Can You Travel Out of State While on Probation in Maryland?

You just wrapped up your court case, and the judge put you on supervised release. Life keeps moving, though. Maybe your sister is getting married in Illinois, or your boss wants you in Atlanta for a conference. Suddenly, the question hits: Can you even leave Maryland?

For many people, the answer is “yes, but only if you ask first.” Treat travel as a privilege, not a right, until the paperwork says otherwise.

Check the exact terms of your Maryland supervision order

Every supervision order is unique. Turn to the page titled “special conditions.” Some orders ban out‑of‑state travel. Others allow work trips or family emergencies. If the paper is silent, your supervising officer still controls the final call.

Write down your officer’s name, phone, and office hours. Missing a call or guessing at the rules can drag you back into court.

How to ask the court for permission

Start with an honest conversation with your officer. Give at least two weeks’ notice. Explain where you plan to go, why, how long, and where you will stay. Attach proof—like a wedding invite or company email. Officers generally prefer supporting documents.

If your offense was non-violent and you have met all conditions such as paying restitution, officers may approve routine travel more quickly, but approval is never guaranteed. Higher‑risk cases may need a short motion to the judge. Your lawyer can file it. Judges often grant limited travel windows when you show a clear schedule and a firm return date.

What counts as a violation — and why it matters

Leaving Maryland without approval is a technical violation. A routine traffic stop in another state can reveal it. A violation can send you back behind bars, extend supervision, or add electronic monitoring. Employers also see violations when they conduct background checks.

Get everything in writing before you pack

A nod from an officer is not enough. Ask for a travel permit or at least an email confirmation. Check that the dates are correct. If your flight home gets canceled, call the officer immediately and document the delay. Screenshots beat apologies.

Keep a copy of the permit on your phone and another in your glove box. If law enforcement stops you, you can show proof on the spot.

Handy checklist for a smooth trip

Don’t neglect the following:

• Calendar reminders for check‑in calls.
• Proof of hotel or family address.
• Receipts showing you can afford the trip.
• Prescription bottles in your name.
• Copies of counseling or testing schedules so you can reschedule in advance.

Small details show you respect the court’s trust.

When you hit a snag, act fast

Missed a connecting flight? Stuck on I‑95 in a snowstorm? Call the officer before they call you. Leaving a voicemail is fine; follow with a text and an email. Judges view proactive communication as evidence that you take supervision seriously.

If an emergency keeps you out of state past the permit window, your lawyer can file a one‑page supplemental motion explaining the delay. Quick action often convinces the court to extend permission instead of issuing a warrant.

How interstate compacts fit in

Maryland belongs to the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision. If your trip is longer than 45 consecutive days, or if you want to move permanently, the process changes. The receiving state must accept supervision. Approval can take weeks, so plan early.

Staying on the judge’s good side

Judges remember patterns. Pay your fees on time. Show up early for counseling. Submit clean tests. Build a track record of reliability, and your travel requests will probably look reasonable.

How people land in trouble

Don’t indulge in the following assumptions:

1. “Silence from my officer means yes.” Not true.
2. “Two days away is too short to count.” Wrong. One night over the line can violate your terms.
3. “Supervision ends early if I move.” No. Maryland keeps jurisdiction until the court says otherwise.

Reentering Maryland smoothly

Return on the date you promised. Save gas receipts and mobile GPS logs in case the officer asks for proof. Within 24 hours, email a quick note confirming you are back and available for any testing.

Special rules for federal supervised release

If your case is federal, the stakes climb. Federal officers require written approval for any overnight travel. Violations go before the same judge who sentenced you. Beware, because federal judges will not take violations of your terms lightly.

Road trips and rental cars

Car rental desks rarely check criminal histories, but traffic police do. Drive the speed limit, use signals, and keep your lights working. A busted taillight can snowball into a supervision violation hearing.

If a friend is driving your car, be sure it’s insured and that the driver is sober and responsible. Choose your travel companions wisely.

Digital breadcrumbs and social media

Officers sometimes skim Facebook or Instagram. Posting beach selfies during a “mandatory training” trip sets off alarms. Delay the uploads until you are safely home and the completion form is filed–or better yet, don’t upload at all.

Use messaging apps to store copies of your travel permit and itinerary. If your phone is lost or seized, you can still retrieve vital documents from any web browser and prove you followed the rules.

The bottom line on travel and freedom

Travel while on probation — or any supervised release — is possible, but it is earned one respectful request at a time. Follow the steps, keep copies of everything, and you can visit family, chase business opportunities, and still stay square with the court.

Ready for guidance that goes the distance?

Schedule a consultation today. A conversation with Drew Cochran can turn confusion into a clear plan. For more than twenty years, he has persuaded Maryland judges to approve travel, modify conditions, and dismiss probation violations. Keep calm—and call Drew.