Being Stopped by Police in Maryland
Police searched me or my car — here's what Maryland law says and what to do next.
Statute: Md. Decl. of Rights, Art. 26 (warrants); Md. Code, State Gov't section 12-106 (tort claims — 1 year)
Deadline: 365 days
Penalty: Maryland's Declaration of Rights provides search and seizure protections. Tort claims must be filed within 1 year. The Maryland Local Government Tort Claims Act may also apply
What is being stopped by police?
The 4th Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. In most cases, police need a warrant signed by a judge before they can search your home, car, phone, or belongings.
There are exceptions — police can search without a warrant if you give consent, if evidence is in plain view, or in certain emergency situations. But the default rule is: no warrant, no search.
What to Do If Police Want to Search You
Step 1: Say clearly: "I do not consent to any searches." Say it calmly and repeat it if needed. This preserves your rights even if police search anyway.
Step 2: Ask: "Do you have a warrant?" If police say yes, ask to see it. A valid warrant must specify the place to be searched and the items to be seized.
Step 3: Do not physically block or resist a search, even if you believe it's illegal. Your remedy is in court, not on the scene.
Step 4: Document everything afterward. Write down what happened, what was searched, what was taken, and the names/badge numbers of officers involved.
Step 5: If evidence was obtained through an illegal search, your attorney can file a motion to suppress it (the "exclusionary rule" from Mapp v. Ohio, 1961).
How Maryland differs from federal law
Maryland's search and seizure protections come from both the Maryland Declaration of Rights and the Fourth Amendment:
- The Maryland Declaration of Rights, Art. 26 protects against unreasonable searches and seizures
- Maryland courts generally follow federal Fourth Amendment jurisprudence but have occasionally provided broader protections under the state constitution
- MD requires warrants for most searches with standard exceptions (consent, exigent circumstances, plain view, search incident to arrest, automobile exception)
- Maryland has strict requirements for wiretap and electronic surveillance warrants
- Maryland follows the exclusionary rule — illegally obtained evidence is inadmissible
- Maryland allows DUI/sobriety checkpoints if conducted according to established guidelines
Additional steps in Maryland
If you believe your rights were violated, contact a Maryland criminal defense attorney. File a complaint with the law enforcement agency's internal affairs division. The ACLU of Maryland can be reached at (410) 889-8555 or aclu-md.org.
What you should NOT do
Don't consent. Police may ask "mind if I take a look?" or "you don't have anything illegal, right?" These are requests for consent. You can say no.
Don't leave your door open. If police knock on your door, you can speak through the door or step outside and close it behind you. An open door can give police a "plain view" argument.
Don't unlock your phone. Police cannot force you to unlock your phone with a passcode (5th Amendment). Biometric locks (fingerprint, face) have less protection — consider disabling them during an encounter.
Don't destroy evidence. If police are approaching, do not throw away or destroy anything. That creates new charges and implies guilt.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
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Generate your unlawful search →This page is general legal information for Maryland, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.