Maryland Probation Laws

Judges have a number of different tools at their disposal when sentencing convicted offenders in Maryland. One of the most common sentencing options a judge may use is to impose a period of probation on a convicted offender. Some typical terms and conditions of probation include the following:

• Obey all laws
• Report to a probation officer as instructed
• Pay all fines, fees, and/or restitution
• Work and/or attend school regularly as directed
• Get permission from your supervising agent before changing your home address, changing your job, and/or leaving the State of Maryland
• Abstain from the excessive use of alcohol or the use of any illicit drugs
• Submit to regular alcohol or drug testing
• Notify your supervising agent at once if charged with a criminal offense
• Do not illegally possess, use, or sell any narcotic drug, controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or related paraphernalia
• Appear in court when notified to do so

Probation Violations

If you fail to abide by any of the above terms, or any special conditions as listed below in the chart, you can face serious penalties. First, your probation will be revoked and the court will have a probation violation hearing to determine the nature and validity of your violation and impose any further penalties on you. If you are arrested on a probation violation, you can be held in custody without bond until your hearing, but remember every case is unique and not every outcome the same.

Maryland Probation Laws in Brief

The charges and penalties under Maryland’s probation laws are below. Remember, if new charges are being brought against you, you will need to attend a separate hearing to determine the consequences that will be applied to these criminal violations in addition to those for your alleged probation violation.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Maryland Codes and Court of Appeals Opinions

• Code of Maryland
• Maryland Court of Appeals Opinions

Additional Resources

If you have additional questions about Maryland’s probation laws, click on the following links below to learn more:

• DUI Sentencing
• Crimes Against Justice
• Maryland Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws

Learn More About Maryland Probation Laws from a Lawyer

If you're facing a possible probationary sentence or worse, a probation violation, you’ll want to understand the laws and any possible consequences. Contact a skilled criminal defense attorney in Maryland today to discuss your sentencing options and what may happen if you violate the terms of your probation.