Criminal Law (GCR) — Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-101 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
(1)
“Dwelling” means a structure any part of which has been adapted for overnight accommodation of an individual, regardless of whether an individual is actually present.
(2)
“Dwelling” includes a kitchen, shop, barn, stable, or outbuilding that is a parcel to, belongs to, or adjoins the dwelling.
(c)
“Maliciously” means acting with intent to harm a person or property.
(d)
(1)
“Structure” means a building or other construction, a vehicle, or watercraft.
(2)
“Structure” includes a:
(i)
barn, stable, pier, wharf, and any facility attached to a pier or wharf;
(ii)
tent, public building, or public bridge; and
(iii)
railroad car.
(e)
“Willfully” means acting intentionally, knowingly, and purposely.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-102 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–102LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not willfully and maliciously set fire to or burn:
(1)
a dwelling; or
(2)
a structure in or on which an individual who is not a participant is present.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of arson in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 years or a fine not exceeding $50,000 or both.
(c)
It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the person owns the property.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-103 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not willfully and maliciously set fire to or burn a structure that belongs to the person or to another.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of arson in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $30,000 or both.
(c)
It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the person owns the property.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-104 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–104LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to a violation involving property damage of $1,000 or more.
(b)
A person may not willfully and maliciously set fire to or burn the personal property of another.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of malicious burning in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-105 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–105LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to a violation involving property damage of less than $1,000.
(b)
A person may not willfully and maliciously set fire to or burn the personal property of another.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of malicious burning in the second degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-106 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–106LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not set fire to or burn property of any kind with the intent to defraud another.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(c)
A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
(d)
A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-107 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–107LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not threaten verbally or in writing to:
(1)
set fire to or burn a structure; or
(2)
explode a destructive device, as defined in § 4-501 of this article, in, on, or under a structure.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-108 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–108LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not willfully and maliciously set fire to or burn the contents of a dumpster or trash receptacle that belongs to another.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-109 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–109LinkCopy Citation
Placing or distributing a flammable, explosive, or combustible material or device in or near a structure or personal property in preparation for burning the structure or property is an attempt to burn the structure or property.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-110 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–110LinkCopy Citation
If a structure is divided into separately owned or leased units, each unit is a separate structure for purposes of prosecution under this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-111 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–111LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An indictment, information, warrant, or other charging document for a crime under this subtitle is sufficient if it substantially states:
“(name of defendant) on (date) in (county) burned or set fire to (describe property) or (describe other violation) in violation of (section violated) against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.”.
(b)
If the general form of indictment or information described in subsection (a) of this section is used to charge a crime under this subtitle in a case in the circuit court, the defendant, on timely demand, is entitled to a bill of particulars.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-112 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 1. Arson and Burning
§ 6–112LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Crime of malicious or fraudulent burning” means a violation of § 6–104, § 6–105, or § 6–106 of this subtitle.
(3)
“Serious physical injury” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of this article.
(b)
A person may not commit a crime of malicious or fraudulent burning that results in the death of or serious physical injury to a firefighter.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.
(d)
A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence imposed for any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section.
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-201 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Break” retains its judicially determined meaning except to the extent that its meaning is expressly or impliedly changed in this subtitle.
(c)
(1)
“Burglar’s tool” means a tool, instrument, or device adapted, designed, or used to commit or facilitate the commission of a burglary crime.
(2)
“Burglar’s tool” includes:
(i)
a picklock, key, crowbar, prybar, jack, or bit;
(ii)
explosive material including nitroglycerine, dynamite, or gunpowder; and
(iii)
a device capable of burning through metal, concrete, or other solid material, including an acetylene torch, electric arc, burning bar, thermal lance, or oxygen lance.
(d)
“Crime of violence” has the meaning stated in § 14-101 of this article.
(e)
“Dwelling” retains its judicially determined meaning except to the extent that its meaning is expressly or impliedly changed in this subtitle.
(f)
“Enter” retains its judicially determined meaning except to the extent that its meaning is expressly or impliedly changed in this subtitle.
(g)
(1)
“Firearm” includes:
(i)
a handgun, antique firearm, rifle, shotgun, short-barreled shotgun, and short-barreled rifle, as those terms are defined in § 4-201 of this article;
(ii)
a machine gun, as defined in § 4-401 of this article; and
(iii)
a regulated firearm, as defined in § 5-101 of the Public Safety Article.
(2)
“Firearm” does not include a firearm that has been modified to be permanently inoperative.
(h)
(1)
“Storehouse” retains its judicially determined meaning.
