{"data":{"id":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-4-109","jurisdiction":"us-md","citation":"Md. Code, Criminal Law § 4–109","heading":"","body":"(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.\n(2) “Crime of violence” has the meaning stated in § 14–101 of this article.\n(3) “Electronic control device” means a portable device designed as a weapon capable of injuring, immobilizing, or inflicting pain on an individual by the discharge of electrical current.\n(b) A person may not possess or use an electronic control device unless the person:\n(1) has attained the age of 18 years; and\n(2) has never been convicted of a crime of violence or a violation of § 5–602, § 5–603, § 5–604, § 5–605, § 5–606, § 5–613, or § 5–614 of this article.\n(c) An electronic control device may not be sold and activated in the State unless:\n(1) an instructional manual or audio or audiovisual instructions are provided to the purchaser;\n(2) the manufacturer maintains a record of the original owner of the electronic control device; and\n(3) the manufacturer or seller has obtained a State and federal criminal history records check of the original owner to ensure compliance with subsection (b)(2) of this section.\n(d) A manufacturer of electronic control devices shall provide an investigating law enforcement agency with prompt access to the manufacturer’s records on electronic control devices and cartridges sold in the State.\n(e) (1) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.\n(2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section while committing a separate crime that is a crime of violence is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.\n(f) This section does not prohibit a local government from adopting a restriction or requirement concerning the possession of an electronic control device that is more stringent than the requirements of this section.","path":["Article - Criminal Law"],"source_url":"https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr\u0026section=4-109","current_through":"2026-01-01","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-14T19:57:08Z","sha256":"4df4873f4d005d14404151920cdae3cd48a5133408ce9c2bd95e91fa882ab7e3","source_id":"us-md","stale":false,"prev":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-4-108","next":"us-md/md.-code-criminal-law-4-110"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}