2018 Maryland Code
Criminal Law
Title 3 - Other Crimes Against the Person
Subtitle 8 - Stalking and Harassment
§ 3-802. Stalking
(a) "Stalking" defined. -- In this section, "stalking" means a malicious course of conduct that includes approaching or pursuing another where:
(1) the person intends to place or knows or reasonably should have known the conduct would place another in reasonable fear:
(i) 1. of serious bodily injury;
2. of an assault in any degree;
3. of rape or sexual offense as defined by ยงยง 3-303 through 3-308 of this title or attempted rape or sexual offense in any degree;
4. of false imprisonment; or
5. of death; or
(ii) that a third person likely will suffer any of the acts listed in item (i) of this item; or
(2) the person intends to cause or knows or reasonably should have known that the conduct would cause serious emotional distress to another.
(b) Applicability. -- The provisions of this section do not apply to conduct that is:
(1) performed to ensure compliance with a court order;
(2) performed to carry out a specific lawful commercial purpose; or
(3) authorized, required, or protected by local, State, or federal law.
(c) Prohibited. -- A person may not engage in stalking.
(d) Penalty. -- A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $ 5,000 or both.
(e) Sentence. -- A sentence imposed under this section may be separate from and consecutive to or concurrent with a sentence for any other crime based on the acts establishing a violation of this section.