Bill > HB765

This bill amends Maryland's criminal law to specifically prohibit the creation, assistance in creation, or possession of counterfeit leases or rental agreements related to real property with the intent to defraud others. Previously, the law covered various counterfeit documents like bonds, checks, and deeds, but this legislation explicitly adds leases and rental agreements for real property to this list. Violating the provision against creating counterfeit documents is classified as a felony with a potential penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment or a $1,000 fine, or both. Knowingly possessing a counterfeit of these documents, including the newly added leases and rental agreements, is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment 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, the counterfeit document is recorded or filed, or the victim resides or conducts business.