reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 2 - Burglary and Related Crimes › Section 6-208 - Breaking and Entering a Research Facility

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    (i)    “Enclosure” means a building, structure, aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle, and each:
1.    separately secured or occupied portion of it; and
2.    structure appurtenant or connected to it.
(ii)    “Enclosure” includes a trailer and a sleeping car.
(3)    “Research” means a studious and serious inquiry, examination, investigation, or experimentation designed to discover or accumulate data, theories, technologies, or applications for a governmental, scientific, educational, or proprietary purpose.
(4)    “Research facility” means an enclosure or separately secured yard, pad, pond, laboratory, pasture, or pen used to conduct research, house research subjects, or store supplies, records, data, prototypes, or equipment necessary to or derived from research.
(5)    (i)    “Research property” means property, regardless of value, related to research in a research facility.
(ii)    “Research property” includes a sample, specimen, research subject, record, data, test result, or proprietary information.
(b)    A person may not break and enter a research facility without the permission of the research facility with the intent to:
(1)    obtain unauthorized control over research property;
(2)    alter or eradicate research property;
(3)    damage or deface research property;
(4)    move research property in a manner intended to cause harm to it;
(5)    destroy or remove research property; or
(6)    engage in conduct that results in the removal of research property.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 2 - Burglary and Related Crimes › Section 6-209 - Separate Units -- Separate Violations

For purposes of prosecution under this subtitle, a unit in a building or structure that is divided into separately owned or leased units may not be considered a separate dwelling or storehouse unless it is objectively apparent that each unit constitutes a separate dwelling or storehouse.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 2 - Burglary and Related Crimes › Section 6-210 - Charging Document

(a)    An indictment, information, warrant, or other charging document for burglary or another crime under this subtitle is sufficient if it substantially states:
“(name of defendant) on (date) in (county) did break and enter (describe property) or (describe other crime) in violation of (section violated) against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.”.
(b)    If the general form of indictment or information described in subsection (a) of this section is used to charge a crime under this subtitle in a case in the circuit court, the defendant, on timely demand, is entitled to a bill of particulars.
(c)    A person charged with a violation of § 6-202 of this subtitle may be convicted of a violation of § 6-204 or § 6-205(a) of this subtitle.
(d)    A person charged with a violation of § 6-203 of this subtitle may be convicted of a violation of § 6-205(b) of this subtitle.
(e)    A person charged with a violation of § 6-204 of this subtitle may be convicted of a violation of § 6-205(a) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 3 - Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes › Section 6-301 - Malicious Destruction -- Generally

(a)    A person may not willfully and maliciously destroy, injure, or deface the real or personal property of another.
(b)    A person who, in violation of this section, causes damage of at least $1,000 to the property is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
(c)    A person who, in violation of this section, causes damage of less than $1,000 to the property is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
(d)    (1)    For purposes of this subsection, an act of “graffiti” means a permanent drawing, permanent painting, or a permanent mark or inscription on the property of another without the permission of the owner of the property.
(2)    In addition to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the court shall order a person convicted of causing malicious destruction by an act of graffiti to pay restitution or perform community service or both.
(3)    Title 11, Subtitle 6 of the Criminal Procedure Article applies to an order of restitution under this subsection.
(e)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to determine a penalty, the court may consider as one crime the aggregate value of damage to each property resulting from one scheme or continuing course of conduct.
(2)    If separate acts resulting in damage to the properties of one or more owners are set forth by separate counts in one or more charging documents, the separate counts may not be merged for sentencing.
(f)    (1)    The value of damage is not a substantive element of a crime under this section and need not be stated in the charging document.
(2)    The value of damage shall be based on the evidence and that value shall be applied for the purpose of imposing the penalties established in this section.
(3)    If it cannot be determined from the evidence whether the value of the damage to the property is more or less than $1,000, the value is deemed to be less than $1,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 3 - Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes › Section 6-302 - Malicious Destruction -- Throwing Object at Vehicle

(a)    A person may not willfully throw, shoot, or propel a rock, brick, piece of iron, steel, or other similar metal, or a dangerous missile at or into a vehicle or other means of transportation that is occupied by an individual.
(b)    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 $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 3 - Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes › Section 6-303 - Public Utility Interference -- Electrical Equipment

