# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 3. Other Crimes Against the Person

### Subtitle 8. Stalking and Harassment

#### Section 3-803

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Residence" includes the yard, grounds, outbuildings, and common areas surrounding a residence.

  (3) "Visual surveillance" has the meaning stated in Sec. 3-901 of this title.

(b) A person may not follow another in or about a public place, conduct visual surveillance of an area of another's residence where the other has a reasonable expectation of privacy, or maliciously engage in a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys the other:

  (1) with the intent to harass, alarm, or annoy the other;

  (2) after receiving a reasonable warning or request to stop by or on behalf of the other; and

  (3) without a legal purpose.

(c)

  (1) This section does not apply to a peaceable activity intended to express a political view or provide information to others.

  (2) This section may not be construed in a manner that infringes on any right guaranteed under the United States Constitution or the Maryland Declaration of Rights.

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

  (1) for a first offense, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both; and

  (2) for a second or subsequent offense, imprisonment not exceeding 180 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

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