The Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention and the Maryland State Board of Victim Services administers the VINE and VINE Protective Order Service programs.These programs help victims stay informed about offenders' status and protective order updates.
VINE - Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)
The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) program provides free and confidential access to custody status and protective order information for crime victims and the general public. VINE allows victims to:
- Track offenders' custody, probation, and parole status.
- Receive automatic notifications by phone or email about:
- Offender court hearings,
- Probation updates, and
- Release information.
- Find Service Providers offerings services to victims.
- Services listed include Basic Needs, Children’s Services, Counseling, Crisis Support, Financial Assistance, Healthcare (Physical), Information About Offender, Legal Assistance, and Victim Assistance.
- NOTE: You do not need an account to search for Service Providers.
VINE’s automated service is available 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. Notifications can be received via email, text message, phone call or teletypewriter (TTY). Users can receive notifications in multiple notification methods.
VINE also has a free mobile app. In-app notifications are displayed in the VINE app under Alerts. (Apple App store, Google Play store)
Data for VINE comes from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS),
VINE Protective Order Service
VINE Protective Order Service gives petitioners access to the crucial information they need to stay safe and informed. The Service automatically notifies victims when protective orders have been served. To search for and register to receive notification, petitioners need to have know:
- the county in which the protective order was entered
- the name of the respondent
- the protective order case number.
NOTE: If, as part of your petition for a protective order, you are asking the court to waive your appearance until the respondent (alleged abuser) is served with a temporary protective order, then you must register with the VINE Protective Order Service. Access is available everyday on the VINELink website. Learn more about protective orders.
NOTE: the VINE Protective Order Service is transitioning to VINELink.
Read the Law: Md. Code, Criminal Procedure § 11-104; § 11-914
In addition to VINE, victims and victims' representatives have notification rights related to court proceedings. Learn more about the rights of a crime victim or victim's representative.