Baltimore Issued a Stay At Home Order Amid Coronavirus
On March 30, 2020, the State of Maryland issued a mandatory Stay At Home order for all residents to protect them from and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, a new disease caused by the CoV-SARS-2 coronavirus first identified in the city of Wuhan, capital of the Hubei province in China, in December of last year.
COVID-19 is spreading aggressively throughout the United States, and people of all ages can be afflicted, although the elderly and people with preexisting conditions — like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease — are at a higher risk of becoming severely ill. The most recent numbers report 4,045 cases in Maryland, with 91 deaths as of April 6, 2020. The statewide Stay At Home order, implemented by Gov. Larry Hogan, aims to reduce the spread of the disease.
As of right now, Marylanders may not leave their homes for reasons that are not essential and could face a severe penalty for doing so.
“All persons living in the State of Maryland are hereby ordered, effective as of
8:00 p.m. on March 30, 2020, to stay in their homes or places of residences
(“Homes”) except:
I. to conduct or participate in Essential Activities (defined below);
Ii. staff and owners of businesses and organizations that are not required to
close pursuant to paragraph IV or paragraph V below may travel:
between their Homes and those businesses and organizations; and
to and from customers for the purpose of delivering goods or
performing services; and
Iii. staff and owners of Non-Essential Businesses (defined below) may travel:
between their Homes and those Non-Essential Businesses for the
purpose of engaging in Minimal Operations; and
to and from customers for the purpose of delivering goods.”
To read the governor’s full executive order regarding COVID-19 in Maryland, click here:
Main Highlights of Maryland’s Stay At Home Order
When did the order go into place?
Maryland’s Stay At Home Order began at 8 p.m. on March 30, 2020.
When will the order be lifted?
The order will be in effect until the termination of the state’s State of Emergency.
What are the violations and penalties associated with the order?
A violation of Maryland’s Stay At Home order is a misdemeanor offense that may lead to:
- Up to one year in jail
- A fine of up to $5,000
What kind of order is it?
Maryland issued a statewide Stay At Home order, meaning that residents may not leave their homes unless they need to, such as to obtain food, medicine, urgent medical care, and other essential reasons.
What are the essential businesses?
Essential businesses are those listed in the Department of Homeland Security’s Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce. These may include pharmacies, grocery stores, hospitals, pet stores, gas stations, post offices, and other businesses that facilitate necessary day-to-day activities.
Examples of non-essential businesses include movie theaters, clothing stores, gyms, restaurants and bars (except for delivery or takeout), museums, concert halls, and others.
Contact Hillel Traub for Legal Representation
As police officers are becoming more strict about the Stay At Home order, they may be more inclined to question citizens for going out in public. If you’re accused of violating the Stay At Home order and are charged with a misdemeanor crime, you could face severe penalties that can affect you for years to come.
The Law Office of Hillel Traub serves residents of Baltimore and surrounding areas by providing competent criminal defense with personal attention to each case. Attorney Hillel Traub has more than 20 years of experience challenging criminal accusations against his clients and has worked as a former Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Find out how he can help you overcome your charges by calling (410) 580-1100 for a free consultation or complete our contact form.