# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 3. Other Crimes Against the Person

### Subtitle 9. Surveillance and Other Crimes Against Privacy

#### Section 3-904

(a) The General Assembly declares that:

  (1) the protection and preservation of the home is the keystone of democratic government;

  (2) the public health and welfare and the good order of the community require that members of the community enjoy in their homes a feeling of well-being, tranquility, and privacy and, when absent from their homes, carry with them the sense of security inherent in the assurance that they may return to the enjoyment of their homes;

  (3) the practice of picketing before or about residences and dwelling places causes emotional disturbance and distress to the occupants;

  (4) the purpose of this practice is to harass the occupants of the residences and dwelling places;

  (5) without resort to this practice, full opportunity exists, and under the provisions of this article will continue to exist, for the exercise of freedom of speech and other constitutional rights; and

  (6) the provisions of this section are necessary in the public interest to avoid the detrimental results described in this subsection.

(b) This section does not prohibit:

  (1) picketing or assembly in connection with a labor dispute, as defined in Sec. 4-301 of the Labor and Employment Article;

  (2) picketing in a lawful manner of a person's home when it is also the person's sole place of business; or

  (3) holding a meeting or assembly on any premises commonly used for the discussion of subjects of general public interest.

(c) A person may not intentionally assemble with another in a manner that disrupts a person's right to tranquility in the person's home.

(d)

  (1) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $100 or both.

  (2) Each day on which a violation of this section occurs is a separate violation.

(e) In addition to the penalty provided in subsection (d) of this section, a circuit court:

  (1) may enjoin conduct proscribed by this section; and

  (2) in the proceeding for injunctive relief, may award damages, including punitive damages, against any person found guilty of violating this section.

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