MD HB202

Creates new felony offense for fraudulently selling, conveying, or leasing real property one does not own or lacks authority to transfer, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine

Establishes felony penalties for obtaining real property through deception, intimidation, threat, or undue influence, as well as for counterfeiting deeds or leases

Creates misdemeanor offense for fraudulently possessing residential property one does not lawfully own, with escalating penalties: first offense up to 90 days/$500, second offense within 2 years up to 6 months/$1,000, subsequent offenses up to 1 year/$2,500

Authorizes property owners to file a sworn affidavit with the sheriff to remove individuals fraudulently occupying their residential property, unless the occupant produces evidence of lawful possession or has a court order

Removes "deed" from the general counterfeiting statute (Section 8-601) and creates a separate, dedicated section specifically addressing deed and lease fraud with higher fines