# Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ)

## Title 3. Courts of General Jurisdiction -- Jurisdiction/special Causes of Action

### Subtitle 13. Remedies for Shoplifting and Employee Theft

#### Section 3-1306.1

(a) In recovering or attempting to recover damages arising from an alleged act of shoplifting or employee theft under this subtitle, a person may not:

  (1) Use or threaten force or violence;

  (2) Communicate with a responsible person in a manner that reasonably can be expected to abuse or harass the responsible person, including communicating with excessive frequency or at unusual hours;

  (3) Use obscene or grossly abusive language in communicating with the responsible person;

  (4) Claim, attempt, or threaten to enforce a right with knowledge that the right does not exist; or

  (5) Use a communication that simulates legal or judicial process or gives the appearance of being authorized, issued, or approved by a government, governmental agency, or lawyer when it is not.

(b) A person who violates this section is liable for any:

  (1) Actual damages proximately caused by the violation; and

  (2) Reasonable court costs and attorney's fees.

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Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)