(a)    In this section, “electric company” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    an employee of or a person authorized by an electric company; and
(2)    supervision and control of an electric company and its material, equipment, or facilities by the political subdivision within which the electric company is doing business.
(c)    A person may not willfully:
(1)    tamper or interfere with the material, equipment, or facilities of an electric company;
(2)    make a connection with an electrical conductor to use the electricity; or
(3)    tamper with a meter used to register electricity consumed.
(d)    Prima facie evidence of intent to violate this section by a person who uses or directly benefits from the use or diversion of electricity includes:
(1)    a connection, wire, conductor, meter alteration, or other device that diverts electricity without the electric current being registered by the meter installed by the electric company that supplies the electricity;
(2)    the use of electricity supplied by an electric company without the electricity being registered on a meter that the electric company supplied; and
(3)    a showing by a check or test meter used by the electric company that a customer uses more electricity than is registered on the meter that the electric company supplied for the customer’s premises.
(e)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 3 - Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes › Section 6-304 - Public Utility Interference -- Gas Equipment

(a)    In this section, “gas company” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b)    (1)    A person may not wrongfully and maliciously damage, connect, disconnect, tap, or interfere or tamper with material, equipment, or facilities of a gas company.
(2)    A person may not intentionally damage or defraud a gas company by:
(i)    bypassing a meter provided for registering the gas consumed;
(ii)    willfully tampering with, damaging, or preventing the action of a meter to register gas; or
(iii)    causing or procuring a meter to be damaged or altered.
(c)    Prima facie evidence of a violation of this section by the person who would directly benefit from the use of the gas passing through the meter includes:
(1)    a device that allows the use of gas supplied by a gas company without the gas being registered on a meter provided by the gas company; and
(2)    damage or alteration to a meter so as to prevent the action of the meter.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $250 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 3 - Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes › Section 6-305 - Public Utility Interference -- Water Equipment

(a)    In this section, “water equipment” includes a canal, spring, reservoir, tunnel, mound, dam, plug, main, pipe, conduit, connection, tap, valve, engine, or machinery.
(b)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    a person who is authorized by the company, municipal corporation, county, or unit of State or local government that uses or supplies water for domestic, agricultural, or manufacturing purposes or an authorized employee of the company, municipal corporation, county, or unit of State or local government; or
(2)    governmental regulation of:
(i)    water equipment; or
(ii)    water companies, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(c)    A person may not wrongfully and maliciously:
(1)    connect, disconnect, tap, interfere or tamper with, or make a connection with water equipment that belongs to a company, municipal corporation, county, or unit of State or local government that uses or supplies water for domestic, agricultural, or manufacturing purposes; or
(2)    tamper with a meter used to register the water consumed.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 3 - Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes › Section 6-306 - Serial Number -- Alteration and Sale of Good

(a)    A person may not remove, deface, or obliterate a manufacturer’s serial number that is punched on or affixed by plate to a manufactured good with the intent to prevent tracing or identifying that good.
(b)    Except as provided in § 14-107(m) of the Transportation Article, a person may not knowingly keep or offer for sale a manufactured good from which the manufacturer’s serial number has been removed, defaced, or obliterated in violation of subsection (a) of this section.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both for each violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 3 - Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes › Section 6-307 - Serial Number -- Possession and Use

(a)    A person may not:
(1)    sell or possess a stolen:
(i)    manufactured serial number; or
(ii)    vehicle identification plate or label; or
(2)    possess a manufactured serial number or vehicle identification plate or label if the person intends it to be:
(i)    affixed to stolen property; or
(ii)    used for fraudulent purposes.
(b)    A person who violates a provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both for each violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-401 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Off-road vehicle” means a motorized vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain.
(2)    “Off-road vehicle” includes:
(i)    a four-wheel drive or low-pressure-tire vehicle;
(ii)    a motorcycle or a related two-wheel vehicle;
(iii)    an amphibious machine;
(iv)    a ground-effect vehicle; and
(v)    an air-cushion vehicle.
(c)    “Vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 11-176 of the Transportation Article.
(d)    “Wanton” retains its judicially determined meaning.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-402 - Trespass on Posted Property

(a)    A person may not enter or trespass on property that is posted conspicuously against trespass by:
(1)    signs placed where they reasonably may be seen; or
(2)    paint marks that:
(i)    conform with regulations that the Department of Natural Resources adopts under § 5–209 of the Natural Resources Article; and
(ii)    are made on trees or posts that are located:
1.    at each road entrance to the property; and
2.    adjacent to public roadways, public waterways, and other land adjoining the property.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)    for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both;
(2)    for a second violation occurring within 2 years after the first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(3)    for each subsequent violation occurring within 2 years after the preceding violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-403 - Wanton Trespass on Private Property

