Criminal Law - Fraud - Possession of Residential Real Property

SB 489 prohibits individuals from possessing or claiming rights to residential property they do not legally own or possess with the intent to defraud others. Property owners can file a sworn affidavit with the sheriff to have a person fraudulently occupying their property removed, though law enforcement may not proceed if the occupant shows evidence of lawful possession. Violating this law is a misdemeanor, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses: up to 90 days in jail or $500 for a first offense, up to 1 year in jail or $2,500 for subsequent violations within two years. The bill clarifies that it does not prevent owners from pursuing standard wrongful detainer lawsuits under Maryland law.