Being charged with a misdemeanor can feel deceptively minor at first, especially when compared to felony accusations that dominate headlines in the news. While many people assume that a misdemeanor is little more than a temporary inconvenience, this is far from true. If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor, you need a team of Prince George’s County criminal defense lawyers who can fight for your rights and future. Continue reading to learn more about these charges, the potential penalties they carry, and how Miller Berman can help protect you from them.
Do I Need a Lawyer Even for a Misdemeanor Crime?
It’s very common for people charged with misdemeanors to wonder whether hiring a lawyer is really necessary. After all, some misdemeanor charges carry relatively short maximum jail sentences, and many first-time offenders hope the court will simply issue a fine or dismiss the case. While that sometimes happens, it is never guaranteed.
Misdemeanor cases are still criminal cases, and even a seemingly straightforward misdemeanor can have hidden consequences. A conviction of a misdemeanor can impact someone’s immigration status, warrant jail time, result in a criminal record, and affect a person’s ability to own or possess firearms. That’s why you absolutely need an attorney who can defend you at every turn.
What is Considered a Misdemeanor Under Maryland Law?
Maryland handles misdemeanors a bit differently from many other states. There is no single statute that neatly defines all misdemeanors. Instead, they are created by statute or recognized under common law. Some misdemeanors are clearly labeled as such in the Maryland Criminal Law Article, while others are defined by the absence of felony classification.
In general, a misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less severe than a felony but still punishable by incarceration, fines, or both. Some misdemeanors carry penalties of up to one year in jail, while others allow for longer sentences depending on the statute involved.
Common Misdemeanor Crimes in Maryland
Maryland recognizes a wide range of misdemeanor offenses, and some of the most common are as follows:
- Driving under the influence and driving while impaired: Operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs beyond legal limits.
- Reckless driving: Driving with wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license: Typically follows prior traffic or DUI-related issues/
- Theft under a specific value: Commonly referred to as misdemeanor theft or petit larceny.
- Second-degree assault: Can include unwanted physical contact or threats that place another person in fear of harm.
- Disorderly conduct: Disruptive behavior in public that disturbs the peace.
- Trespassing
- Possession of controlled dangerous substances
- Malicious destruction of property: Involving damage to another person’s property.
- Harassment and stalking-related offenses
- Failure to obey a lawful order: Can arise during traffic stops or public encounters with law enforcement.
If you’ve been charged with any of the aforementioned, our PG County misdemeanor defense lawyers are here to help.
Penalties for Misdemeanor Crimes in Maryland
Maryland misdemeanor penalties vary widely by offense. Even when jail time isn’t mandatory, you can still face maximum penalties authorized by law. Potential penalties for a variety of misdemeanor crimes in Maryland are as follows:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- First offense: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
- Second offense: Up to 2 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000
- Third or subsequent offense: Up to 3 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000
- Additional consequences include license suspension, ignition interlock requirements, and mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs.
- Driving While Impaired (DWI)
- First offense: Up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
- Second offense: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
- Administrative penalties through the Motor Vehicle Administration may include points and license restrictions.
- Reckless Driving
- Up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
- Conviction also results in points assessed against the driver’s license, which can lead to suspension or revocation.
- Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License
- First offense: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000
- Second or subsequent offense: Up to 2 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000
- Enhanced penalties may apply if the suspension was related to a DUI.
- Theft Under $100
- Up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
- Theft Between $100 and $1,500
- Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
- Theft Between $1,500 and $25,000
- Up to 5 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- Although this is still classified as a misdemeanor under Maryland law, the potential incarceration period is significant.
- Second-Degree Assault
- Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500
- This applies to many physical altercations and does not require serious injury to trigger felony-level exposure despite being labeled a misdemeanor.
- Disorderly Conduct
- Up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
- Penalties can increase if the conduct involved public intoxication or interference with law enforcement.
- Trespassing
- Up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
- Repeat offenses or trespass on certain protected properties can result in higher penalties.
- Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)
- First offense: Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000
- Subsequent offenses: Increased jail exposure and fines, depending on the substance and prior record
- Courts may impose mandatory drug treatment or probation conditions.
- Malicious Destruction of Property Under $1,000
- Up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500, plus restitution
- Malicious Destruction of Property Over $1,000
- Up to 3 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500, plus restitution
- Harassment
- Up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
- Failure to Obey a Lawful Order
- Up to 60 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500
Contact Our PG County Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers
Misdemeanor charges must be taken seriously. If you’re accused of a misdemeanor of any kind, please don’t hesitate to contact the highly-skilled team of criminal defense lawyers here at Miller Berman for a free consultation today. We are here to effectively defend your rights and future, every step of the way.
