Maryland Stalking Laws


Art 27, § 121A. Harassment

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(a) In this section "course of conduct" means a persistent pattern of conduct, composed of a series of acts over a period of time, that evidences a continuity of purpose.

(b) This section does not apply to any peaceable activity intended to express political views or provide information to others.

(c) A person may not follow another person in or about a public place or maliciously engage in a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys another person:

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

(2) After reasonable warning or request to desist by or on behalf of the other person; and

(3) Without a legal purpose.

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days or both.

Art. 27, § 121B. Stalking

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

(2) "Course of conduct" means a persistent pattern of conduct, composed of a series of acts over a period of time, that evidences a continuity of purpose.

(3) "Stalking" means a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing

another person with intent to place that person in reasonable fear:

(i) Of serious bodily injury or death; or

(ii) That a third person likely will suffer serious bodily injury or death.

(b) A person may not engage in stalking.

(c) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 5 years or both.

(d) A sentence imposed under this section may be imposed separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any other offense based upon the act or acts establishing a violation of this section.

Current through 1997.