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§ 8-522. Use of simulated documents to induce payment

West's Annotated Code of MarylandCriminal Law

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Criminal Law (Refs & Annos)
Title 8. Fraud and Related Crimes
Subtitle 5. Public Fraud
Part III. Other Public Fraud
MD Code, Criminal Law, § 8-522
Formerly cited as MD CODE Art. 27, § 199
§ 8-522. Use of simulated documents to induce payment
Currentness
Scope of section
(a) This section applies to a simulated document even if the document contains a statement that it is not legal process or a government document.
Prohibited
(b)(1) A person may not use, sell, or send or deliver to another, with the intent to induce the payment of a claim, a document that:
(i) simulates a summons, complaint, or other court process of any kind; or
(ii) implies that the person is a part of or associated with a unit of the federal government or a unit of the State or a county or municipal government.
(2) With intent to induce the payment of a claim, a person may not use a seal, insignia, envelope, or any other form that simulates the seal, insignia, envelope, or form of any governmental unit.
Penalty
(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding:
(1) $100 for the first violation; and
(2) $500 for each subsequent violation.
Exception
(d) This section does not prohibit the printing, publication, or distribution of genuine court or legal process forms in blank.
Proof of sending
(e) Proof that the document was mailed or delivered to any person with the intent that it be forwarded to the intended recipient is sufficient proof of sending.
Venue
(f) A person who has been charged with a violation of this section may be prosecuted in the county in which the simulated document was used, sold, sent, or delivered.

Credits

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2002, c. 43, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2002.
Formerly Art. 27, § 199.
MD Code, Criminal Law, § 8-522, MD CRIM LAW § 8-522
Current with legislation effective through October 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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