# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 6. Crimes Against Property

### Subtitle 3. Malicious Destruction and Related Crimes

#### Section 6-304

(a) In this section, "gas company" has the meaning stated in Sec. 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)