Subtitle 57 – Vandalism
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 57-1 (2026)
§ 57-1 In general.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Prohibited conduct.
It is unlawful for any person to wilfully and maliciously destroy, injure, deface, molest, or spray or splash with paint, lacquer, or similar substance any theatre, place of worship, public building, or any real or personal property of another.
(b)Penalties.
(1)
Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, is subject to a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000, or imprisonment in jail not exceeding 90 days, or to both fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.
(2)
In addition to a fine or imprisonment, or both, or in lieu of a fine or imprisonment or both, a judge may sentence a person convicted under this section to perform community service, which may include the cleaning of any property defaced by such vandalism.
History: Ord. 71-1002
History: Ord. 86-763
History: Ord. 90-533
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 57-2 (2026)
§ 57-2 Religious desecration.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Prohibited conduct.
Any person who wilfully or maliciously:
(1)
defaces or molests the real or personal property or premises of a church, religious organization, religious institution, parsonage, or church home;
(2)
inscribes or places upon, adjacent, or near to any such property or premises, a mark, letter, or symbol for the purpose of inciting or causing the hatred, criticism, ridicule, disaffection, or disturbance of a religious group, sect, or congregation, or of any member thereof; or
(3)
desecrates, mutilates, or disfigures any such property or premises,
is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b)Penalties.
Upon conviction thereof, he is subject to a fine not to exceed $500 or to imprisonment for a period not to exceed 12 months or to both such fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.
History: Ord. 60-239
Balt., Md., Code art. 19, § 57-3 (2026)
§ 57-3 Utility structures, etc.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Prohibited conduct.
No person may wilfully break, defile, remove, deface, carry away, or otherwise damage or injure any street lighting or other public utility structure, or any equipment, part, or appurtenance of a public utility structure.
(b)Liability.
Any person who violates this section is, in addition to any other applicable penalty, liable to the City or other owner of the structure, equipment, etc., for the expense of repairing, cleaning, and restoring it.
(c)Penalties.
(1)
Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than 12 months or to both fine and imprisonment for each offense.
(2)
Each structure damaged or injured under this section is a separate offense.
History: Ord. 50-1326
History: Ord. 09-152