Maryland Felony: Laws, Penalties, Sentencing, and Records

Felony in Maryland is a severe offense for which one could be sentenced to more than one year in state prison. As the most serious offenses under Maryland law, felonies carry long-term consequences, including lengthy imprisonment, high fines, restrictions on rights, and permanent criminal records. In Maryland, each felony has a penalty that is defined by law, rather than being grouped into lettered or numbered categories like in many other states.

What Is Considered a Felony in Maryland?

Felonies are defined in the Criminal Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Some common felonies include:

• Violent Crimes: Murder, manslaughter, first-degree assault, rape, robbery, and kidnapping.
• Drug Crimes: Manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances.
• Property Crimes: Auto theft, burglary, theft of property worth $1,500 or more, and arson.
• White-Collar Crimes: Fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, and forgery.
• Weapons Offenses: Illegal possession of a firearm, use of a gun during a felony, and the illegal sales of weapons within the state.

Certain crimes can be raised from misdemeanors to felonies if aggravating factors are present. For instance, theft is charged as a felony if the value taken is over $1,500. Also, assault is considered a felony if it involves serious physical injury or the use of a deadly weapon.

What Is a Felony in Maryland?

Any offense committed within Maryland that is punishable by more than one year in prison is referred to as a felony. The penalties for misdemeanors are usually less than a year in county jail. When an individual commits a felony, the consequence may be:

• Prison sentence, which can range from 1 year to life, or even death.
• Fines up to $100,000, depending on the type of crime.
• Loss of civil rights, including the right to own firearms, vote during elections, or participate in the jury.
• Permanent criminal record, which can affect immigration, licensing, or even employment.

Felony Penalties in Maryland

Maryland is one of the few states that does not classify felonies. Instead, there is a penalty attached to each specific criminal offense.

Examples of Maryland Felony Penalties

• First-Degree Murder: Life imprisonment without parole.
• Second-Degree Murder: Up to 40 years in prison.
• Manslaughter: Up to 10 years in prison.
• Rape (First Degree): Life imprisonment.
• Robbery with a Deadly Weapon: Up to 20 years of incarceration
• Burglary (First Degree): Punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
• Theft over $100,000: Up to 20 years and a $25,000 fine.
• Drug Trafficking: Up to 40 years depending on drug type and amount.

Felony Sentencing Guidelines in Maryland

In Maryland, judges rely on the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines Manual (MSGM), statutory laws, and their discretion when determining sentences:

1. Sentencing Guidelines Grid: Offenses are scored by seriousness level, and sentences are recommended based on prior record and crime severity.
2. Mandatory Minimums: Certain felonies, including firearm-related crimes and large-scale drug trafficking, carry mandatory minimum terms.
3. Aggravating Factors: A sentence may be increased if it involves the use of firearms or is targeted towards children.
4. Mitigating Factors: A judge may consider reducing a sentence if the offender shows signs of rehabilitation or cooperates with law enforcement.
5. Repeat Offender Enhancements: Maryland’s habitual offender laws increase penalties for those with prior felony convictions.
6. Probation and Parole: Parole eligibility is managed by the Maryland Parole Commission, and some offenders may qualify for probation.

For instance, armed robbery can lead to up to 20 years in prison, but an individual with past felony convictions may face a longer sentence than the guidelines recommend.

Felony Laws and Procedures in Major Maryland Cities

Baltimore (Baltimore City)

The Baltimore City Circuit Court receives one of the highest felony caseloads in the state. It also handles all felony prosecutions in the city of Baltimore. The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system and the Circuit Court Clerk both offer access to publicly available felony case files.

Rockville (Montgomery County)

Felony cases in Rockville are prosecuted in the Montgomery County Circuit Court. To access the felony case records, interested parties may visit the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)

The Anne Arundel County Circuit Court manages felony cases in Annapolis. This court oversees crimes related to property, violence, and drugs. Felony records are accessible through the Court Clerk’s Office or statewide databases.

How to Search for Felony Records in Maryland

Maryland provides both online and in-person access to felony records. Record seekers may access these records through any of these methods:

1. Maryland Judiciary Case Search

By providing a party name, case number, or attorney name, users may search the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal for felony case records. The information available through this portal includes

• Case number and docket entries.
• Charges and filing details.
• Court location.
• Sentencing and outcomes.

2. Circuit Court Clerk’s Offices

Interested parties may visit the office of the Circuit Court Clerk during business hours to review felony case files. In addition, the Clerk’s Office can provide certified copies of publicly available felony records to requesters for a small fee.

3. Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS)

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains criminal history information and provides background checks to individuals and organizations seeking felony conviction records.

4. Local Police and Sheriff’s Departments

Through Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA), anyone can request access to incident and arrest reports that are publicly available from law enforcement agencies.

5. Third-Party Background Checks

Certain private services also provide access to felony records compiled from different sources within Maryland. Nonetheless, the most reliable sources for locating records are the statewide case search portal and the Circuit Courts.

Open vs. Sealed Records

• Open Records: Most felony convictions are considered public records under the state’s Public Information Act.
• Expungement: After a certain waiting period, Maryland allows for the expungement of certain felony records. Records related to violent crimes, sex offenses, and serious drug trafficking are exempted.

Why Understanding Felonies in Maryland Matters

Felony convictions in Maryland carry lasting consequences beyond prison and fines. An individual’s civil rights and employment opportunities can be severely impacted by felony records. Therefore, it is essential for individuals, organizations, and employers to understand felony laws, sentencing guidelines, and how to access records.

In Maryland, felonies are defined by statute rather than class levels. The penalties can range from 1 year to life imprisonment. When determining the appropriate sentence, the judge may consider the statutory law, the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, and repeat offender enhancements.

Access to most felony records is available through the DPSCS, Circuit Court Clerks, and the Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal, which promotes transparency.