whole or in material part, to a law enforcement officer of the State, of a county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State, or of the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Police, about that person or group, with the intent to deceive and to cause an investigation or other action to be taken as a result of the statement, report, or complaint, in violation of § 9–501 of this article; or
(2)    commit a violation of item (1) of this section that:
(i)    except as provided in item (ii) of this item, involves a separate crime that is a felony; or
(ii)    results in the death of a victim.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 3 - Hate Crimes › Section 10-305 - Damage to Associated Building

A person may not deface, damage, or destroy, attempt or threaten to deface, damage, or destroy, burn or attempt or threaten to burn an object on, or damage the real or personal property connected to a building that is publicly or privately owned, leased, or used, including a cemetery, library, meeting hall, recreation center, or school:
(1)    because a person or group of a particular race, color, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, or national origin, or because a person or group that is homeless, has contacts or is associated with the building; or
(2)    if there is evidence that exhibits animosity against a person or group, because of the race, color, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, or national origin of that person or group or because that person or group is homeless.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 3 - Hate Crimes › Section 10-305.1 - Prohibition on Use of Item or Symbol to Threaten or Intimidate

A person may not place or inscribe an item or a symbol, including an actual or depicted noose or swastika, whether temporary or permanent, on any real or personal property, public or private, without the express permission of the owner, owner’s agent, or lawful occupant of the property, with the intent to threaten or intimidate any person or group of persons.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 3 - Hate Crimes › Section 10-306 - Penalty

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person who violates this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(b)    (1)    A person who violates § 10–304(2)(i) of this subtitle is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
(2)    A person who violates § 10–304(2)(ii) of this subtitle is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $20,000 or both.
(c)    In addition to any other penalties imposed by this section, the court may require a person who violates this subtitle to complete an antibias education program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 4 - Crimes Relating to Human Remains › Section 10-401 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Associated funerary object” means an item of human manufacture or use that is intentionally placed:
(i)    with human remains at the time of interment in a burial site; or
(ii)    after interment, as a part of a death ceremony of a culture, religion, or group.
(2)    “Associated funerary object” includes a gravestone, monument, tomb, or other structure in or directly associated with a burial site.
(c)    (1)    “Burial site” means a natural or prepared physical location, whether originally located below, on, or above the surface of the earth, into which human remains or associated funerary objects are deposited as a part of a death ceremony of a culture, religion, or group.
(2)    “Burial site” includes the human remains and associated funerary objects that result from a shipwreck or accident and are left intentionally to remain at the site.
(d)    “Permanent cemetery” means a cemetery that is owned by:
(1)    a cemetery company regulated under Title 5 of the Business Regulation Article;
(2)    a nonprofit organization; or
(3)    the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 4 - Crimes Relating to Human Remains › Section 10-403 - Removal of Human Remains or Funerary Object

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    a person acting in the course of medical, archaeological, educational, or scientific study;
(2)    a licensed mortician or other professional who transports human remains in the course of carrying out professional duties; or
(3)    a person acting under the authority of:
(i)    § 10-402 of this subtitle; or
(ii)    § 4-215 or § 5-408 of the Health - General Article.
(b)    A person may not knowingly sell, buy, or transport for sale or profit, or offer to buy, sell, or transport for sale or profit:
(1)    unlawfully removed human remains; or
(2)    an associated funerary object obtained in violation of § 10-404 of this subtitle.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(d)    The Maryland Historical Trust may appropriate all human remains and associated funerary objects obtained in violation of this subtitle for management, care, and administration until a determination of final disposition as provided by law.
(e)    This section may not be construed to interfere with the normal operation and maintenance of a cemetery including:
(1)    correction of improper burial siting; and
(2)    moving the human remains within a cemetery with the consent of a person who qualifies as an heir as defined in § 1-101 of the Estates and Trusts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 4 - Crimes Relating to Human Remains › Section 10-404 - Cemetery -- Destroying Funerary Objects; Indecent Conduct