(a)    A person may not enter or cross over private property or board the boat or other marine vessel of another, after having been notified by the owner or the owner’s agent not to do so, unless entering or crossing under a good faith claim of right or ownership.
(b)    A person may not remain on private property including the boat or other marine vessel of another, after having been notified by the owner or the owner’s agent not to do so.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)    for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both;
(2)    for a second violation occurring within 2 years after the first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(3)    for each subsequent violation occurring within 2 years after the preceding violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
(d)    This section prohibits only wanton entry on private property.
(e)    This section also applies to property that is used as a housing project and operated by a housing authority or State public body, as those terms are defined in Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article, if an authorized agent of the housing authority or State public body gives the required notice specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-404 - Use of a Vehicle on Private Property

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    a vessel;
(2)    a military, fire, or law enforcement vehicle;
(3)    a farm-type tractor, other agricultural equipment used for agricultural purposes, or construction equipment used for agricultural purposes or earth moving;
(4)    earth-moving or construction equipment used for those purposes; or
(5)    a lawn mower, snowblower, garden or lawn tractor, or golf cart while being used for its designed purpose.
(b)    Except when traveling on a clearly designated private driveway, a person may not use a vehicle or off-road vehicle on private property unless the person has in the person’s possession the written permission of the owner or tenant of the private property.
(c)    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 $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-405 - Use of an Off-Road Vehicle on Public Property

(a)    In this section, “political subdivision” includes a:
(1)    county;
(2)    municipal corporation;
(3)    bicounty or multicounty agency;
(4)    county board of education;
(5)    public authority; or
(6)    special taxing district.
(b)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    a vessel;
(2)    a military, fire, or law enforcement vehicle;
(3)    a farm-type tractor, other agricultural equipment used for agricultural purposes, or construction equipment used for agricultural purposes or earth moving;
(4)    earth-moving or construction equipment used for those purposes; or
(5)    a lawn mower, snowblower, garden or lawn tractor, or golf cart while being used for its designed purpose.
(c)    Except as otherwise allowed by law, a person may not use an off-road vehicle on property known by the person to be owned or leased by the State or a political subdivision.
(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 $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-406 - Wanton Entry on Cultivated Land

(a)    “Cultivated land” means land that has been cleared of its natural vegetation and is currently planted with a crop or orchard.
(b)    Unless a person has permission from the owner of cultivated land or an agent of the owner, a person may not enter on the cultivated land of another.
(c)    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 $500 or both.
(d)    This section:
(1)    prohibits only wanton entry on cultivated land; and
(2)    does not:
(i)    prevent a person who resides on cultivated land from receiving a person who seeks to provide a lawful service; or
(ii)    apply to a person entering cultivated land under color of law or color of title.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-407 - Trespass in Stable Area of Racetrack

(a)    A person may not enter or remain in the stable area of a racetrack after being notified by a racetrack official, security guard, or law enforcement officer that the person is not allowed in the stable area.
(b)    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 $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-408 - Entry on Property for Purpose of Invading Privacy of Occupants

(a)    A person may not enter on the property of another for the purpose of invading the privacy of an occupant of a building or enclosure located on the property by looking into a window, door, or other opening.
(b)    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 $500 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-409 - Refusal or Failure to Leave Public Building or Grounds

(a)    A person may not refuse or fail to leave a public building or grounds, or a specific part of a public building or grounds, during the time when the public building or grounds, or specific part of the public building or grounds, is regularly closed to the public if:
(1)    the surrounding circumstances would indicate to a reasonable person that the person who refuses or fails to leave has no apparent lawful business to pursue at the public building or grounds; and
(2)    a regularly employed guard, watchman, or other authorized employee of the government unit that owns, operates, or maintains the public building or grounds asks the person to leave.
(b)    A person may not refuse or fail to leave a public building or grounds, or a specific part of a public building or grounds, during regular business hours if:
(1)    the surrounding circumstances would indicate to a reasonable person that the person who refuses or fails to leave:
(i)    has no apparent lawful business to pursue at the public building or grounds; or
(ii)    is acting in a manner disruptive of and disturbing to the conduct of normal business by the government unit that owns, operates, or maintains the public building or grounds; and
(2)    an authorized employee of the government unit asks the person to leave.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 4 - Trespass › Section 6-410 - Wanton Trespass on Property of Government House

