(a) Criminal prosecution for an offense of theft under § 7–104 of the Criminal Law Article is not a prerequisite to the maintenance of a civil action under this subtitle.
(b) The recovery of damages under this subtitle does not preclude criminal prosecution.
(c) The payment of damages under this subtitle is not admissible in any criminal proceeding as an admission of guilt or as evidence of guilt.
(d) A court shall reduce the amount of any restitution awarded in a criminal proceeding regarding an act for which a responsible person has paid damages under this subtitle by an amount equal to those damages.
Structure Maryland Statutes
Courts and Judicial Proceedings
Title 3 - Courts of General Jurisdiction -- Jurisdiction/special Causes of Action
Subtitle 13 - Remedies for Shoplifting and Employee Theft
Section 3-1302 - Civil Liabilities
Section 3-1303 - Required Procedures by Merchant -- Demand Letters
Section 3-1305 - Civil Action by Merchant
Section 3-1306 - Criminal Prosecution
Section 3-1306.1 - Prohibited Acts; Penalties