(2)
“Storehouse” includes:
(i)
a building or other construction, or a watercraft;
(ii)
a barn, stable, pier, wharf, and any facility attached to a pier or wharf;
(iii)
a storeroom or public building; and
(iv)
a trailer, aircraft, vessel, or railroad car.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-202 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit theft.
(b)
A person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit a crime of violence.
(c)
A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of the felony of burglary in the first degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
(d)
A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of the felony of home invasion and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-203 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to commit theft, a crime of violence, or arson in the second degree.
(b)
A person may not break and enter the storehouse of another with the intent to steal, take, or carry away a firearm.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of burglary in the second degree and on conviction is subject to:
(1)
for a violation of subsection (a) of this section, imprisonment not exceeding 15 years; and
(2)
for a violation of subsection (b) of this section, imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-204 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not break and enter the dwelling of another with the intent to commit a crime.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of burglary in the third degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-205 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not break and enter the dwelling of another.
(b)
A person may not break and enter the storehouse of another.
(c)
A person, with the intent to commit theft, may not be in or on:
(1)
the dwelling or storehouse of another; or
(2)
a yard, garden, or other area belonging to the dwelling or storehouse of another.
(d)
A person may not possess a burglar’s tool with the intent to use or allow the use of the burglar’s tool in the commission of a violation of this subtitle.
(e)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of burglary in the fourth degree and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years.
(f)
A person who is convicted of violating § 7-104 of this article may not also be convicted of violating subsection (c) of this section based on the act establishing the violation of § 7-104 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-206 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–206LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not possess a burglar’s tool with the intent to use or allow the use of the burglar’s tool in the commission of a crime involving the breaking and entering of a motor vehicle.
(b)
A person may not be in or on the motor vehicle of another with the intent to commit theft of the motor vehicle or property that is in or on the motor vehicle.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, shall be considered a rogue and vagabond, and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-207 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–207LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not open or attempt to open a vault, safe, or other secure repository by the use of a destructive device, as defined in § 4-501 of this article, while committing burglary in the first, second, or third degree.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of burglary with destructive device and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 20 years.
(c)
A sentence imposed for a violation of this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for another crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-208 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–208LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i)
“Enclosure” means a building, structure, aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle, and each:
(1)
separately secured or occupied portion of it; and
(2)
structure appurtenant or connected to it.
(ii)
“Enclosure” includes a trailer and a sleeping car.
(3)
“Research” means a studious and serious inquiry, examination, investigation, or experimentation designed to discover or accumulate data, theories, technologies, or applications for a governmental, scientific, educational, or proprietary purpose.
(4)
“Research facility” means an enclosure or separately secured yard, pad, pond, laboratory, pasture, or pen used to conduct research, house research subjects, or store supplies, records, data, prototypes, or equipment necessary to or derived from research.
(5)
(i)
“Research property” means property, regardless of value, related to research in a research facility.
(ii)
“Research property” includes a sample, specimen, research subject, record, data, test result, or proprietary information.
(b)
A person may not break and enter a research facility without the permission of the research facility with the intent to:
(1)
obtain unauthorized control over research property;
(2)
alter or eradicate research property;
(3)
damage or deface research property;
(4)
move research property in a manner intended to cause harm to it;
(5)
destroy or remove research property; or
(6)
engage in conduct that results in the removal of research property.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-209 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–209LinkCopy Citation
For purposes of prosecution under this subtitle, a unit in a building or structure that is divided into separately owned or leased units may not be considered a separate dwelling or storehouse unless it is objectively apparent that each unit constitutes a separate dwelling or storehouse.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-210 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 2. Burglary and Related Crimes
§ 6–210LinkCopy Citation
(a)
An indictment, information, warrant, or other charging document for burglary or another crime under this subtitle is sufficient if it substantially states:
“(name of defendant) on (date) in (county) did break and enter (describe property) or (describe other crime) in violation of (section violated) against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.”.
(b)
If the general form of indictment or information described in subsection (a) of this section is used to charge a crime under this subtitle in a case in the circuit court, the defendant, on timely demand, is entitled to a bill of particulars.
(c)
A person charged with a violation of § 6-202 of this subtitle may be convicted of a violation of § 6-204 or § 6-205(a) of this subtitle.
(d)
A person charged with a violation of § 6-203 of this subtitle may be convicted of a violation of § 6-205(b) of this subtitle.
(e)
A person charged with a violation of § 6-204 of this subtitle may be convicted of a violation of § 6-205(a) of this subtitle.