(a)    A person may not commit wanton trespass on the property of Government House.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the property of Government House need not be posted against trespass.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 5 - Crimes Involving Railroads › Section 6-502 - Interference With Railroad

(a)    In this section, “railroad” includes a switch, frog, rail, roadbed, tie, viaduct, bridge, trestle, culvert, embankment, structure, or appliance that pertains to or connects with a railroad.
(b)    A person may not, with the intent to obstruct or derail a railroad vehicle in the State:
(1)    break or damage a railroad; or
(2)    place or cause anything to be placed on a railroad.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 5 - Crimes Involving Railroads › Section 6-504 - Giving a False Train Signal

(a)    A person may not give a train signal to start a stopped train or to stop a moving train unless the person is an authorized employee of a railroad company.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 5 - Crimes Involving Railroads › Section 6-505 - Striking Railroad Vehicle With Object

(a)    In this section, “railroad” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b)    A person may not willfully and maliciously strike a railroad vehicle on a railroad or on an electric railway in the State by:
(1)    shooting or throwing an object at the railroad vehicle; or
(2)    causing an object to fall on the railroad vehicle.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 6 - Crimes Against Property › Subtitle 5 - Crimes Involving Railroads › Section 6-506 - Unauthorized Buying or Selling Tickets

(a)    Unless authorized by a railroad company that maintains offices in the State, a person may not:
(1)    buy, sell, or engage in the business of buying or selling railroad tickets or the unused parts of railroad tickets;
(2)    act as vendor or broker of whole or partly used railroad tickets;
(3)    solicit personally or by sign, advertisement, or otherwise to buy or sell railroad tickets; or
(4)    aid or abet in buying or selling railroad tickets in the State.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.
(c)    Each act of buying or selling railroad tickets is a separate violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-102 - Rules of Construction

(a)    Conduct described as theft in this part constitutes a single crime and includes the separate crimes formerly known as:
(1)    larceny;
(2)    larceny by trick;
(3)    larceny after trust;
(4)    embezzlement;
(5)    false pretenses;
(6)    shoplifting; and
(7)    receiving stolen property.
(b)    (1)    A person acts “knowingly”:
(i)    with respect to conduct or a circumstance as described by a statute that defines a crime, when the person is aware of the conduct or that the circumstance exists;
(ii)    with respect to the result of conduct as described by a statute that defines a crime, when the person is practically certain that the result will be caused by the person’s conduct; and
(iii)    with respect to a person’s knowledge of the existence of a particular fact, if that knowledge is an element of a crime, when the person is practically certain of the existence of that fact.
(2)    The terms “knowing” and “with knowledge” are construed in the same manner.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-103 - Determination of Value

(a)    In this section, “value” means:
(1)    the market value of the property or service at the time and place of the crime; or
(2)    if the market value cannot satisfactorily be ascertained, the cost of the replacement of the property or service within a reasonable time after the crime.
(b)    The value of property or service under this part shall be determined in accordance with this section.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, this subsection applies to a written instrument whether or not the instrument has been issued or delivered.
(2)    This subsection does not apply to a written instrument that has a readily ascertainable market value.
(3)    (i)    For purposes of this part, a written instrument is valued as provided by this paragraph.
(ii)    The value of an instrument constituting evidence of debt, including a check, draft, or promissory note, is the amount due or collectible on the instrument. That value is ordinarily the face amount of the instrument, less any portion that has been satisfied.
(iii)    The value of any other instrument that creates, releases, discharges, or otherwise affects a valuable legal right, privilege, or obligation is the amount of economic loss the owner of the instrument might reasonably suffer because of the loss of the instrument.
(d)    The value of a trade secret lacking a readily ascertainable market value is a reasonable value that represents the damage the owner suffered by the loss of an advantage over those who do not know or use the trade secret.
(e)    (1)    For the purposes of determining whether a theft violation subject to either § 7–104(g)(1) or (2) of this subtitle has been committed, when it cannot be determined whether the value of the property or service is more or less than $1,500 under the standards of this section, the value is deemed to be less than $1,500.
(2)    For the purposes of determining whether a theft violation subject to either § 7–104(g)(2) or (3) of this subtitle has been committed, when it cannot be determined whether the value of the property or service is more or less than $100 under the standards of this section, the value is deemed to be less than $100.
(f)    When theft is committed in violation of this part under one scheme or continuing course of conduct, whether from the same or several sources:
(1)    the conduct may be considered as one crime; and
(2)    the value of the property or services may be aggregated in determining whether the theft is a felony or a misdemeanor.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-105 - Motor Vehicle Theft

