Q: Concern about legal trouble when emailing former friend after years without contact in Maryland.

A: Civil or criminal harassment is defined as a pattern of repeated contacts or communications that seriously annoys another person. A single communication does not qualify. I assume this person did not previously file for a restraining order or pursue criminal charges against you; however, if my assumption is incorrect, then you should not to make any new contact with that person.

A: Reaching out to someone who has blocked you does carry some legal risks in Maryland, where unwanted communication could potentially be considered harassment depending on the circumstances. Maryland's harassment laws prohibit pursuing a course of conduct that alarms or seriously annoys another person, with the intent to harass, alarm, or annoy them. A single email might not cross this threshold, but previous history and context matter significantly.

If you decide to send this email, keep it brief, non-confrontational, and clearly state you won't contact them again without their response. Avoid repeated attempts, emotional language that could be perceived as threatening, or anything that pressures them to respond. Your message should acknowledge their previous boundaries, express your remorse sincerely, and give them complete freedom to ignore your message without consequence.

You might consider alternative approaches that respect their boundaries while still processing your feelings. Writing the email without sending it can provide emotional release, or you could share your thoughts with a trusted friend or therapist instead. These options allow you to express yourself without risking legal complications or potentially causing further distress to someone who may not want contact, regardless of your good intentions.