1. (a) In this section, “law enforcement officer” means:

   1. (1) a law enforcement officer who, in an official capacity, is authorized by law to make arrests;
   2. (2) a sheriff, deputy sheriff, or assistant sheriff; or
   3. (3) an employee of the Division of Correction, the Patuxent Institution, the Division of Pretrial Detention and Services, the Division of Parole and Probation, a local correctional facility, or any booking facility.

2. (b) A person may not knowingly remove or attempt to remove a firearm from the possession of a law enforcement officer if:

   1. (1) the law enforcement officer is lawfully acting within the course and scope of employment; and
   2. (2) the person has knowledge or reason to know that the law enforcement officer is employed as a law enforcement officer.
3. (c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
4. (d) A sentence imposed under this section may be imposed separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any crime based on the act or acts establishing the violation under this section.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2002, c. 213, § 6, eff. Oct. 1, 2002.

Formerly Art. 27, § 36A-1.