(a)    In this section, “owner” means a person who has a lawful interest in or is in lawful possession of a motor vehicle by consent or chain of consent of the title owner.
(b)    A person may not knowingly and willfully take a motor vehicle out of the owner’s lawful custody, control, or use without the owner’s consent.
(c)    A person who violates this section:
(1)    is guilty of the felony of taking a motor vehicle and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both; and
(2)    shall restore the motor vehicle or, if unable to restore the motor vehicle, pay to the owner the full value of the motor vehicle.
(d)    (1)    This section does not preclude prosecution for theft of a motor vehicle under § 7-104 of this part.
(2)    If a person is convicted under § 7-104 of this part and this section for the same act or transaction, the conviction under this section shall merge for sentencing purposes into the conviction under § 7-104 of this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-105.1 - Owner's Affidavit

(a)    Subject to subsection (c) of this section, in a criminal case or juvenile proceeding involving theft of a motor vehicle under § 7-104 or § 7-105 of this subtitle, an affidavit sworn to in open court by the lawful owner of the motor vehicle may be introduced thereafter as substantive evidence that the motor vehicle was taken from the lawful owner and operated, used, or possessed without the lawful owner’s authorization.
(b)    The affidavit shall:
(1)    be given under oath subject to the penalty of perjury; and
(2)    be attached to a copy of the certificate of title of the motor vehicle.
(c)    (1)    At least 10 days before a proceeding in which the State intends to introduce into evidence an affidavit as provided under this section, the State shall provide written notice to the defendant that the State intends to:
(i)    rely on the affidavit; and
(ii)    introduce the affidavit into evidence at the proceeding.
(2)    On written demand of a defendant filed at least 5 days before the proceeding described in subsection (a) of this section, the State shall require the presence of the affiant as a prosecution witness.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-106 - Newspaper Theft

(a)    In this section, “newspaper” means a periodical that is distributed on a complimentary or compensatory basis.
(b)    A person may not knowingly or willfully obtain or exert control that is unauthorized over newspapers with the intent to prevent another from reading the newspapers.
(c)    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 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-107 - Bad Checks -- Prosecution as Theft

(a)    A person who obtains property or a service by a bad check under the circumstances described in Title 8, Subtitle 1 of this article may not be prosecuted for theft under this part unless that person:
(1)    makes a false representation that there are sufficient funds in the drawee bank to cover the check; and
(2)    commits deception as provided under § 7-104(b) or (e) of this part.
(b)    If a person is prosecuted for theft under this section, the presumptions of § 8-104 of this article apply to the same extent as if the person were prosecuted under § 7-104 of this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-108 - Charging Documents

(a)    An indictment, information, warrant, or other charging document for theft under this part, other than for taking a motor vehicle under § 7–105 of this part, is sufficient if it substantially states:
“(name of defendant) on (date) in (county) stole (property or services stolen) of (name of victim), having a value of (less than $1,500, at least $1,500 but less than $25,000, at least $25,000 but less than $100,000, or $100,000 or more) in violation of § 7–104 of the Criminal Law Article, against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.”.
(b)    An indictment, information, warrant, or other charging document for theft under this part for taking a motor vehicle under § 7–105 of this part is sufficient if it substantially states:
“(name of defendant) on (date) in (county) knowingly and willfully took a motor vehicle out of (name of victim)’s lawful custody, control, or use, without the consent of (name of victim), in violation of § 7–105 of the Criminal Law Article, against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.”.
(c)    In a case in the circuit court in which the general form of indictment or information is used to charge a defendant with a crime under this part, the defendant, on timely demand, is entitled to a bill of particulars.
(d)    Unless specifically charged by the State, theft of property or services with a value of less than $100 as provided under § 7–104(g)(3) of this subtitle may not be considered a lesser included crime of any other crime.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-109 - Proof of Theft

