{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-courts-and-judicial-proceedings-10-4a-02","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 10–4A–02","heading":"","body":"(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a person may not obtain, alter, or prevent authorized access to a wire or electronic communication while it is in electronic storage in an electronic communications system by:\n(1) Intentionally accessing without authorization a facility through which an electronic communication service is provided; or\n(2) Intentionally exceeding an authorization to access a facility through which an electronic communication service is provided.\n(b) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section is subject to the following penalties:\n(1) If the offense is committed for purposes of commercial advantage, malicious destruction or damage, or private commercial gain:\n(i) For a first offense, a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both; and\n(ii) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both; or\n(2) In any other case, a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.\n(c) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to conduct authorized:\n(1) By the person or entity providing a wire or electronic communications service;\n(2) By a user of a wire or electronic communications service with respect to a communication of or intended for that user; or\n(3) Under the provisions of this subtitle.","path":["Article - Courts and Judicial Proceedings"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj\u0026section=10-4A-02","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:57:03Z","sha256":"4517b6872d7d7c2b7789a3735794cde7f318ef441c9a014330207286bd1633c6","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-courts-and-judicial-proceedings-10-4a-01","next":"us-md/md.-code-courts-and-judicial-proceedings-10-4a-03"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}