Most people have no idea how broad Maryland’s harassment laws really are. Seriously. You might think harassment is just following someone around. But Maryland’s laws cover phone calls, texts, emails, social media, and even spying on someone’s home. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know.
Whether you’re trying to protect yourself or avoid crossing a legal line, this guide is for you. We’ll cover the key laws, the real penalties, and how to take action.
What Is Harassment in Maryland?
Harassment in Maryland means following someone in a public place or repeatedly engaging in behavior that seriously annoys or alarms them. The key word is “maliciously.” You have to be doing it on purpose to bother them.
Here’s the catch. It only becomes a crime after the person asks you to stop. If they warn you and you keep going, that’s when you’re breaking the law. Maryland Code Section 3-803 spells this out clearly.
Pretty straightforward, right?
There’s also an exception worth knowing. If you’re handing out flyers for a political cause or sharing religious information, that’s generally protected. Maryland law carves out space for peaceful activities that express a political view or give information to others.
Basic Harassment Laws in Maryland
What Counts as Harassment?
Under Maryland law, harassment happens when you follow someone in a public place or repeatedly contact or bother them. You have to be doing it with intent to harass, alarm, or annoy. And you have to keep going after being told to stop.
Wondering what “repeatedly” means? Courts look at a pattern of behavior. One phone call usually isn’t enough. A series of texts, calls, or showing up somewhere after being warned? That’s a different story.
There is no specific number written into the law. Judges and juries decide based on the full picture.
Harassment Penalties: First Offense vs. Repeat Offenders
Okay, this part is important. The penalties are real, and they go on your record.
For a first offense, you could face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. That’s not pocket change. Think of it like a serious traffic violation, but it follows you as a criminal misdemeanor.
If you’ve been convicted before, the stakes go way up. A second or later offense can mean up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Maryland judges take repeat harassment seriously.
Online and Electronic Harassment Laws
Misuse of Electronic Communication
Here’s where things get serious. Maryland has a separate law for harassment through phones, texts, email, and social media. It’s covered under Section 3-805 of the Criminal Law Code.
You can’t maliciously engage in a pattern of electronic communication that seriously alarms or annoys someone, when you intend to harass them, after being warned to stop, and without any legal purpose. That covers texts, emails, direct messages, and more.
This law carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail. That’s more serious than basic harassment.
Stalking Through Electronic Means
Stalking is different from harassment, and it’s a lot more serious. Maryland defines stalking as repeatedly pursuing or contacting someone in a way that causes them fear of serious harm, assault, or even death.
Hold on, this part is important. Under Maryland’s stalking law, Section 3-802, electronic communication is specifically included. That means repeated threatening messages, emails designed to cause fear, or online behavior meant to terrorize someone can count as criminal stalking. Stalking carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Stalking is a felony-level offense. Harassment is a misdemeanor. The difference matters a lot in court.
Grace’s Law: Protecting Minors Online
Maryland has a special law called Grace’s Law that protects minors from online bullying and harassment. It makes it a crime to use a computer or phone to bully a child.
The enhanced version of this law allows fines up to $10,000 and prison time up to three years. If the harassment encourages a child to harm themselves, the penalty can go up to ten years. This is one of the strongest cyberbullying laws in the country.
Harassment and Hate Crimes
Most people don’t realize how strict these laws are when harassment is tied to hate. Maryland law under Section 10-304 adds extra penalties when harassment targets someone because of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.
A friend asked me about this last week. They assumed that hateful messages online weren’t really a “hate crime” unless violence happened. They were wrong. That combination can turn a misdemeanor into a felony charge very quickly.
Don’t be one of the people who finds out the hard way.
Peace Orders vs. Protective Orders
Confused about the difference? Let me break it down.
A protective order is for people in domestic relationships. That includes spouses, family members, people who’ve lived together, or people in an intimate relationship. Think of it as a restraining order for people who are close to you.
A peace order covers everyone else. Neighbors, coworkers, classmates, strangers, or anyone you don’t have a domestic relationship with. If someone is harassing you, but they’re not a family member or romantic partner, you’d file for a peace order.
You cannot get both at the same time for the same person.
How Peace Orders Work
To get a peace order, you file a petition at your local Maryland District Court. The court can order the person to stop contacting you, stay away from your home, school, or workplace, and stop harassing you entirely.
There’s a filing fee of $46 plus a $40 service fee. The court may waive the filing fee if you can’t afford it.
