1. (a) A person, with intent to defraud another, may not counterfeit, cause to be counterfeited, or willingly aid or assist in counterfeiting any:

   1. (1) bond;
   2. (2) check;
   3. (3) deed;
   4. (4) draft;
   5. (5) endorsement or assignment of a bond, draft, check, or promissory note;
   6. (6) entry in an account book or ledger;
   7. (7) letter of credit;
   8. (8) negotiable instrument;
   9. (9) power of attorney;
   10. (10) promissory note;
   11. (11) release or discharge for money or property;
   12. (12) title to a motor vehicle;
   13. (13) waiver or release of mechanics' lien; or
   14. (14) will or codicil.
2. (b) A person may not knowingly, willfully, and with fraudulent intent possess a counterfeit of any of the items listed in subsection (a) of this section.

3. (c)

   1. (1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.
   2. (2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

4. (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the prosecution of an alleged violation of this section or for an alleged violation of a crime based on an act that establishes a violation of this section may be commenced in any county in which:

   1. (1) an element of the crime occurred;
   2. (2) the deed or other alleged counterfeit instrument is recorded in the county land records, filed with the clerk of the circuit court, or filed with the register of wills;
   3. (3) the victim resides; or
   4. (4) if the victim is not an individual, the victim conducts business.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2004, c. 484, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2004; Acts 2005, c. 24, § 1, eff. April 12, 2005; Acts 2011, c. 73, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2011.

Formerly Art. 27, § 44.