Section 8-522 - Use of simulated documents to induce payment. - Maryland Statutes

§ 8-522. Use of simulated documents to induce payment.
 

(a)  Scope of section.- This section applies to a simulated document even if the document contains a statement that it is not legal process or a government document. 

(b)  Prohibited.-  

(1) A person may not use, sell, or send or deliver to another, with the intent to induce the payment of a claim, a document that: 

(i) simulates a summons, complaint, or other court process of any kind; or 

(ii) implies that the person is a part of or associated with a unit of the federal government or a unit of the State or a county or municipal government. 

(2) With intent to induce the payment of a claim, a person may not use a seal, insignia, envelope, or any other form that simulates the seal, insignia, envelope, or form of any governmental unit. 

(c)  Penalty.- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding: 

(1) $100 for the first violation; and 

(2) $500 for each subsequent violation. 

(d)  Exception.- This section does not prohibit the printing, publication, or distribution of genuine court or legal process forms in blank. 

(e)  Proof of sending.- Proof that the document was mailed or delivered to any person with the intent that it be forwarded to the intended recipient is sufficient proof of sending. 

(f)  Venue.- A person who has been charged with a violation of this section may be prosecuted in the county in which the simulated document was used, sold, sent, or delivered. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 199; 2002, ch. 26, § 2; ch. 43.]