# Criminal Procedure (GCP)

## Title 2. Law Enforcement Procedures; Arrest Process

### Subtitle 2. Warrantless Arrests

#### Section 2-203

(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 Sec. 2-209 of the Criminal Law Article;

  (2) malicious burning under Sec. 6-104 or Sec. 6-105 of the Criminal Law Article or an attempt to commit the crime;

  (3) malicious mischief under Sec. 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 Sec. 7-104 or Sec. 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 Sec. 9-604 of the Criminal Law Article;

  (6) indecent exposure under Sec. 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 Sec. 4-203 or Sec. 4-204 of the Criminal Law Article;

  (9) carrying or wearing a concealed weapon under Sec. 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 Sec. 5-213.1 of this article.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)