Felony vs. Misdemeanor in Maryland: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

When facing criminal charges in Maryland, many people may be unclear about how severe the charges are. Crimes are generally classified as felonies or misdemeanors, and the distinction can affect the possible penalties, long-term consequences, and next steps in a case. If you have been criminally charged, don’t delay speaking to an attorney. Contact Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, today to request a consultation to learn your legal options.

What is a felony?

A felony is a serious criminal offense. Felonies often come with harsher punishments and long-term consequences. People charged with felony offenses have a lot on the line. Some of these crimes come with lifelong penalties.

Classes of felonies

In Maryland, the state doesn’t follow a numerical or alphabetical classification system for felonies. Each type of charge has its own statute that defines the punishment and consequences associated with the crime.

Examples of felonies

Many people ask what a felony is. Examples of felonies include:

• Murder
• Sex trafficking of a minor
• Rape
• Drug distribution
• First-degree burglary
• Robbery
• Theft over $1,500
• Child abuse
• Arson
• Kidnapping
• Weapons crimes

As mentioned above, each of these crimes has its own statute outlining possible punishments. Felony penalties vary widely and can include long prison sentences, up to life imprisonment for the most serious offenses. An experienced criminal defense attorney helps clients fight for shorter sentences when possible.

What are the penalties for a felony in Maryland?

Penalties for a felony conviction vary based on the type of crime. Felonies do come with harsher punishments, including:

• Long prison sentences, including state-facility time for longer sentences
• Larger fines, sometimes valued at over $10,000
• Suspended voting rights while incarcerated
• Negative impact on eligibility for jury service
• An inability to possess firearms
• A criminal record that may be difficult to expunge

Each crime and associated punishment is unique to the situation.

Long-term consequences of felony charges in Maryland

The long-term consequences of a felony can impact a person forever. Long prison sentences disrupt someone’s life and leave them missing important time with their families. A felony on someone’s record can negatively impact employment or housing. The social impact alone can be challenging to navigate. Many find the loss of civil rights to be equally difficult.

What is a misdemeanor?

A misdemeanor is a less serious criminal offense. In Maryland, misdemeanors are typically punished with county jail time and fines. Some misdemeanors result in community service or probationary periods.

What are the penalties for a misdemeanor in Maryland?

Misdemeanors typically have less harsh punishments. Some general penalties and possible outcomes associated with misdemeanors are below:

• General jail time of less than one year, but it can be up to 10 years for some crimes
• Fines vary widely based on the crime, but generally under $5,000
• Long-term criminal record
• Loss of gun rights in some cases, like domestic violence
• Community service
• Probation
• Probation before judgment

Some misdemeanors can be expunged after a specific timeframe. Anyone who was charged with a misdemeanor and has questions about the process and penalties should speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer to learn more about their rights.

Examples of misdemeanors in Maryland

Misdemeanors are considered less severe crimes. Examples of misdemeanors include:

• Driving under the influence (DUIs)
• Trespassing
• Disorderly conduct
• Possession of controlled substances, not including personal-use or civil-use cannabis amounts
• Theft under $1,500
• Second-degree assault
• Reckless driving
• Violation of public drinking laws
• Possession of certain drug paraphernalia
• Harassment
• Driving without a license or with a revoked license
• Fourth-degree sexual offense

A criminal defense attorney fights for their clients’ rights. They do what they can to help clients achieve the least severe penalties possible.

Long-term consequences of misdemeanor crimes in Maryland

Misdemeanors may carry less severe punishments, but the social stigma remains. People convicted of misdemeanors will still have it on their records. They may face issues with housing or employment applications since misdemeanors do show up on records unless expunged.

Felony vs. misdemeanor in Maryland FAQs

Many people have similar questions about felonies and misdemeanors in Maryland. We’ve answered some of the most common questions below:

Can an attorney get felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor?

In some cases, it is possible to take a plea deal. This may reduce a felony to a misdemeanor. It’s recommended that anyone wanting to try this route speak to a criminal defense attorney to understand the legal options and considerations. We recommend scheduling a consultation as soon as possible to learn about your legal options.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Maryland?

The main difference between a felony and a misdemeanor is the severity of the crime. The punishment that follows also varies widely from felonies to misdemeanors. Felonies are the most serious crimes with the strictest consequences.

What should I do after I’m charged?

The arrested individual should seek representation by a criminal defense attorney. An attorney helps clients protect their rights, including:

• Right to a bail hearing
• Right to request a preliminary hearing in some situations
• Rights regarding legal searches
• Rights regarding witnesses
• Rights against self-incrimination
• Right to challenge evidence
• Right to a fair trial

Anyone with criminal charges should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Attorneys help clients understand their rights and advocate for them in court. Legal counsel may also provide peace of mind during a challenging situation.

How can an attorney help with my case?

A dedicated criminal defense attorney helps their clients in several ways. These include:

• Preparing and arguing the client’s case
• Aggressively defending them in court
• Cross-examining witnesses
• Contesting legal arguments by other attorneys
• Providing ongoing support and guidance

Anyone facing criminal charges is encouraged to speak with an attorney. They can help them understand their legal options.

Contact Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, for a consultation

Whether someone is facing a felony or a misdemeanor, they don’t have to navigate the process alone. A criminal defense attorney helps clients with the legal process through dedicated guidance. If you are facing charges in Maryland, contact Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, for a consultation today.