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-301 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–301LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not willfully and maliciously destroy, injure, or deface the real or personal property of another.
(b)
A person who, in violation of this section, causes damage of at least $1,000 to the property is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
(c)
A person who, in violation of this section, causes damage of less than $1,000 to the property is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
(d)
(1)
For purposes of this subsection, an act of “graffiti” means a permanent drawing, permanent painting, or a permanent mark or inscription on the property of another without the permission of the owner of the property.
(2)
In addition to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the court shall order a person convicted of causing malicious destruction by an act of graffiti to pay restitution or perform community service or both.
(3)
Title 11, Subtitle 6 of the Criminal Procedure Article applies to an order of restitution under this subsection.
(e)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, to determine a penalty, the court may consider as one crime the aggregate value of damage to each property resulting from one scheme or continuing course of conduct.
(2)
If separate acts resulting in damage to the properties of one or more owners are set forth by separate counts in one or more charging documents, the separate counts may not be merged for sentencing.
(f)
(1)
The value of damage is not a substantive element of a crime under this section and need not be stated in the charging document.
(2)
The value of damage shall be based on the evidence and that value shall be applied for the purpose of imposing the penalties established in this section.
(3)
If it cannot be determined from the evidence whether the value of the damage to the property is more or less than $1,000, the value is deemed to be less than $1,000.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-302 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not willfully throw, shoot, or propel a rock, brick, piece of iron, steel, or other similar metal, or a dangerous missile at or into a vehicle or other means of transportation that is occupied by an individual.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-303 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–303LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “electric company” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
an employee of or a person authorized by an electric company; and
(2)
supervision and control of an electric company and its material, equipment, or facilities by the political subdivision within which the electric company is doing business.
(c)
A person may not willfully:
(1)
tamper or interfere with the material, equipment, or facilities of an electric company;
(2)
make a connection with an electrical conductor to use the electricity; or
(3)
tamper with a meter used to register electricity consumed.
(d)
Prima facie evidence of intent to violate this section by a person who uses or directly benefits from the use or diversion of electricity includes:
(1)
a connection, wire, conductor, meter alteration, or other device that diverts electricity without the electric current being registered by the meter installed by the electric company that supplies the electricity;
(2)
the use of electricity supplied by an electric company without the electricity being registered on a meter that the electric company supplied; and
(3)
a showing by a check or test meter used by the electric company that a customer uses more electricity than is registered on the meter that the electric company supplied for the customer’s premises.
(e)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-304 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–304LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “gas company” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b)
(1)
A person may not wrongfully and maliciously damage, connect, disconnect, tap, or interfere or tamper with material, equipment, or facilities of a gas company.
(2)
A person may not intentionally damage or defraud a gas company by:
(i)
bypassing a meter provided for registering the gas consumed;
(ii)
willfully tampering with, damaging, or preventing the action of a meter to register gas; or
(iii)
causing or procuring a meter to be damaged or altered.
(c)
Prima facie evidence of a violation of this section by the person who would directly benefit from the use of the gas passing through the meter includes:
(1)
a device that allows the use of gas supplied by a gas company without the gas being registered on a meter provided by the gas company; and
(2)
damage or alteration to a meter so as to prevent the action of the meter.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $250 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-305 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–305LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “water equipment” includes a canal, spring, reservoir, tunnel, mound, dam, plug, main, pipe, conduit, connection, tap, valve, engine, or machinery.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
a person who is authorized by the company, municipal corporation, county, or unit of State or local government that uses or supplies water for domestic, agricultural, or manufacturing purposes or an authorized employee of the company, municipal corporation, county, or unit of State or local government; or
(2)
governmental regulation of:
(i)
water equipment; or
(ii)
water companies, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(c)
A person may not wrongfully and maliciously:
(1)
connect, disconnect, tap, interfere or tamper with, or make a connection with water equipment that belongs to a company, municipal corporation, county, or unit of State or local government that uses or supplies water for domestic, agricultural, or manufacturing purposes; or
(2)
tamper with a meter used to register the water consumed.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-305.1 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–305.1LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Telecommunications company” means a company that provides broadband Internet, cable television, telephone, or other wireless communication services.
(3)
(i)
“Telecommunications infrastructure” means items that are used to provide broadband Internet, cable television, telephone, or other wireless communication services.