(a)    (1)    Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not willfully destroy, damage, deface, or remove:
(i)    an associated funerary object or another structure placed in a cemetery; or
(ii)    a building, wall, fence, railing, or other work, for the use, protection, or ornamentation of a cemetery.
(2)    The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection do not prohibit the removal of a funerary object or a building, wall, fence, railing, or other object installed for the use, protection, or ornamentation of a cemetery or burial site, for the purpose of repair or replacement, either at the request of or with the permission of heirs or descendants of the deceased or the owner or manager of the cemetery or burial site.
(b)    (1)    Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not willfully destroy, damage, or remove a tree, plant, or shrub in a cemetery.
(2)    The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection do not prohibit normal maintenance of a cemetery or burial site, including trimming of trees and shrubs, removal of weeds or noxious growths, grass cutting, or other routine care and maintenance.
(c)    A person may not engage in indecent or disorderly conduct in a cemetery.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)    for a violation of subsection (a) of this section, imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both; and
(2)    for a violation of subsection (b) or (c) of this section, imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
(e)    A person who violates this section shall pay for the restoration of any damaged or defaced real or personal property in a cemetery to the owner of the property or the owner of the cemetery.
(f)    This section does not prohibit the removal of human remains or a funerary object from an abandoned cemetery if:
(1)    the removal is authorized in writing by the State’s Attorney of the county in which the cemetery containing the human remains or funerary object is located; and
(2)    the human remains or funerary object are placed in an accessible place in a permanent cemetery.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 5 - Crimes Against Marriage › Section 10-502 - Bigamy

(a)    This section does not apply to a person if:
(1)    the person’s previous lawful spouse has been absent from the person for a continuous period of 7 years; and
(2)    the person does not know whether the person’s previous lawful spouse is living at the time of the subsequent marriage ceremony.
(b)    While lawfully married to a living person, a person may not enter into a marriage ceremony with another.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of bigamy and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 9 years.
(d)    An indictment or warrant for bigamy is sufficient if it substantially states:
“(name of defendant) on (date), in (county), having a living spouse, feloniously entered into a marriage ceremony with (name of subsequent spouse), in violation of § 10-502 of the Criminal Law Article, against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.”.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-601 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Animal” means a living creature except a human being.
(c)    (1)    “Cruelty” means the unnecessary or unjustifiable physical pain or suffering caused or allowed by an act, omission, or neglect.
(2)    “Cruelty” includes torture and torment.
(d)    “Humane society” means a society or association incorporated in Maryland for the prevention of cruelty to animals.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-602 - Legislative Intent

It is the intent of the General Assembly that each animal in the State be protected from intentional cruelty, including animals that are:
(1)    privately owned;
(2)    strays;
(3)    domesticated;
(4)    feral;
(5)    farm animals;
(6)    corporately or institutionally owned; or
(7)    used in privately, locally, State, or federally funded scientific or medical activities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-603 - Application of 10-601 Through 10-608 and 10-626

Sections 10–601 through 10–608 and 10–626 of this subtitle do not apply to:
(1)    customary and normal veterinary and agricultural husbandry practices including dehorning, castration, tail docking, and limit feeding;
(2)    research conducted in accordance with protocols approved by an animal care and use committee, as required under the federal Animal Welfare Act or the federal Health Research Extension Act;
(3)    an activity that may cause unavoidable physical pain to an animal, including food processing, pest elimination, animal training, and hunting, if the person performing the activity uses the most humane method reasonably available; or
(4)    normal human activities in which the infliction of pain to an animal is purely incidental and unavoidable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-604 - Abuse or Neglect of Animal

(a)    A person may not:
(1)    overdrive or overload an animal;
(2)    deprive an animal of necessary sustenance;
(3)    inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal;
(4)    cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection; or
(5)    if the person has charge or custody of an animal, as owner or otherwise, unnecessarily fail to provide the animal with:
(i)    nutritious food in sufficient quantity;
(ii)    necessary veterinary care;
(iii)    proper drink;
(iv)    proper air;
(v)    proper space;
(vi)    proper shelter; or
(vii)    proper protection from the weather.
(b)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(2)    As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:
(i)    participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
(ii)    pay, in addition to any other fines and costs, all reasonable costs incurred in removing, housing, treating, or euthanizing an animal confiscated from the defendant.
(3)    As a condition of probation, the court may prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-605 - Attending Dogfights or Cockfights

