§ 9–201
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.