Stalking is a serious crime in Maryland, punishable by up to five years in prison. Experienced Baltimore criminal defense lawyers know that it is not necessary that the defendant actually follow a victim in order to sustain a stalking conviction. The crime of harassment, on the other hand, may be proved by following another in a manner that alarms or annoys that individual. As with stalking, the state may also prove the crime by showing a malicious course of conduct that alarms or annoys that victim. The alleged perpetrator must be given a warning to cease and desist before a prosecution is warranted.