Maryland § 2-201

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 2-201, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2-201.

    (a)    A murder is in the first degree if it is:

        (1)    a deliberate, premeditated, and willful killing;

        (2)    committed by lying in wait;

        (3)    committed by poison; or

        (4)    committed in the perpetration of or an attempt to perpetrate:

            (i)    arson in the first degree;

            (ii)    burning a barn, stable, tobacco house, warehouse, or other outbuilding that:

                1.    is not parcel to a dwelling; and

                2.    contains cattle, goods, wares, merchandise, horses, grain, hay, or tobacco;

            (iii)    burglary in the first, second, or third degree;

            (iv)    carjacking or armed carjacking;

            (v)    escape in the first degree from a State correctional facility or a local correctional facility;

            (vi)    kidnapping under § 3–502 or § 3–503(a)(2) of this article;

            (vii)    mayhem;

            (viii)    rape;

            (ix)    robbery under § 3–402 or § 3–403 of this article;

            (x)    sexual offense in the first or second degree;

            (xi)    sodomy as that crime existed before October 1, 2020; or

            (xii)    a violation of § 4–503 of this article concerning destructive devices.

    (b)    (1)    A person who commits a murder in the first degree is guilty of a felony and on conviction shall be sentenced to:

            (i)    imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole; or

            (ii)    imprisonment for life.

        (2)    Unless a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole is imposed in compliance with § 2–203 of this subtitle and § 2–304 of this title, the sentence shall be imprisonment for life.

    (c)    A person who solicits another or conspires with another to commit murder in the first degree is guilty of murder in the first degree if the death of another occurs as a result of the solicitation or conspiracy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 2-201

What does Maryland Code § 2-201 cover?

Section 2-201 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 2-201?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 2-201" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 2-201 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.