(ii)
“Telecommunications infrastructure” includes:
(1)
antennae;
(2)
fiber optic and copper cables;
(3)
headends;
(4)
telephone poles;
(5)
radio transceivers;
(6)
radio towers;
(7)
wireless support structures;
(8)
small cell facilities; and
(9)
telecommunications company office facilities.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
an employee of a telecommunications company or a person acting under the authority of a telecommunications company; or
(2)
supervision and control of a telecommunications company and its material, equipment, or facilities by a political subdivision within which the telecommunications company is doing business.
(c)
A person may not recklessly or willfully and maliciously deface, damage, or destroy telecommunications infrastructure.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-306 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–306LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not remove, deface, or obliterate a manufacturer’s serial number that is punched on or affixed by plate to a manufactured good with the intent to prevent tracing or identifying that good.
(b)
Except as provided in § 14-107(m) of the Transportation Article, a person may not knowingly keep or offer for sale a manufactured good from which the manufacturer’s serial number has been removed, defaced, or obliterated in violation of subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both for each violation.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-307 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes
§ 6–307LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not:
(1)
sell or possess a stolen:
(i)
manufactured serial number; or
(ii)
vehicle identification plate or label; or
(2)
possess a manufactured serial number or vehicle identification plate or label if the person intends it to be:
(i)
affixed to stolen property; or
(ii)
used for fraudulent purposes.
(b)
A person who violates a provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both for each violation.
Subtitle 4. Trespass
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-401 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–401LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
(1)
“Off-road vehicle” means a motorized vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain.
(2)
“Off-road vehicle” includes:
(i)
a four-wheel drive or low-pressure-tire vehicle;
(ii)
a motorcycle or a related two-wheel vehicle;
(iii)
an amphibious machine;
(iv)
a ground-effect vehicle; and
(v)
an air-cushion vehicle.
(c)
“Vehicle” has the meaning stated in § 11-176 of the Transportation Article.
(d)
“Wanton” retains its judicially determined meaning.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-402 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not enter or trespass on property that is posted conspicuously against trespass by:
(1)
signs placed where they reasonably may be seen; or
(2)
paint marks that:
(i)
conform with regulations that the Department of Natural Resources adopts under § 5–209 of the Natural Resources Article; and
(ii)
are made on trees or posts that are located:
(1)
at each road entrance to the property; and
(2)
adjacent to public roadways, public waterways, and other land adjoining the property.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)
for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both;
(2)
for a second violation occurring within 2 years after the first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(3)
for each subsequent violation occurring within 2 years after the preceding violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-403 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–403LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not enter or cross over private property or board the boat or other marine vessel of another, after having been notified by the owner or the owner’s agent not to do so, unless entering or crossing under a good faith claim of right or ownership.
(b)
A person may not remain on private property including the boat or other marine vessel of another, after having been notified by the owner or the owner’s agent not to do so.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)
for a first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both;
(2)
for a second violation occurring within 2 years after the first violation, imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and
(3)
for each subsequent violation occurring within 2 years after the preceding violation, imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $2,500 or both.
(d)
This section prohibits only wanton entry on private property.
(e)
This section also applies to property that is used as a housing project and operated by a housing authority or State public body, as those terms are defined in Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article, if an authorized agent of the housing authority or State public body gives the required notice specified in subsection (a) or (b) of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-404 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–404LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
a vessel;
(2)
a military, fire, or law enforcement vehicle;
(3)
a farm-type tractor, other agricultural equipment used for agricultural purposes, or construction equipment used for agricultural purposes or earth moving;
(4)
earth-moving or construction equipment used for those purposes; or
(5)
a lawn mower, snowblower, garden or lawn tractor, or golf cart while being used for its designed purpose.
(b)
Except when traveling on a clearly designated private driveway, a person may not use a vehicle or off-road vehicle on private property unless the person has in the person’s possession the written permission of the owner or tenant of the private property.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-405 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–405LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “political subdivision” includes a:
(1)
county;
(2)
municipal corporation;
(3)
bicounty or multicounty agency;
(4)
county board of education;
(5)
public authority; or
(6)
special taxing district.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
a vessel;
(2)
a military, fire, or law enforcement vehicle;
(3)
a farm-type tractor, other agricultural equipment used for agricultural purposes, or construction equipment used for agricultural purposes or earth moving;
(4)
earth-moving or construction equipment used for those purposes; or
(5)
a lawn mower, snowblower, garden or lawn tractor, or golf cart while being used for its designed purpose.
(c)
Except as otherwise allowed by law, a person may not use an off-road vehicle on property known by the person to be owned or leased by the State or a political subdivision.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-406 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–406LinkCopy Citation
(a)
“Cultivated land” means land that has been cleared of its natural vegetation and is currently planted with a crop or orchard.
