§ 2–203
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 2-203 (2026)
Title 2. Law Enforcement Procedures; Arrest Process
Subtitle 2. Warrantless Arrests
§ 2–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A police officer without a warrant may arrest a person if the police officer has probable cause to believe:
(1)
that the person has committed a crime listed in subsection (b) of this section; and
(2)
that unless the person is arrested immediately, the person:
(i)
may not be apprehended;
(ii)
may cause physical injury or property damage to another; or
(iii)
may tamper with, dispose of, or destroy evidence.
(b)
The crimes referred to in subsection (a)(1) of this section are:
(1)
manslaughter by vehicle or vessel under § 2–209 of the Criminal Law Article;
(2)
malicious burning under § 6–104 or § 6–105 of the Criminal Law Article or an attempt to commit the crime;
(3)
malicious mischief under § 6–301 of the Criminal Law Article or an attempt to commit the crime;
(4)
a theft crime where the value of the property or services stolen is less than $1,000 under § 7–104 or § 7–105 of the Criminal Law Article or an attempt to commit the crime;
(5)
the crime of giving or causing to be given a false alarm of fire under § 9–604 of the Criminal Law Article;
(6)
indecent exposure under § 11–107 of the Criminal Law Article;
(7)
a crime that relates to controlled dangerous substances under Title 5 of the Criminal Law Article or an attempt to commit the crime;
(8)
the wearing, carrying, or transporting of a handgun under § 4–203 or § 4–204 of the Criminal Law Article;
(9)
carrying or wearing a concealed weapon under § 4–101 of the Criminal Law Article;
(10)
prostitution and related crimes under Title 11, Subtitle 3 of the Criminal Law Article; and
(11)
violation of a condition of pretrial or posttrial release under § 5–213.1 of this article.