Stalking Laws in Maryland (2026): Penalties, Protections, and Your Rights

Most people don’t realize how broad Maryland’s stalking laws really are. Seriously. It’s not just about someone following you down the street. In Maryland, stalking can happen online, through your phone, or even through a GPS tracker on your car.

Whether you think you’re being stalked, or you’re worried about crossing a legal line yourself, this guide breaks it all down. Let’s get into it.

What Is Stalking in Maryland?

Stalking in Maryland is not a single scary act. It’s a pattern of behavior. The law calls this a “course of conduct.”

A “course of conduct” means a persistent pattern of acts occurring over time that shows a consistent and continuous purpose. One incident usually isn’t enough. It’s the repeated behavior that makes it stalking.

Under Maryland law, stalking means a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another person, where the person intends to place someone in reasonable fear of serious bodily injury, assault, rape, false imprisonment, or death.

Pretty serious, right?

The law also covers situations where someone causes serious emotional distress. It doesn’t always have to be a physical threat.

What Actions Count as Stalking?

Okay, this part is important. Stalking covers more than most people think.

Stalking can take many forms, from taking photos to watching and tracking someone without their knowledge or consent. It can happen in person or through technology.

Under Maryland law, stalking includes conduct that occurs in person, by electronic communication, or through the use of a device that can pinpoint or track the location of another without the person’s knowledge or consent.

So yes, secretly placing a GPS tracker on someone’s car counts. Sending repeated threatening messages counts too. Using social media to terrorize someone? Also covered.

Wondering if a specific behavior qualifies? Here’s a good rule of thumb: if it’s repeated, unwanted, and causes fear or distress, it could be stalking under Maryland law.

Stalking vs. Harassment: What’s the Difference?

Confused about the difference between stalking and harassment? You’re not alone. This trips a lot of people up.

Stalking involves a higher level of fear. It typically includes behavior that makes someone afraid of physical harm, assault, or worse. Harassment is broader and covers conduct that annoys or alarms someone repeatedly, even without a physical threat.

Stalking involves a level of violence which is essentially a step up from harassment. It involves following someone with the intent to place them in fear.

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Think of harassment as the lower level. Stalking is more serious. Both are crimes in Maryland, but they carry different penalties.

Cyberstalking and Online Behavior

Hold on, this part is really important. Especially in 2026.

Maryland’s criminal stalking statute applies whenever someone deliberately pursues or contacts another person to cause fear or emotional distress. The law explicitly includes conduct “by electronic communication” in the definition of stalking.

That means repeated threatening texts, emails, or social media messages can meet the legal definition of stalking. You don’t have to physically follow someone to be charged.

Maryland also has a law against misuse of electronic communication. This statute is essentially a combination of misuse of telephone equipment, stalking, and harassment over electronic communication or social media. It is generally the most appropriate crime for any type of internet harassment. It carries a maximum penalty of 3 years in jail.

So simple online harassment? That’s covered too. And it’s no joke.

Penalties for Stalking in Maryland

Now let’s talk consequences. This is where things get serious.

The maximum penalty for a first-time stalking violation in Maryland is five years in jail and a fine of $5,000. That’s a misdemeanor, but it’s still a significant criminal conviction.

The penalties for stalking may be either separate from and consecutive to, or concurrent with, sentences for any other crimes arising from the same acts. In plain English, that means if you committed other crimes while stalking someone, you could face multiple sentences stacked on top of each other.

Think of it like getting two speeding tickets instead of one. Except much, much more serious.

For harassment specifically, the penalties are lower. A person guilty of harassment faces a misdemeanor conviction with penalties of up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. If the person has at least one prior harassment conviction, the penalty increases to up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

The Statute of Limitations: How Long Can Charges Be Filed?

Here’s something most people don’t know.

Maryland recently altered the statute of limitations for stalking to 10 years. That means prosecutors have a full decade to bring charges. This is a major change. It gives victims much more time to come forward.

Honestly, this is one of the most important updates to Maryland stalking law in recent years.

What Exceptions Exist Under the Law?

Not every behavior that looks like stalking is actually illegal in Maryland. The law has specific exceptions.

The stalking law does not apply to conduct that is performed to ensure compliance with a court order, performed to carry out a specific lawful commercial purpose, or authorized, required, or protected by local, state, or federal law.