(b)
Unless a person has permission from the owner of cultivated land or an agent of the owner, a person may not enter on the cultivated land of another.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
(d)
This section:
(1)
prohibits only wanton entry on cultivated land; and
(2)
does not:
(i)
prevent a person who resides on cultivated land from receiving a person who seeks to provide a lawful service; or
(ii)
apply to a person entering cultivated land under color of law or color of title.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-407 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–407LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not enter or remain in the stable area of a racetrack after being notified by a racetrack official, security guard, or law enforcement officer that the person is not allowed in the stable area.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-408 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–408LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not enter on the property of another for the purpose of invading the privacy of an occupant of a building or enclosure located on the property by looking into a window, door, or other opening.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-409 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–409LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not refuse or fail to leave a public building or grounds, or a specific part of a public building or grounds, during the time when the public building or grounds, or specific part of the public building or grounds, is regularly closed to the public if:
(1)
the surrounding circumstances would indicate to a reasonable person that the person who refuses or fails to leave has no apparent lawful business to pursue at the public building or grounds; and
(2)
a regularly employed guard, watchman, or other authorized employee of the government unit that owns, operates, or maintains the public building or grounds asks the person to leave.
(b)
A person may not refuse or fail to leave a public building or grounds, or a specific part of a public building or grounds, during regular business hours if:
(1)
the surrounding circumstances would indicate to a reasonable person that the person who refuses or fails to leave:
(i)
has no apparent lawful business to pursue at the public building or grounds; or
(ii)
is acting in a manner disruptive of and disturbing to the conduct of normal business by the government unit that owns, operates, or maintains the public building or grounds; and
(2)
an authorized employee of the government unit asks the person to leave.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-410 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–410LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not commit wanton trespass on the property of Government House.
(b)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the property of Government House need not be posted against trespass.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-411 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–411LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i)
“Dwelling” means a building or part of a building that provides living or sleeping facilities for one or more individuals.
(ii)
“Dwelling” does not include:
(1)
common elements of a condominium, as defined in § 11–101 of the Real Property Article;
(2)
property of a cooperative housing corporation other than a unit as defined in § 5–6B–01 of the Corporations and Associations Article; or
(3)
common areas of a multifamily dwelling as defined in § 12–203 of the Public Safety Article.
(3)
“Firearm” has the meaning stated in § 4–104 of this article.
(4)
“Law enforcement official” has the meaning stated in § 4–201 of this article.
(5)
“Police officer” has the meaning stated in § 3–201 of the Public Safety Article.
(6)
(i)
“Property” means a building.
(ii)
“Property” does not include the land adjacent to a building.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
a law enforcement official or police officer;
(2)
an on–duty employee of a law enforcement agency authorized by the agency to possess firearms on duty or whose duty assignment involves the possession of firearms;
(3)
a member of the armed forces of the United States, the National Guard, or the uniformed services on duty or traveling to or from duty;
(4)
a correctional officer or warden of a correctional facility in the State;
(5)
the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a firearm on a portion of real property subject to an easement, a right–of–way, a servitude, or any other property interest that allows public access on or through the real property; or
(6)
the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a firearm on a portion of real property subject to an easement, a right–of–way, a servitude, or any other property interest allowing access on or through the real property by:
(i)
the holder of the easement, right–of–way, servitude, or other property interest; or
(ii)
a guest or assignee of the holder of the easement, right–of–way, servitude, or other property interest.
(c)
A person wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm may not enter or trespass in the dwelling of another unless the owner or the owner’s agent has given express permission, either to the person or to the public generally, to wear, carry, or transport a firearm inside the dwelling.
(d)
A person wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm may not:
(1)
enter or trespass on property unless the owner or the owner’s agent has posted a clear and conspicuous sign indicating that it is permissible to wear, carry, or transport a firearm on the property; or
(2)
enter or trespass on property unless the owner or the owner’s agent has given the person express permission to wear, carry, or transport a firearm on the property.
(e)
A person who willfully violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(f)
(1)
A conviction under this section may not merge with a conviction for any other crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section.
(2)
A sentence imposed under this section may be imposed separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any crime based on the act establishing the violation of this section.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-412 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 4. Trespass
§ 6–412LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Practice land surveying” has the same meaning as provided in § 15–101 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article.
(3)
“Professional land surveyor” means a land surveyor who is licensed by the State Board for Professional Land Surveyors to practice land surveying.
(b)
This subtitle does not apply to a professional land surveyor, or an agent or employee of a professional land surveyor, who enters a property to practice land surveying.