(a)    Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a charge of theft may be proved by evidence that the theft was committed in a manner that is theft under this part, even if a different manner is specified in the information, indictment, warrant, or other charging document.
(b)    A court may grant a continuance or other appropriate relief:
(1)    to ensure a fair trial; and
(2)    if the conduct of the defense would be prejudiced by lack of fair notice or by surprise.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part I - Theft › Section 7-110 - Defenses and Presumptions

(a)    (1)    It is not a defense to the crime of theft that the defendant has an interest in the property that was the subject of the theft if another also has an interest in or right to possess the property that the defendant is not entitled to infringe.
(2)    In determining the right of possession:
(i)    a joint or common owner of the property does not have a right of possession of the property that is superior to the right of any other joint or common owner of the property; and
(ii)    in the absence of a contrary agreement, a person in lawful possession of the property has a right of possession superior to the right of possession of a person who has only a security interest in the property, even if legal title to the property lies with the holder of the security interest under a conditional sale contract or other security agreement.
(b)    (1)    It is not a defense to the crime of theft that the property was taken, obtained, or withheld from a person who had obtained the property by illegal means.
(2)    It is not a defense to the crime of theft of property or services with a value of less than $100 as provided under § 7-104(g)(3) of this subtitle that the value of the property or services at issue is $100 or more.
(c)    It is a defense to the crime of theft that:
(1)    the defendant acted under a good faith claim of right to the property involved;
(2)    the defendant acted in the honest belief that the defendant had the right to obtain or exert control over the property as the defendant did;
(3)    the property involved was that of the defendant’s spouse, unless the defendant and the defendant’s spouse were not living together as husband and wife and were living in separate residences at the time of the alleged theft; or
(4)    in a case of theft of a trade secret, the defendant rightfully knew the trade secret, or the trade secret was available to the defendant from a source other than the owner.
(d)    Any common law and evidentiary presumption applicable on July 1, 1979 to the crimes consolidated under this part also apply to the crime of theft, unless the presumption:
(1)    is repealed or modified under this part; or
(2)    is modified by a court decision rendered after July 1, 1979.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part II - Related Crimes › Section 7-113 - Embezzlement -- Fraudulent Misappropriation by Fiduciary

(a)    A fiduciary may not:
(1)    fraudulently and willfully appropriate money or a thing of value that the fiduciary holds in a fiduciary capacity contrary to the requirements of the fiduciary’s trust responsibility; or
(2)    secrete money or a thing of value that the fiduciary holds in a fiduciary capacity with a fraudulent intent to use the money or thing of value contrary to the requirements of the fiduciary’s trust responsibility.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of embezzlement and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year and not exceeding 5 years.
(c)    A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part II - Related Crimes › Section 7-114 - Defalcation

(a)    (1)    In this section, “revenue officer” means an officer with the duty to collect revenue due to the State, a county, or other governmental entity.
(2)    “Revenue officer” includes:
(i)    a clerk;
(ii)    a notary public;
(iii)    a register of wills;
(iv)    a sheriff; and
(v)    a tax collector.
(b)    A revenue officer may not willfully detain and neglect to pay money due to the State, a county, or other governmental entity into the Treasury of the State or a county or to another revenue officer authorized to receive the money longer than:
(1)    60 days after the date specified by law for the revenue officer to make payment; or
(2)    6 months after the date that the money is collected, if the law does not specify a date for the revenue officer to make payment.
(c)    (1)    A revenue officer who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of defalcation.
(2)    On conviction, and unless the revenue officer pays the amount in default sooner, a revenue officer who violates this section:
(i)    for each violation, is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year and not exceeding 5 years; and
(ii)    is subject to any other penalty provided by law.
(d)    A revenue officer who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
(e)    In a prosecution under this section, a certificate of the Comptroller of the State or of a revenue officer of a county showing that the defendant is a defaulter is admissible as prima facie evidence of defalcation under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part II - Related Crimes › Section 7-115 - Rehypothecation of Personal Securities

(a)    While a contract of pledge or hypothecation is in effect, a person may not, without the consent of the pledgor, repledge or rehypothecate a security, the title to which passes by delivery or endorsement received or held by the person as guaranty for money lent or advanced to the owner or holder of the security.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not less than $500 and not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(c)    A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 1 - Crimes Involving Theft › Part II - Related Crimes › Section 7-116 - Failure to Deliver Documents for Merchandise

