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Legal Information: Maryland

Statutes: Maryland

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Updated: 
November 27, 2023

§ 3-1103. Use of force, threat, coercion, or fraud to compel marriage

Prohibited

(a) A person may not knowingly:

(1) take or detain another with the intent to use force, threat, coercion, or fraud to compel the other to marry any person;

(2) receive a financial benefit or thing of value in relation to a violation of this subsection; or

(3) aid, abet, or conspire with another to violate this subsection.

Penalty

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of forced marriage and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years or a fine not exceeding $15,000 or both.

Venue

(c) A person who violates this section may be charged, tried, and sentenced in any county in or through which the person transported or attempted to transport the victim.