Misdemeanors

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, 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.

Reserve your free case evaluation with an Ocean City misdemeanor attorney at our firm by contacting a team member at (410) 862-0351 or reaching out online.

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, 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. 

You can reach our team via our convenient online contact form or call (410) 862-0351 for legal counsel about your situation today. 

Why Choose Law Offices of Murphy & Price?

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Common Misdemeanors Offenses in Maryland

Misdemeanors can carry a wide range of jail and prison time, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Many are punishable by less than a year. However, others can carry years of incarceration, including up to 10 or 20 years.

Examples of misdemeanors include but are not limited to:

  • Assault in the second degree: This includes causing physical injury to another person and can lead to penalties of up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
  • Theft of property valued at less than $1,000: This can result in imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine of up to $500, or both.
  • Disorderly conduct: This broadly covers behavior that disturbs the peace, such as fighting in a public place, and can result in imprisonment for up to 60 days, a fine of up to $500, or both.
  • Possession of a controlled dangerous substance: This can lead to imprisonment for up to four years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.
  • Vandalism: This refers to the intentional destruction of property and can lead to imprisonment for up to 60 days, a fine of up to $500, or both.
  • Reckless Driving: This involves driving in a manner that shows a reckless disregard for others’ safety. Penalties can include imprisonment for up to 60 days, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI): This offense involves operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. A first-time DUI offense can lead to imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances or factors in Maryland can enhance a misdemeanor, leading to more severe penalties. These factors include but are not limited to:

  • Repeat Offenses: If you have previous convictions for the same or similar offenses, your misdemeanor could be enhanced, resulting in a harsher sentence.
  • Severity of the Crime: The severity of the crime, including the level of harm or damage caused, can also influence sentencing. For example, a simple assault could be enhanced if the victim sustained serious injuries.
  • Use of a Weapon: If a weapon was used or present during the commission of the crime, it is generally considered an aggravating factor that can enhance the charges and lead to harsher penalties.
  • Vulnerable Victims: Crimes committed against vulnerable individuals, such as children or the elderly, may result in enhanced charges and penalties.

When facing enhanced charges with potentially steeper penalties, it is even more critical to work with a criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in Maryland law and who will aggressively fight for optimum results.

Why Choose Ocean City Misdemeanor Lawyers

If you are facing misdemeanor charges, having an experienced legal team on your side is crucial. Ocean City misdemeanor lawyers can help ensure that you understand the legal process, protect your rights, and work towards a favorable outcome.

Our team at Law Offices of Murphy & Price is dedicated to providing aggressive defense for clients facing misdemeanor charges. With years of experience handling a wide range of criminal cases, we will fight to minimize the impact of a misdemeanor conviction on your life. Whether it’s negotiating for reduced charges or defending you in court, our lawyers are here to provide you with the best possible legal representation.

Get your free case evaluation with an Ocean City misdemeanor attorney by calling us at (410) 862-0351 or contacting us online.

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