(a)    This section applies to a person who is entrusted with money as an advance against grain or other merchandise:
(1)    that is purchased and stored in an elevator; and
(2)    for which a certificate or receipt has been delivered to an official of the elevator storage facility or to the party with whom the grain or other merchandise is stored for shipment and transport to the purchaser.
(b)    A person may not, for the person’s own benefit and in bad faith, fail to deliver to the party who entrusted the person with money under the circumstances described in subsection (a) of this section as soon as the shipment of grain or other merchandise is completed and the bill of lading is delivered to the purchaser:
(1)    the draft or bill of exchange and other document required for shipment of the cargo of grain or other merchandise; and
(2)    any policy of insurance on the grain or other merchandise.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 1 year and not exceeding 10 years or a fine not less than $500 and not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(d)    A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 2 - Unlawful Use of Goods › Section 7-201 - Theft of Grocery Carts

(a)    This section applies only to a wheeled cart or other similar device that is clearly marked with the name and address of its owner and if notice of this section is clearly and prominently displayed at each public exit from the grocery store, store, or market that owns the wheeled cart or other similar device.
(b)    (1)    A person may not:
(i)    without the permission of the owner or agent of the owner, remove a wheeled cart or other similar device provided for the purpose of assembling or carrying purchased materials from a grocery store, store, or market, including its parking facilities;
(ii)    damage any wheeled cart or other device owned by the grocery store, store, or market from which the cart was obtained; or
(iii)    abandon a wheeled cart or other device on the streets or alleys of the State.
(2)    A person may abandon a wheeled cart or other device on the parking facilities of the grocery store, store, or market from which the cart was obtained.
(c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $25 for each violation.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 2 - Unlawful Use of Goods › Section 7-202 - Misappropriation by Bailee

(a)    A bailee for hire, or a servant, agent, or employee of the bailee, may not willfully appropriate and use, or allow the appropriation and use of, any property that is the subject matter of the bailment without the consent of the owner of that property.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 2 - Unlawful Use of Goods › Section 7-203 - Unauthorized Removal of Property

(a)    Without the permission of the owner, a person may not take and carry away from the premises or out of the custody of another or use of the other, or the other’s agent, or a governmental unit any property, including:
(1)    a vehicle;
(2)    a motor vehicle;
(3)    a vessel; or
(4)    livestock.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction:
(1)    is subject to imprisonment for not less than 6 months and not exceeding 4 years or a fine not less than $50 and not exceeding $100 or both; and
(2)    shall restore the property taken and carried away in violation of this section or, if unable to restore the property, shall pay to the owner the full value of the property.
(c)    It is not a defense to this section that the person intends to hold or keep the property for the person’s present use and not with the intent of appropriating or converting the property.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 2 - Unlawful Use of Goods › Section 7-204 - Theft or Duplication of State-Owned Keys

(a)    A person may not use, distribute, manufacture, duplicate, or possess keys capable of being used in locks in or on real property that the State owns or leases unless the use, distribution, manufacture, duplication, or possession is in accordance with the regulations adopted under subsection (c) of this section.
(b)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 for each violation.
(c)    (1)    The Department of General Services shall adopt regulations to govern the use, distribution, manufacture, duplication, and possession of keys capable of being used in locks in or on real property that the State owns or leases.
(2)    Each key subject to the regulations adopted under this subsection shall be clearly identified by:
(i)    the words “do not duplicate” or “unlawful to duplicate”; and
(ii)    a symbol indicating State ownership.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Criminal Law › Title 7 - Theft and Related Crimes › Subtitle 2 - Unlawful Use of Goods › Section 7-205 - Failure to Return Rental Vehicle

(a)    A person who leases or rents a motor vehicle under an agreement to return the motor vehicle at the end of the leasing or rental period may not abandon the motor vehicle or refuse or willfully neglect to return it.
(b)    (1)    A person may not be prosecuted under this section if, within 5 days after a written demand for the return of the motor vehicle is mailed by regular mail and certified United States mail, return receipt requested, to the person who leased or rented the motor vehicle at the last address known to the person who delivered the motor vehicle, the person returns or accounts for the motor vehicle to the person who delivered the motor vehicle.
(2)    A prosecution may not be started until 5 days after a written demand described in paragraph (1) of this subsection is mailed.
(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 $500 or both.