Section 9-601 - Interference with emergency communication. - Maryland Statutes

§ 9-601. Interference with emergency communication.
 

(a)  "Emergency" defined.- In this section, "emergency" means a circumstance in which: 

(1) an individual is or is reasonably believed by the person transmitting the communication to be in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm; or 

(2) property is in imminent danger of damage or destruction. 

(b)  Prohibited.- A person may not: 

(1) knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly interrupt, disrupt, impede, or otherwise interfere with the transmission of a two-way radio communication made: 

(i) to inform or inquire about an emergency; and 

(ii) on a frequency commonly used or monitored by an emergency services organization; or 

(2) transmit false information about an emergency on a two-way radio frequency commonly used or monitored by an emergency services organization. 

(c)  Penalty.- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both. 

(d)  Seizure and forfeiture of property.-  

(1) A two-way radio and related equipment used in violation of this section is subject to seizure. 

(2) On conviction of a violation of this section, any property seized under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be forfeited to the State and no property right shall exist in the property. 

(3) Any property that is forfeited under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be turned over to the Secretary of General Services, who may: 

(i) order that the property be retained for official use of State units; or 

(ii) otherwise dispose of the property as the Secretary considers appropriate. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 125A; 2002, ch. 26, § 2.]