# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 9. Crimes Against Public Administration

### Subtitle 2. Bribery

#### Section 9-201

(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 Sec. 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.

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