{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-3-901","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3–901","heading":"","body":"(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.\n(2) “Private place” means a dressing room or rest room in a retail store.\n(3) “Visual surveillance” means surveillance by:\n(i) direct sight;\n(ii) the use of mirrors;\n(iii) the use of cameras; or\n(iv) the use of an electronic device that can be used surreptitiously to observe an individual.\n(b) This section does not apply to any otherwise lawful surveillance conducted by a law enforcement officer while performing official duties.\n(c) A person may not conduct or procure another to conduct visual surveillance of an individual in a private place without the consent of that individual.\n(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.\n(e) It is not a defense to a prosecution under this section that the defendant owns the premises where the private place is located.\n(f) (1) An individual who was under visual surveillance in violation of this section has a civil cause of action against any person who conducted or procured a person to conduct the visual surveillance.\n(2) In an action under this subsection, the court may award actual damages and reasonable attorney’s fees.","path":["Article - Criminal Law"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr\u0026section=3-901","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:57:08Z","sha256":"53ae269671e2c11378e62163d4615062e032272c09086b23b582be2c5e584ab1","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-3-809","next":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-3-902"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}