For example, a private investigator conducting a licensed investigation may follow someone legally. A process server delivering court documents is also protected. The key word is “lawful.” The moment the purpose becomes malicious or unauthorized, legal protection disappears.

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Protective Orders for Stalking Victims

So what can you do if someone is stalking you? Maryland gives victims real legal tools.

Maryland offers three types of protective orders: interim, temporary, and final. Each one provides a different level of protection based on how urgent the situation is.

If you file with a commissioner when court is closed, you can get an interim protective order that lasts about two days. At a temporary hearing, a judge may issue a temporary order lasting seven days, unless extended. A final protective order can last up to 12 months and sometimes longer.

A friend asked me about this recently. She didn’t know she could get a protective order without hiring a lawyer. Turns out, most people don’t know this. You can file on your own.

Petitions for protective orders can be obtained from any circuit or District Court clerk or District Court commissioner. All forms are also available at mdcourts.gov/forms.

Protective Orders vs. Peace Orders

Wait, there’s more to know. Maryland has two different types of orders, and they’re not the same.

Protective orders apply if you are in a family-like or sexual relationship or if sexual assault has occurred. Peace orders apply to all other relationships, like neighbors, strangers, or coworkers.

So if your ex-partner is stalking you, you would seek a protective order. If a coworker or neighbor is harassing you, a peace order is the right option. If your relationship qualifies for a protective order, you cannot seek a peace order instead.

Sound complicated? It’s actually not once you know which category fits your situation.

What Happens If Someone Violates a Protective Order?

Good question. And the answer is: serious consequences.

Violating a protective order is a separate criminal offense in Maryland. Police are required to make an arrest when a violation occurs. Law enforcement officers are required to arrest for any violation of a protective order where required by law, and to seek an arrest warrant related to criminal conduct even if the abuser is not at the scene.

You don’t have to handle this yourself. Call the police. Let the legal system do its job.

How to Report Stalking in Maryland

Here’s what you need to do if you’re being stalked.

First, call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Don’t wait. Your safety comes first.

If you are not in immediate danger, contact your local police department to file a report. Tell officers all the details of your situation. Request that they write an incident report, and ask for a copy of the report and the report number. Write down the names and badge numbers of the officers who respond so you can follow up later.

Document everything. Save texts, emails, voicemails, and screenshots. Write down dates, times, and locations of incidents. This documentation can be critical for getting a protective order or supporting criminal charges.

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The Maryland Department of Human Services has a statewide network of domestic violence programs that can provide assistance with the process of obtaining a protective order, as well as counseling and housing assistance.

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Resources for Stalking Victims in Maryland

Here are some resources you can contact right now:

House of Ruth Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-888-880-7884

Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Maryland Courts (forms and information): mdcourts.gov/forms

Maryland People’s Law Library: peoples-law.org

Personally, I think having these numbers saved in your phone is just smart. You never know when you or someone you care about might need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does stalking in Maryland have to happen in person? No. Maryland law covers stalking that happens in person, through electronic communication, and through tracking devices used without someone’s knowledge or consent.

What is the penalty for a first stalking conviction in Maryland? A first-time stalking conviction in Maryland can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

How long do prosecutors have to file stalking charges in Maryland? Maryland recently extended the statute of limitations for stalking to 10 years, giving prosecutors and victims more time to pursue charges.

What is the difference between a protective order and a peace order in Maryland? Protective orders are for people in family-like or intimate relationships. Peace orders are for situations involving strangers, neighbors, or coworkers. If your relationship qualifies for a protective order, you must use that instead of a peace order.

Can I get a protective order without a lawyer? Yes. You can file a petition for a protective order on your own at any District or Circuit Court. Forms are also available online at mdcourts.gov/forms.

Is cyberstalking a crime in Maryland? Yes. Maryland’s stalking law explicitly includes conduct through electronic communication, and a separate law covers misuse of electronic communication and social media, with a maximum penalty of three years in jail.

Final Thoughts

Maryland takes stalking seriously. The laws are broad, the penalties are real, and victims have meaningful tools to protect themselves.

If you think you’re being stalked, document everything and report it. If you’re unsure whether certain behavior crosses a legal line, err on the side of caution. And if you need guidance, a Maryland attorney can help you understand your options.

Now you know the basics. Stay safe, stay informed, and when in doubt, reach out to one of the resources listed above.