§ 5–712
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. § 5-712 (2026)
Title 5. Cemeteries
Subtitle 7. Preneed Burial Contracts
§ 5–712LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A seller may not fail to deposit, as required by this subtitle, money received under or in connection with a preneed burial contract.
(b)
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to:
(i)
for a first violation, a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both;
(ii)
for a second violation, a fine not exceeding $15,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both; and
(iii)
for a third or subsequent violation, a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both.
(2)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, if a corporation violates this section, each officer responsible for the violation is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to:
(i)
for a first violation, a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both;
(ii)
for a second violation, a fine not exceeding $15,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or both; and
(iii)
for a third or subsequent violation, a fine not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both.
(c)
A person who willfully misappropriates or intentionally and fraudulently converts preneed trust funds in excess of $100 to that person’s own use is guilty of a felony and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both.