(a)    A person may not knowingly attend a deliberately conducted dogfight as a spectator.
(b)    A person may not knowingly attend as a spectator a deliberately conducted event that uses a fowl, cock, or other bird to fight with another fowl, cock, or other bird.
(c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
(2)    As a condition of sentencing, the court may order a defendant convicted of violating this section to participate in and pay for psychological counseling.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-606 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- in General

(a)    (1)    In this section, “sexual contact with an animal” means any act:
(i)    involving:
1.    a person touching the sex organ or anus of an animal;
2.    contact between:
A.    the sex organ or anus of a person and the mouth, sex organ, or anus of an animal; or
B.    the sex organ or anus of an animal, and the mouth, sex organ, or anus of a person; or
3.    insertion of:
A.    any part of the body of a person into the opening of the vagina or anus of an animal;
B.    any part of an animal’s body into the opening of the vagina or anus of a person; or
C.    any object into the opening of the vagina or anus of an animal; and
(ii)    committed for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, abuse, or financial gain.
(2)    “Sexual contact with an animal” does not include:
(i)    an accepted veterinary practice;
(ii)    artificial insemination of an animal for reproductive purposes;
(iii)    accepted animal husbandry practices, including:
1.    grooming;
2.    raising;
3.    breeding;
4.    assisting with the birthing process; or
5.    any other activity that provides care for an animal; or
(iv)    generally accepted practices relating to the judging of breed confirmation.
(b)    A person may not:
(1)    intentionally:
(i)    mutilate an animal;
(ii)    torture an animal;
(iii)    cruelly beat an animal;
(iv)    cruelly kill an animal; or
(v)    engage in sexual contact with an animal;
(2)    cause, procure, or authorize an act prohibited under item (1) of this subsection; or
(3)    except in the case of self–defense, intentionally inflict bodily harm, permanent disability, or death on an animal owned or used by a law enforcement unit.
(c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(2)    As a condition of sentencing, the court may:
(i)    order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:
1.    participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
2.    pay, in addition to any other fines and costs, all reasonable costs incurred in removing, housing, treating, or euthanizing an animal confiscated from the defendant; and
(ii)    prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-607 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- Certain Activities Related to Dogfights Prohibited

(a)    In this section, “baiting” means using a dog to train a fighting dog or to test the fighting or killing instinct of another dog.
(b)    A person may not:
(1)    use or allow a dog to be used in a dogfight or for baiting;
(2)    arrange or conduct a dogfight;
(3)    possess, own, sell, transport, or train a dog with the intent to use the dog in a dogfight or for baiting; or
(4)    knowingly allow premises under the person’s ownership, charge, or control to be used to conduct a dogfight or for baiting.
(c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(2)    As a condition of sentencing, the court may:
(i)    order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:
1.    participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
2.    pay, in addition to any other fines and costs, all reasonable costs incurred in removing, housing, treating, or euthanizing an animal confiscated from the defendant; and
(ii)    prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-607.1 - Implement of Dogfighting

(a)    (1)    In this section, “implement of dogfighting” means an implement, an object, a device, or a drug intended or designed:
(i)    to enhance the fighting ability of a dog; or
(ii)    for use in a deliberately conducted event that uses a dog to fight with another dog.
(2)    “Implement of dogfighting” includes:
(i)    a breaking stick designed for insertion behind the molars of a dog to break the dog’s grip on another animal or object;
(ii)    a cat mill that rotates around a central support with one arm designed to secure a dog and one arm designed to secure a cat, rabbit, or other small animal beyond the grasp of the dog;
(iii)    a springpole that has a biting surface attached to a stretchable device, suspended at a height sufficient to prevent an animal from reaching the biting surface while touching the ground;
(iv)    a fighting pit or other confined area designed to contain a dogfight;
(v)    a breeding stand or rape stand used to immobilize female dogs for breeding purposes; and
(vi)    any other instrument or device that is commonly used in the training for, in the preparation for, in the conditioning for, in the breeding for, in the conducting of, or otherwise in furtherance of a dogfight.
(b)    A person may not possess, with the intent to unlawfully use, an implement of dogfighting.
(c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(2)    As a condition of sentencing, the court may:
(i)    order a defendant convicted of violating this section to participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
(ii)    prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.
(3)    Each implement of dogfighting possessed in violation of this section is a separate offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-608 - Aggravated Cruelty to Animals -- Certain Activities Related to Cockfights Prohibited