The process has a few steps. First, you get an interim order that lasts about two business days. Then a temporary order hearing happens, and the judge can issue an order lasting up to six months. A final peace order can last up to one year.
Violating a peace order is a crime on its own.
Penalties for Violating a Protective or Peace Order
Wait, it gets more serious. Breaking a protective or peace order adds more criminal charges on top of the original harassment.
If someone violates the conditions of a protective order, like contacting, harassing, or abusing the protected person, they face up to 90 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. That’s just for one violation. Repeat violations bring harsher consequences.
You can also be held in contempt of court for violating any part of a peace or protective order. A judge can impose whatever penalty they think is necessary to enforce compliance.
New 2025 Updates to Maryland Harassment Law
Here’s where it gets interesting. Maryland updated its harassment laws effective October 1, 2025.
Two key changes happened. First, the law now specifically includes visual surveillance of someone’s home where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. If you’re peeking through windows or using cameras to spy on someone in their home, that’s now criminal harassment.
Second, a new law targeting masked harassment was introduced. Under this rule, you cannot intentionally harass, intimidate, or threaten someone while hiding or concealing your face. The penalties mirror standard harassment law. First offense means up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine. Repeat offenses mean up to 180 days and up to a $1,000 fine.
Personally, I think these updates make a lot of sense. People shouldn’t be able to spy on neighbors or harass others from behind a mask and claim they’re untouchable.
How to Report Harassment in Maryland
You’re not alone if you’re not sure where to start. Most people don’t know they can file harassment charges without going through the police first.
In Maryland, you can go directly to a District Court commissioner’s office and file charges yourself. You don’t need a police report. You don’t need an arrest. You just show up and tell your story.
Here’s what you need to do if you’re being harassed.
Start by saving all evidence. Keep screenshots of messages, note dates and times, and write down what happened in each incident. The more detail, the better. Courts want specifics.
Then file a police report if there was physical contact, threats of violence, or stalking behavior. For online harassment or repeated unwanted contact, a peace order petition may be your best first step.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. Don’t wait.
Resources for Harassment Victims in Maryland
If you need help, these resources are available to you right now.
The Maryland Courts website at mdcourts.gov has free forms and a Guide and File tool to help you complete a peace order petition on your own. The Maryland Court Help Center also offers free legal help for civil matters.
If the harassment involves domestic violence, the House of Ruth hotline is available at 410-889-7884. The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence can be reached at 1-800-799-7233. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-SAFE.
For situations involving minors and cyberbullying, contact local law enforcement or your county’s school safety office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between harassment and stalking in Maryland?
Harassment involves a pattern of behavior meant to annoy or alarm someone. Stalking involves conduct meant to cause fear of serious physical harm. Stalking carries much heavier penalties, including up to five years in prison.
Can you be charged with harassment for sending too many texts?
Yes. Repeatedly texting or calling someone after being asked to stop can be charged as harassment or misuse of electronic communication. The key is that you were warned to stop and didn’t.
Do I need a lawyer to file for a peace order in Maryland?
No, you can file on your own at any Maryland District Court. The court has a free Guide and File tool to help you fill out the forms. That said, having a lawyer can help if the other person contests the order.
What happens if someone violates a peace order against them?
Violating a peace order is a crime. The person can be arrested, charged, and face up to 90 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. You should call police immediately if someone violates your order.
Can an employer file a peace order on behalf of an employee?
Yes. Maryland law allows employers to file a peace order petition on behalf of an employee if the employee is being threatened or harassed in the workplace. The employer must notify the employee before filing.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the basics of Maryland’s harassment laws. They’re broader than most people expect. They cover in-person contact, phone calls, texts, emails, social media, spying, and even masked harassment as of 2025.
Whether you’re trying to protect yourself or stay on the right side of the law, the rules are clear. Follow the warning. Respect the boundary. Stop the contact.
When in doubt, talk to a lawyer or visit the Maryland Courts Help Center. Staying informed is always the smartest move.
References
- Maryland Criminal Law Code Section 3-803 – Harassment: law.justia.com
- Maryland Criminal Law Code Section 3-805 – Misuse of Electronic Communication: law.justia.com
- Maryland Courts – Peace Orders: mdcourts.gov
- Maryland Courts – Protective Orders: courts.state.md.us
- Maryland People’s Law Library – Peace Orders: peoples-law.org
- Maryland General Assembly HB0236 (2025 Session): mgaleg.maryland.gov
- Maryland General Assembly HB1081 (2025 – Masked Harassment): mgaleg.maryland.gov
