Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration — Subtitle 2. Bribery
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 9-201 (2026)
Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration
Subtitle 2. Bribery
§ 9–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Political subdivision” includes a:
(i)
county;
(ii)
municipal corporation;
(iii)
bi–county or multicounty agency;
(iv)
county board of education;
(v)
public authority; or
(vi)
special taxing district that is not a homeowners association.
(3)
(i)
“Public employee” means an officer or employee of:
(1)
the State; or
(2)
a political subdivision of the State.
(ii)
“Public employee” includes:
(1)
an executive officer of the State;
(2)
a judge of the State;
(3)
a judicial officer of the State;
(4)
a member or officer of the General Assembly;
(5)
a member of the police force of Baltimore City or the Department of State Police; and
(6)
a member, officer, or executive officer of a political subdivision.
(b)
A person may not bribe or attempt to bribe a public employee to influence the public employee in the performance of an official duty of the public employee.
(c)
A public employee may not demand or receive a bribe, fee, reward, or testimonial to:
(1)
influence the performance of the official duties of the public employee; or
(2)
neglect or fail to perform the official duties of the public employee.
(d)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of bribery and on conviction:
(1)
is subject to imprisonment for not less than 2 years and not exceeding 12 years or a fine not less than $5,000 and not exceeding $25,000 or both;
(2)
may not vote; and
(3)
may not hold an office of trust or profit in the State.
(e)
A person who violates this section is subject to § 5–106(b) of the Courts Article.
(f)
(1)
A person who violates this section:
(i)
is a competent witness; and
(ii)
subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, may be compelled to testify against any person who may have violated this section.
(2)
A person compelled to testify for the State under paragraph (1) of this subsection is immune from prosecution for a crime about which the person was compelled to testify.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 9-202 (2026)
Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration
Subtitle 2. Bribery
§ 9–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not bribe or attempt to bribe a juror for rendering a verdict.
(b)
A juror may not accept a bribe for rendering a verdict.
(c)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction:
(1)
is subject to imprisonment for not less than 18 months and not exceeding 6 years; and
(2)
may not serve on a jury in the future.
(d)
A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 9-203 (2026)
Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration
Subtitle 2. Bribery
§ 9–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
A person, including a candidate for office, may not give or directly or indirectly promise a gift or reward to secure a vote or a ballot at an election under the Constitution and laws of the State.
(2)
A person may not keep or allow to be kept a house or other accommodation in the State on an election day where, before the close of the election, the person, at the person’s expense, gratuitously provides alcoholic beverages to voters.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)
imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both; and
(2)
any other penalties applicable under the Constitution.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 9-204 (2026)
Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration
Subtitle 2. Bribery
§ 9–204LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person may not bribe or attempt to bribe another who is participating in or connected with an athletic contest held in the State.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of the misdemeanor of bribery and on conviction is subject to imprisonment for not less than 6 months and not exceeding 3 years or a fine not less than $100 and not exceeding $5,000 or both.
(c)
A person who violates this section is subject to § 5-106(b) of the Courts Article.
(d)
(1)
A person:
(i)
may not refuse to testify concerning a conspiracy to violate this section; but
(ii)
may be compelled to testify against any person who may have conspired to violate this section.
(2)
A person compelled to testify under paragraph (1) of this subsection is a competent witness.
(3)
A person compelled to testify for the State under this section is immune from prosecution for a crime about which the person was compelled to testify.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 9-205 (2026)
Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration
Subtitle 2. Bribery
§ 9–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person participating in or connected with an athletic contest may not accept a bribe to alter the outcome of the athletic contest.
(b)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.