Have you recently been charged with a crime and are finding yourself overwhelmed by unfamiliar legal terminology? Most people who don’t work within the legal system are often confused or mistaken about the language law enforcement, and lawyers use. You may know they are criminal charges, but do you know what they mean and how they are different?
The Widder Law team defends Maryland citizens charged with felonies as well as those accused of committing misdemeanors. In our years as a criminal defense law firm, we’ve found that some clients sometimes come to us with misconceptions about how these two types of crimes are defined and the punishments they carry. As a result, they struggle to prepare themselves for the legal challenges before them adequately.
Understanding how the state of Maryland classifies misdemeanors and felonies is the first step to building your legal defense. Below we’ve outlined critical differences between the two as well as the consequences convictions carry. Armed with this knowledge, you should be better prepared to find the criminal defense lawyer right for your case.
Misdemeanors vs. Felonies
Usually, people see misdemeanors as less severe than felonies in both punishment and lasting consequences. They similarly understand felonies as any crime that carries one or more years in prison upon conviction, and misdemeanors as carrying less than a year (or no imprisonment at all).
However, this isn’t true in Maryland, and that’s where much of the confusion stems. Felonies are federal offenses, and as such, are defined on the federal level. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are determined by individual states. Maryland does not follow the traditional definitions of misdemeanors, and in some circumstances, misdemeanors can have harsher punishments than felonies.
In Maryland courts, misdemeanors can result in up to a ten-year prison sentence, $5,000 in fines, and points added to your license depending on the nature of your crime. Misdemeanors can become felonies under some circumstances. For example, if you have a criminal record that shows you’ve committed the same crime more than once, it may become a felony.
Misdemeanors in Maryland
When someone suggests that misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, there is a kernel of truth to the assumption on a social level. While the criminal punishments can be just as harsh as felonies (and sometimes more so), on a social and cultural level, the crimes classified as misdemeanors are often considered more minor compared to felonies. Misdemeanors in the state of Maryland include:
- Petty theft, classified as stealing anything with a value no greater than $1,500
- Some traffic offenses, like driving while suspended
- Possession of drugs
- DUI and DWI
- Stalking and harassment, both physically and digitally
- Domestic violence
- Violating the terms of a protective order
While defined as misdemeanors, the specific details in these crimes could result in them becoming felonies. For example, the facts surrounding an act of domestic violence could result in felony charges. An experienced criminal lawyer can identify these factors and help you develop the best defense for your case.
It’s important to note that, regardless of whether you’re facing a felony or a misdemeanor, you should choose a lawyer with experience in an area relevant to your charges.
Felonies in Maryland
Having a felony on your record can create a long-lasting impact on your life, even if you have no prior convictions. Often some of your freedoms remain restricted even after you’ve served your sentence. Felonies in Maryland include:
- Rape, child molestation, and other forms of sexual assault
- Burglary or robbery
- Most weapons-related offenses
- Murder
- Distribution of controlled substances
- Arson
As with misdemeanors, the circumstances of felonies can affect the potential punishment, so hiring a felony attorney is imperative. Though felony charges can result in sentences as harsh as life in prison, an experienced lawyer could get them reduced should you be found guilty. The right lawyer could even get the felony reduced to a misdemeanor.
Reducing a felony to a misdemeanor has additional benefits outside of possible lighter sentencing. A felony on your criminal record makes it much more difficult to visit or move to other countries, find employment, and even rent housing.
Let Widder Law Represent You
The uncertainty of criminal prosecution can be a harrowing experience, but it doesn’t have to be. At Widder Law, we help each client navigate the complex Maryland legal system with compassion, understanding, and patience. When our firm takes you on as a client, we put all our effort into getting the best outcome possible. Contact us and learn more about how our services can make a difference in your case.
