Ocean City Misdemeanor Lawyers

Defending Clients in Ocean City, Annapolis & Throughout Maryland

In Maryland, offenses are categorized into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors. A misdemeanor is typically considered a less severe crime than a felony but should not be taken lightly. They can still lead to serious penalties, including fines and imprisonment, and a conviction that can have lasting consequences on your personal and professional life.

These offenses might appear minor, but a conviction can lead to a criminal record that can impact potential employment opportunities, housing applications, and more. Because of this, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys is committed to providing you with a solid and effective defense. We can leverage our extensive experience in helping you fight back to preserve your future.

Types of Misdemeanors and Their Penalties in Maryland

Misdemeanors are typically categorized into three classes—Class A, Class B, and Class C—based on the seriousness of the offense. Each class of misdemeanor comes with specific penalties, including jail time, fines, probation, and other consequences.

Here’s an overview of the different types of misdemeanors and their associated penalties:

Class A Misdemeanors

Class A misdemeanors are the most serious type of misdemeanor offense. They are typically reserved for crimes that involve harm to others, significant disruption to society, or other serious behaviors. Examples of Class A misdemeanors include theft of property above a certain value, simple assault with minor injuries, or first-offense DUI under certain circumstances.

Penalties for Class A Misdemeanors:

• Jail Time: Up to 1 year in county jail. Some jurisdictions allow a judge to sentence individuals to jail for the full year, while others may offer alternatives such as house arrest or work release programs.
• Fines: Fines can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the offense and local laws.
• Probation: In some cases, the court may allow probation instead of jail time, with specific conditions such as regular check-ins, community service, or restitution to the victim.
• Criminal Record: A conviction for a Class A misdemeanor results in a permanent criminal record, which can impact employment opportunities, housing, and other aspects of life.

Class B Misdemeanors

Class B misdemeanors are less severe than Class A misdemeanors but still carry significant consequences. These crimes typically involve less harm than Class A offenses but are still considered criminal acts. Examples of Class B misdemeanors include petty theft (involving lower-value property), simple assault without injury, or disorderly conduct.

Penalties for Class B Misdemeanors:

• Jail Time: Up to 6 months in jail. Depending on the severity of the crime, some individuals may be eligible for alternative sentencing options, such as probation or house arrest.
• Fines: Fines can range from $500 to $2,000. For some offenses, judges may impose additional fines, such as court costs or restitution to victims.
• Probation: Probation may be imposed, and defendants may be required to attend counseling, anger management, or other rehabilitative programs.
• Criminal Record: A Class B misdemeanor results in a permanent criminal record, which can create barriers for future employment, travel, and other personal aspects of life.

Class C Misdemeanors

Class C misdemeanors are the least severe type of misdemeanor. These offenses typically involve minor infractions, such as traffic violations, minor trespassing, or low-level disturbances. While they are considered less serious, they still carry consequences.

Penalties for Class C Misdemeanors:

• Jail Time: Up to 3 months in jail, though in some cases, the penalty can be reduced to probation or community service, especially for first-time offenders.
• Fines: Fines for Class C misdemeanors generally range from $50 to $1,000, depending on the offense.
• Probation: Some Class C misdemeanors may be eligible for probation instead of jail time, often involving conditions such as community service, counseling, or other rehabilitative actions.
• Criminal Record: Although the offense is considered minor, a conviction will still result in a criminal record, which may impact employment and other opportunities.

Proven & Effective Criminal Defense Representation in Maryland

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we understand the seriousness of misdemeanor charges and their significant impact on your life.

Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are committed to providing you with a solid and effective defense. We work diligently to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome, backed by decades of practice in the courts.