The Maryland Natural Resources Fine Schedule is a set of fines and penalties issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for violations of Maryland’s conservation laws and regulations. The fines are meant to act as a deterrent for those who break these laws. The Fine Schedule includes penalties for a variety of violations, including hunting, fishing, and boating. Fines are assessed based on the seriousness of the offense and the extent of the violation. The Maryland Natural Resources Fine Schedule consists of two tiers of fines: civil and criminal. Civil fines are imposed for minor infractions, such as littering or taking a game animal without a license. Criminal fines are reserved for more serious offenses, such as poaching or illegally harvesting shellfish. Fines range from $50 to $1,000 and may be accompanied by a jail sentence ranging from 90 days to five years. In some cases, individuals may be required to pay restitution for damages caused by their actions. Penalties may also include the loss of hunting or fishing privileges, the forfeiture of equipment, or the suspension or revocation of licenses. In addition, natural resource law enforcement officers may issue warnings, citations, or orders of compliance for violations. The Maryland Natural Resources Fine Schedule is updated annually and can be found on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.