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§ 8-601. Counterfeiting of private instruments and documents

West's Annotated Code of MarylandCriminal LawEffective: October 1, 2011

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Criminal Law (Refs & Annos)
Title 8. Fraud and Related Crimes
Subtitle 6. Counterfeiting and Related Crimes (Refs & Annos)
Effective: October 1, 2011
MD Code, Criminal Law, § 8-601
Formerly cited as MD CODE Art. 27, § 44
§ 8-601. Counterfeiting of private instruments and documents
Prohibited--Counterfeiting
(a) A person, with intent to defraud another, may not counterfeit, cause to be counterfeited, or willingly aid or assist in counterfeiting any:
(1) bond;
(2) check;
(3) deed;
(4) draft;
(5) endorsement or assignment of a bond, draft, check, or promissory note;
(6) entry in an account book or ledger;
(7) letter of credit;
(8) negotiable instrument;
(9) power of attorney;
(10) promissory note;
(11) release or discharge for money or property;
(12) title to a motor vehicle;
(13) waiver or release of mechanics' lien; or
(14) will or codicil.
Prohibited--Possession of counterfeits
(b) A person may not knowingly, willfully, and with fraudulent intent possess a counterfeit of any of the items listed in subsection (a) of this section.
Penalty
(c)(1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
Venue
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the prosecution of an alleged violation of this section or for an alleged violation of a crime based on an act that establishes a violation of this section may be commenced in any county in which:
(1) an element of the crime occurred;
(2) the deed or other alleged counterfeit instrument is recorded in the county land records, filed with the clerk of the circuit court, or filed with the register of wills;
(3) the victim resides; or
(4) if the victim is not an individual, the victim conducts business.

Credits

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2004, c. 484, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2004; Acts 2005, c. 24, § 1, eff. April 12, 2005; Acts 2011, c. 73, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2011.
Formerly Art. 27, § 44.
MD Code, Criminal Law, § 8-601, MD CRIM LAW § 8-601
Current through legislation effective through June 1, 2024, from the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Some statute sections may be more current, see credits for details.
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