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Maryland Criminal Defense

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

Maryland Criminal Defense

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Charged with a Crime in Maryland?

Criminal Defense Lawyers Explain Charges and Penalties

A criminal conviction can drastically affect the rest of your life. You may face the possibility of jail time, fines and other penalties, and your reputation may be damaged. Additionally, a conviction may prevent you from finding work and/or housing in the future. Since so much hangs in the balance, you should always work a criminal defense lawyer with a history of success. Even innocence is not always an ironclad defense – law enforcement and prosecutors may not care about your side of the story, but will simply focus on getting a conviction. An attorney can work to enforce your rights and expose any misconduct or negligence that may have led to your arrest. In many cases, a good lawyer can get your charges or penalties reduced, minimizing the negative impact on your life.

If you have been arrested or someone you know was taken into police custody, then you should find a lawyer as quickly as possible. No matter what kinds of charges you face, from a misdemeanor to a felony, finding an attorney you trust is essential. To speak with a local Maryland criminal lawyer today, consult our local listings.

What Are the Basic Types of Criminal Charges?

The type of criminal charge you face may vary depending on the nature of the alleged crime. Although each state has its own specific classifications, the general types of charges are:

  • Infraction. An infraction is the least serious type of charge you can face. In fact, some states handle infractions as civil cases, rather than criminal cases. Traffic violations and other minor offenses usually fall into this category. Jail is generally not a possibility for infractions, so you are not entitled to a jury trial and the state will usually not appoint you a lawyer. However, you can still hire one of your own.
  • Petty offense. Some states categorize low-level criminal conduct as petty offenses. This may include illegal acts like gambling, disturbing the peace, public indecency, pollution violations and theft of items of low value.
  • Misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is a more serious charge and county courts typically handle these cases. Common misdemeanor charges include assault, criminal trespass, theft and certain drug crimes, including possession and sale.
  • Felony. This is the most serious type of criminal charge and state and/or federal courts usually handle these cases. Common felonies include murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery, vehicular homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and certain drug crimes.

In some cases, a criminal defense lawyer can negotiate on your behalf with the prosecution to reduce the severity of the charges you face. If the court reduces your charge from a low-level felony to a misdemeanor, for example, then the repercussions you face may be much less serious.

What Is the Penalty for a Misdemeanor in Maryland?

Each state has its own system for classifying misdemeanor and felony charges, and penalties may vary as well. In Maryland, misdemeanors are determined on a case-by-case basis, relative to the severity of felonies, which are defined as "a crime punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison is a felony.” Thus, all other crimes are misdemeanors: offenses that cannot be punished by a state prison sentence.  

In Maryland, most misdemeanors do not involve serious bodily injury, or major property damage. Sentencing often depends on the amount of damage done or value of theft. For example, larceny of $250 or less is a misdemeanor, while larceny over $250 could be charged as a felony. Some of the most common examples of misdemeanor violations include:

  • assault in the second degree
  • stalking
  • harassment
  • misuse of electronic mail (harassment by email)
  • theft of property or services valued at less than $1,000
  • carrying a concealed dangerous weapon
  • possession of marijuana or other controlled substance
  • reckless driving, and
  • driving under the influence.

What Is the Penalty for a Felony in Maryland?

Felonies in Maryland range from murder in the first degree—the most serious felony crime in the state—to rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery, and distributing a controlled dangerous substance.

  • Murder in the first degree. Can result in life in prison, life in prison without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.
  • Manslaughter. Can result in up to 2 years in a local correctional facility or a fine up to $500, or both; or up to 10 years in prison.
  • Rape in the first degree. Can result in up to life in prison, up to life in prison without the possibility of parole (and, in some cases a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison).
  • Aggravated assault. Can result in up to 25 years in prison.
  • Carjacking. Can result in up to 30 years in prison.
  • Distributing controlled dangerous substance (Class V – codeine). Can result in up to 5 years in prison or a fine up to $15,000 (optional)

Need a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer? We Can Help

If you are facing any level of criminal charge, then a qualified lawyer may be essential to protecting your future. Additionally, if someone you know is currently in police custody, then you may wish to reach out to a lawyer on his or her behalf. To find a Maryland criminal defense lawyer in your area, then consult our attorney listings. If you have general question about criminal law or certain charges, then do not hesitate to ask the lawyers™.

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