Subtitle 5. Crimes Involving Railroads
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-501 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 5. Crimes Involving Railroads
§ 6–501LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “railroad vehicle” includes a car, carriage, engine, locomotive, or tender.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-502 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 5. Crimes Involving Railroads
§ 6–502LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “railroad” includes a switch, frog, rail, roadbed, tie, viaduct, bridge, trestle, culvert, embankment, structure, or appliance that pertains to or connects with a railroad.
(b)
A person may not, with the intent to obstruct or derail a railroad vehicle in the State:
(1)
break or damage a railroad; or
(2)
place or cause anything to be placed on a railroad.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-503 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 5. Crimes Involving Railroads
§ 6–503LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
(i)
“Passenger” means an individual who is traveling by railroad vehicle with lawful authorization and who does not participate in the operation of the railroad vehicle.
(ii)
“Passenger” does not include a stowaway.
(3)
(i)
“Railroad” means a form of ground transportation that runs on rails or electromagnetic guide ways.
(ii)
“Railroad” includes:
(1)
a commuter or other short–haul railroad passenger service in a metropolitan or suburban area; and
(2)
a high–speed ground transportation system that connects metropolitan areas.
(iii)
“Railroad” does not include:
(1)
highway ground transportation; or
(2)
a rapid transit operation in a metropolitan area that does not connect to the general railroad transportation system.
(4)
“Railroad carrier” means a person who provides railroad transportation.
(5)
“Railroad property” means the material, equipment, and property used on or in connection with a railroad, right–of–way, or yard.
(6)
“Right–of–way” means the track or roadbed that is:
(i)
owned, leased, or operated by a railroad carrier;
(ii)
located on either side of the tracks of the railroad carrier; and
(iii)
(1)
readily recognizable to a reasonable person as railroad property; or
(2)
reasonably identified as railroad property by fencing or appropriate signs.
(7)
“Yard” means a system of parallel tracks, crossovers, and switches where railroad vehicles are switched or connected, and where railroad vehicles and other rolling stock are kept when not in use or when awaiting repair.
(b)
This section does not apply to:
(1)
a passenger on a railroad vehicle;
(2)
an individual who enters railroad property in an emergency to:
(i)
rescue from harm another individual or an animal, including livestock, a pet, or wildlife; or
(ii)
remove an object that the individual reasonably believes to pose an imminent threat to life or limb;
(3)
an individual on the station grounds or in the depot of a railroad carrier as a passenger or to transact lawful business;
(4)
a person, a family member or invitee of a person, or an employee or independent contractor of a person who enters a railroad right–of–way to obtain access to land that the person owns, leases, or operates at a private crossing approved by the railroad carrier;
(5)
a person having permission of the railroad carrier to enter the railroad property;
(6)
a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency response personnel while performing official duties;
(7)
a representative of the Maryland Department of Transportation or the Maryland Department of Labor while performing official duties; or
(8)
a representative of the Federal Railroad Administration or the National Transportation Safety Board while performing official duties.
(c)
(1)
Without the consent of the railroad carrier or other lawful authorization, a person may not ride on the outside or inside of a railroad vehicle, including a flatbed or container.
(2)
A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
(d)
(1)
Without the consent of the railroad carrier or other lawful authorization, and except to cross the property at a public highway or other authorized crossing, a person may not knowingly enter or remain on railroad property.
(2)
A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-504 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 5. Crimes Involving Railroads
§ 6–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not give a train signal to start a stopped train or to stop a moving train unless the person is an authorized employee of a railroad company.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-505 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 5. Crimes Involving Railroads
§ 6–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “railroad” has the meaning stated in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article.
(b)
A person may not willfully and maliciously strike a railroad vehicle on a railroad or on an electric railway in the State by:
(1)
shooting or throwing an object at the railroad vehicle; or
(2)
causing an object to fall on the railroad vehicle.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 6-506 (2026)
Title 6. Crimes Against Property
Subtitle 5. Crimes Involving Railroads
§ 6–506LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Unless authorized by a railroad company that maintains offices in the State, a person may not:
(1)
buy, sell, or engage in the business of buying or selling railroad tickets or the unused parts of railroad tickets;
(2)
act as vendor or broker of whole or partly used railroad tickets;
(3)
solicit personally or by sign, advertisement, or otherwise to buy or sell railroad tickets; or
(4)
aid or abet in buying or selling railroad tickets in the State.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.
(c)
Each act of buying or selling railroad tickets is a separate violation.