2.__Transport prohibited.__A person may not:

A.__Transport Christmas trees or evergreen boughs without written permission or a bill of sale from the owner of the land where the trees or evergreen boughs were harvested or that owner's authorized agents. Violation of this paragraph is a Class E crime; or

B.__Violate paragraph A when:

(1)__The value of the trees or boughs is more than $10,000.__Violation of this subparagraph is a Class B crime;

(2)__The person is armed with a dangerous weapon at the time of the offense.__Violation of this subparagraph is a Class B crime;

(3)__The value of the trees or boughs is more than $2,000 but not more than $10,000.__Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime;

(4)__The value of the trees or boughs is more than $1,000 but not more than $2,000.__Violation of this subparagraph is a Class D crime; or

(5)__The person has 2 prior Maine convictions for any combination of the following:__theft; any violation of Title 17-A, section 401 in which the crime intended to be committed inside the structure is theft; any violation of Title 17-A, section 651; any violation of Title 17-A, section 702, 703 or 708; or attempts thereat.__Title 17-A, section 9-A governs the use of prior convictions when determining a sentence.__ Violation of this subparagraph is a Class C crime.

3.__Inspections and investigations.__An officer authorized to make inspections and investigations under this article may require of any person, firm or corporation engaged in cutting or transporting Christmas trees or evergreen boughs to show:

A. If engaged in cutting trees or boughs belonging to another, a current written permit or bill of sale issued pursuant to subsection 1, paragraph A; and