Maryland Felony
Being convicted of a felony in Maryland will result in a minimum of at
least one year in jail, but the actual amount of time sentenced depends
entirely on the crime and the circumstances surrounding that crime.
Maryland felonies are not classified with letter determinations as they
might be in other states. Instead, the Maryland legislature has set
forth some concise definitions and sentencing guidelines for any person
convicted of a felony in that state. Here are those terms of Maryland
felonies.
Types of felony charges
There are three types of murder charges: First Degree, Second Degree
and Felony Murder. First Degree Murder is charged when a person has
planned and carried out the act of murder. The sentencing for this
felony is life in prison or the death penalty. The death penalty has to
be agreed upon by the jury serving in the case.
In Second Degree Murder cases the murder pertains to murder with malice
aforethought or premeditated murder. The prison term for second degree
murder is life in prison. Often a person will plea bargain to this
lesser degree in order to avoid the death penalty. Finally for Felony
Murder charges means you are you were responsible for the death of a
person or persons as the result of committing a separate crime. These
crimes can include: arson in the first degree, rape in any degree,
sexual offense in the first or second degree, sodomy, mayhem, robbery,
carjacking or armed carjacking, burglary in the first, second, or third
degree, or kidnapping. The sentence for this felony crime is life in
prison.
The final type of murder charge is Manslaughter. This is charged when a
death is caused through neglect or a wrongful action but without
intent. A convicted person can still receive up to 25 years in prison
for this felony charge.
Attempted felonies
The list of Maryland Felony laws continue with Attempted First Degree
Sex Offense and Attempted Second Degree Sex Offense. First Degree is
when you commit an assault of a sexual nature without the consent of
the victim. The penalty in this crime is life in prison. In Attempted
Second Degree, depending on the circumstances and severity of the
crime, a person can be convicted of second degree sexual assault and
face up to 20 years in prison.
There is also First Degree Assault or Second Degree Assault that are
considered felony crimes in Maryland. The sentence for First Degree
Assault can be up to 22 years in prison while Second Degree Assault can
land a person in jail for up to 10 years.
Expunging your felony
As with many matters before the court you have a chance to get your
record expunged. In order to get your felony record expunged in
Maryland you have to meet one or more of the following set of
conditions: you were found not guilty of the crime you were charged
with or the case was dismissed.
Another way to clear your record is to receive a pardon from the
Governor if you have been convicted of a crime that didn't cause any
personal injury. Because felony charges are the more severe
charges, there is the likelihood that you will not have your records
expunged. You must file an application with the court to determine if
you qualify.
Maryland Misdemeanors External link (opens in new window)
Maryland Expungement External link (opens in new window)
Maryland Gun Laws External link (opens in new window)
- Felony laws by state
- List of felony crimes
- Classes of felonies
- To face felony charges
- Jobs for convicted felons
- Employment for felons
- Felony 2
- Class 5 Felony
- Felony Class D
- Read real felony stories
- Felony DUI
- Felony Gun Laws
- Can I get a job with a felony on my record?
- What makes robbery a felony?
- Is theft a felony?
- Is grand theft auto a felony?
- Can I obtain a passport with a felony?
- Felony Murder Rule
- Hiring a felon
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor
- Can felons get financial aid?
- Difference between bail and bond
- Failure to Appear Warrants
- Violation of Probation
- Texas Gun Law
- Nolle Prosequi
- Felony Lawyers
- Search free arrest warrants
- Is a DUI a felony?
- Misdemeanor Guide
- Expungement Guide
- State Laws
- List of Felonies