There are two types of crimes in the state of Maryland: felonies and misdemeanors. While most individuals are familiar with the fact that felonies are the more serious of the two charges, it’s worth bearing in mind that a conviction of any kind can be associated with consequences that could greatly impact one’s future. In this blog, we’ll outline the likely consequences of the more common convictions throughout the state of Maryland.
Misdemeanor Convictions in the State of Maryland
Though we have witnessed more delays than usual throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, misdemeanor cases are typically brought to court within 10 weeks after the charge was initially given. Depending on the nature of the charge, there are a variety of outcomes of a guilty misdemeanor charge:
DUI. The state of Maryland does not take DUI charges lightly due to the danger that they pose to other citizens on the road. After a first time DUI conviction, offenders can be charged a fine not exceeding $1,000 and may be imprisoned for up to one year. Offenders who receive a Probation Before Judgement (PBJ) for DUI or DWI are not eligible to have their records expunged. To learn more about DUI/DWI, its potential consequences, and avenues to explore in the interest of reducing those consequences, check out our recent blog post on the subject!
Traffic Related Offenses. The scope of traffic related offenses is quite broad, so the consequences will naturally hinge on the specifics yet again. Without proper representation, however, charged individuals could be at greater risk for fines, license penalty points, license suspensions, and even potential jail time.
Assault. In the state of Maryland, a second-degree assault conviction can also be linked with a few life altering consequences. At maximum, guilty offenders may be required to pay a fine not exceeding $2,500 and serve up to ten years of jail time.
Theft. Petty theft is yet another common misdemeanor in the state of Maryland, and it can also bear significant consequences for such a seemingly minor offense. In addition to potential fines, offenders could be subjected to a maximum of 90 days of imprisonment. As a note, employers tend to shy away from applicants with theft convictions.
Felony Convictions
The consequences outlined in the previous section may seem steep, but they only ramp up in more serious felony cases. Naturally, we implore individuals in this situation to seek out legal guidance and assistance due to the incredibly high stakes. By going at it alone, you may be exposing yourself to a greater risk of multiple years of imprisonment, the loss of many civil rights, difficulty securing employment, and immigration status complications.
Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP to Represent You After Being Accused of a Crime in the State of Maryland
If you are searching for a criminal defense or disorderly conduct defense attorney in Maryland and unsure where to turn, contact Mobley and Brown, LLP today. Our experienced legal team will work with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.
