Maryland § 5-409
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 5-409, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-409.
(a) Any person, his aiders, abettors, and counsellors, who willfully, negligently, recklessly, wrongfully, or maliciously enters upon lands or premises of another without written permission of the owner of the lands or premises, in order to cut, burn, or otherwise injure or destroy, or cause to be cut, burned, or otherwise injured, or destroyed, any merchantable trees or timber on the land is liable to the party injured or aggrieved in an amount triple the value of the trees or timber cut, burned, or otherwise injured or destroyed, plus the costs of any surveys, appraisals, attorney fees, or court fees in connection with the case. The damages are recoverable in a civil action, as in any other case.
(b) At the request of a law enforcement officer, a person on the lands and premises of another engaged in any act specified in subsection (a) of this section shall display the written permission of the owner.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the following shall obtain the permission of an owner before engaging in any act specified in subsection (a) of this section, but are not required to obtain the permission in writing or to display the written permission as provided in subsection (b) of this section:
(1) A public service company, as defined in § 1–101 of the Public Utilities Article; and
(2) An employee of the Department of Public Works or roads board of any county or municipality, or the State Highway Administration, performing roadside maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 5-409
What does Maryland Code § 5-409 cover?
Section 5-409 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 § 5-409?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 5-409" (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 § 5-409 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.