§ 8-522. Use of simulated documents to induce payment

   (a) Scope of section. -- This section applies to a simulated document even if the document contains a statement that it is not legal process or a government document.

(b) Prohibited. --

   (1) A person may not use, sell, or send or deliver to another, with the intent to induce the payment of a claim, a document that:

      (i) simulates a summons, complaint, or other court process of any kind; or

      (ii) implies that the person is a part of or associated with a unit of the federal government or a unit of the State or a county or municipal government.

   (2) With intent to induce the payment of a claim, a person may not use a seal, insignia, envelope, or any other form that simulates the seal, insignia, envelope, or form of any governmental unit.

(c) Penalty. -- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding:

   (1) $ 100 for the first violation; and

   (2) $ 500 for each subsequent violation.

(d) Exception. -- This section does not prohibit the printing, publication, or distribution of genuine court or legal process forms in blank.

(e) Proof of sending. -- Proof that the document was mailed or delivered to any person with the intent that it be forwarded to the intended recipient is sufficient proof of sending.

(f) Venue. -- A person who has been charged with a violation of this section may be prosecuted in the county in which the simulated document was used, sold, sent, or delivered.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 199; 2002, ch. 26, § 2; ch. 43.