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.
Statutes
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Md. Ann. Code §6-220 et. seq. (Probation)
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Penalties
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Probation violations will vary based upon the type of crime and alleged violation. Generally:
- The original probation agreement will be revoked.
- You may now need to serve this sentence instead of finishing your probationary term.
- You may have to pay additional fines or having to complete a longer, stricter probationary period and/or serve time in jail or prison
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Ways You Can Violate Probation (List Not Exhaustive)
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- Failing to meet your required appointments with your probation officer
- Failing to remain within the state as a term of your probation
- Committing a new crime while on probation
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Special Probation Conditions Based on the Underlying Crime (List Not Exhaustive)
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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
Additional Resources
If you have additional questions about Maryland’s probation laws, click on the following links below to learn more:
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.