(a)    (1)    In this section, “implement of cockfighting” means any implement or device intended or designed:
(i)    to enhance the fighting ability of a fowl, cock, or other bird; or
(ii)    for use in a deliberately conducted event that uses a fowl, cock, or other bird to fight with another fowl, cock, or other bird.
(2)    “Implement of cockfighting” includes:
(i)    a gaff;
(ii)    a slasher;
(iii)    a postiza;
(iv)    a sparring muff; and
(v)    any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a gamecock or other fighting bird.
(b)    A person may not:
(1)    use or allow the use of a fowl, cock, or other bird to fight with another animal;
(2)    possess, with the intent to unlawfully use, an implement of cockfighting;
(3)    arrange or conduct a fight in which a fowl, cock, or other bird fights with another fowl, cock, or other bird;
(4)    possess, own, sell, transport, or train a fowl, cock, or other bird with the intent to use the fowl, cock, or other bird in a cockfight; or
(5)    knowingly allow premises under the person’s ownership, charge, or control to be used to conduct a fight in which a fowl, cock, or other bird fights with another fowl, cock, or other bird.
(c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of aggravated cruelty to animals and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(2)    As a condition of sentencing, the court may:
(i)    order a defendant convicted of violating this section to:
1.    participate in and pay for psychological counseling; and
2.    pay, in addition to any other fines and costs, all reasonable costs incurred in removing, housing, treating, or euthanizing an animal confiscated from the defendant; and
(ii)    prohibit a defendant from owning, possessing, or residing with an animal for a specified period of time.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-609 - Arrest by Humane Society Officer

(a)    Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, if an officer of a humane society sees a person committing a misdemeanor that involves cruelty to an animal, the officer shall arrest and bring before the District Court the person committing the misdemeanor.
(b)    In Calvert County, if an officer of a humane society or an animal control officer appointed by the County Commissioners or the County Commissioners’ designee sees a person committing a misdemeanor that involves cruelty to an animal, the officer shall arrest and bring before the District Court the person committing the misdemeanor.
(c)    In Baltimore County, the Baltimore County Department of Health, Division of Animal Control shall enforce this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-610 - Animal as Prize

(a)    This section does not apply to a person giving away an animal:
(1)    as an agricultural project;
(2)    for conservation purposes; or
(3)    that is intended for slaughter.
(b)    Without the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture, a person may not give away a live animal as:
(1)    a prize for, or inducement to enter, a contest, game, or other competition;
(2)    an inducement to enter a place of amusement; or
(3)    an incentive to make a business agreement if the offer is to attract trade.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-611 - Killing of Dog or Cat -- Prohibited Means

(a)    A person may not kill or allow a dog or cat to be killed by use of:
(1)    a decompression chamber;
(2)    carbon monoxide gas; or
(3)    curariform drugs.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-612 - Abandoning Domestic Animal

(a)    A person who owns, possesses, or has custody of a domestic animal may not drop or leave the animal on a road, in a public place, or on private property with the intent to abandon the animal.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $100.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-613 - Sale of Puppy or Kitten

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    a biomedical facility that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture; or
(2)    an animal that is accompanied by a signed statement from a licensed veterinarian stating that the animal’s dam is incapacitated for humane or medical reasons and cannot care for the animal.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a person may not sell or distribute in the State or bring into the State for the purpose of sale or distribution a domestic dog or cat less than 8 weeks of age unless accompanied by its dam.
(2)    A person may give an unaccompanied dog or cat to:
(i)    an animal shelter or pound that is operated or supported by a government; or
(ii)    a humane society.
(c)    (1)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500.
(2)    For purposes of humane disposal, a court may seize an animal brought into this State in violation of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities › Subtitle 6 - Crimes Relating to Animals › Section 10-614 - Transfer or Coloring of Chick

(a)    In this section, “chick” means a chicken, duckling, or other fowl under the age of 3 weeks.
(b)    This section does not prohibit the sale or display of a chick in proper facilities by a breeder or store engaged in the business of selling chicks for commercial breeding and raising.
(c)    A person may not:
(1)    sell, offer for sale, barter, or give away a chick as a pet, toy, premium, or novelty; or
(2)    color, dye, stain, or otherwise change the natural color of a chick.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25.