Bill > SB82

This bill amends Maryland's criminal law to specifically prohibit the creation, assistance in creation, or knowing possession of counterfeit leases of real property or rental agreements relating to real property, with the intent to defraud. Previously, the law covered various financial and legal documents, but this change explicitly includes real estate rental agreements. Violating the provision against creating or aiding in the creation of these counterfeit documents is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $1,000 fine, or both. Knowingly possessing such a counterfeit document is a misdemeanor with a penalty of up to 3 years in prison or a $1,000 fine, or both. The bill also clarifies that prosecutions for these offenses can occur in any county where an element of the crime took place, where the counterfeit document is recorded or filed, or where the victim resides or conducts business.