Were you charged with a misdemeanor offense in Glen Burnie or anywhere across Anne Arundel County? Even “minor” charges—like simple assault, theft under $1,000, first offense DUI, marijuana possession, or malicious destruction of property—can carry serious penalties. At Kawar & Associates, we deliver experienced and strategic defense to protect your record, employment, and future.
What Counts as a Misdemeanor in Maryland?
In Maryland, misdemeanors are criminal offenses punishable by:
- Up to 90 days or 6 months in jail, and/or fines up to $1,000, for lesser misdemeanors like false statements on government documents § 8‑201;
- Or up to 3 years in jail and $2,500 in fines for more serious ones—e.g., theft under $1,000 or property destruction under $1,000 (§ 6‑301).
- Most marijuana possession cases remain misdemeanors, potentially punishable by up to 3 years in prison and $5,000 in fines § 5‑601. While some misdemeanors overlap with felonies—like using a firearm during a felony—most are handled by the District Court.
Why Misdemeanor Charges Shouldn’t Be Taken Lightly
- Immediate consequences: Jail time, hefty fines, loss of license or job, probation, and court costs.
- Arrest data: In 2023, Maryland reported 103,851 total arrests, most of which are misdemeanors—impacting thousands in Anne Arundel County alone.
- A guilty plea or conviction can significantly affect your record: background checks, housing, or professional licensing.
How the Maryland Court System Handles Misdemeanors
- Speedy processing: Misdemeanor charges are typically handled via a charging document or citation—District Court proceedings are fast, and a trial is usually scheduled within weeks.
- No preliminary hearing needed: Under CF § 4‑102(c), defendants charged only with misdemeanors are not entitled to a preliminary hearing.
- Jury trial requests: Keeping incarceration risk under 90 days may avoid needing a jury trial; above that or if requested early, the case moves to Circuit Court. However, most misdemeanor cases are resolved in District Court unless you demand a trial.
Why Kawar & Associates Can Make a Difference
- Attorney-led initial court appearance to challenge bail, citations, and request non‑custodial release.
- Case early‑intervention strategy—even before indictment, we negotiate with prosecutors for dismissals or diversion.
- Protection of your driving privileges, professional license, and future opportunities.
- Proven record of reduced charges, probation instead of jail, or even full dismissals for Glen Burnie residents.
???? How We Work: Three Simple Steps
| Step | What We Do | What You Do |
| 1. Free case review | Analyze charging document, explain rights, no‑pressure advice on next steps. | Call or message—no commitment. |
| 2. Defense planning | File motion to reduce bail; negotiate pretrial options like work‑release or diversion. | Provide documents, be open and honest. |
| 3. Court strategy | At trial/hearing, counter evidence, advocate for probation or dismissal. | Attend hearings (we’ll alert you). |
⭐ Client Reviews
Matt Kunka is an outstanding attorney. He provides exceptional customer service, listens attentively, and approaches every situation with a non-judgmental attitude. His professionalism, knowledge of the law, and prompt communication truly set him apart. Throughout my experience, he consistently kept me informed and updated, which made a significant difference. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal support—you’ll be in good hands.
Matt Kunka is an extremely competent, vigilant, persistent, knowledgeable, and kind attorney. Our son had some legal issues over COVID and it took over four years to resolve, resulting in the best outcome we could have hoped for. Matt was not only diligent and available this whole time, he went above and beyond to represent our son in the best possible way, providing support and hope along the way. We have sincerely thanked him many times for his outstanding service, and he is very humble, refusing extra compensation. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all he has done for our son and our family, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.
Matt is an incredibly hardworking and trustworthy lawyer. He’s made some of the most stressful and difficult times in my life worry free, explaining each step of the way and doing everything in his power to get you the results you want. Not only does he provide knowledgeable representation, but he’s cost effective and understanding of financial situations. I wouldn’t want anyone but Matt handling my court cases and my future.
I can’t thank Matt Kunka enough for his outstanding support and expertise in handling my cases. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for me. Matt guided me through every step of the legal process, patiently answering my questions and providing clear, strategic advice. He made me feel like a top priority, ensuring that my voice was heard and my concerns addressed. His courtroom skills and keen attention to detail made a significant difference in my case, and I felt truly supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate criminal lawyer, I highly recommend Matt Kunka.
Matt is an amazing attorney! He puts his all into showcasing his client’s strengths and personal accomplishments to a judge. He made my family and I feel comforted during a very dark time where we felt like there was no coming back from a very unfortunate auto incident. Matt was always personable and would handle things in a very swift and prompt manner. We are so grateful for everything he has done for us, he is the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while charged with a misdemeanor?
Yes, but if the charge involves alcohol, or if bail conditions restrict driving, you’ll need to ask the Court early. We’ll handle this.
Do I need a lawyer even if “first offense and low risk”?
Absolutely. First impressions matter—lawyers can negotiate better resolutions, and pretrial diversion eligibility often hinges on representation.
What about pretrial diversion or probation-before-judgment (PBJ)?
Maryland rules let you earn PBJ or defer adjudication if criteria like no priors or no weapons are met. Benefits: no conviction on your record. We help you qualify.
How long does a misdemeanor stay on my record?
Without expungement, a conviction stays permanent. Ask about “see-through” expungements for eligible dispositions with no jail time.
Can a misdemeanor later trigger deportation?
Certain misdemeanors—like domestic assault or drug‑related ones—can have immigration consequences. Even a plea can be problematic abroad. Defense is critical.
Ready to Take Action?
???? Kunka Law, LLC:
7420 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd,
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
???? Local Calls: (410) 787-0110)
????️ E‑Mail: [email protected]
We’ve defended hundreds of Glen Burnie and Anne Arundel County clients charged with misdemeanors—let us fight for your future too.
Proud members of the Anne Arundel County Bar Association. Consultations available evenings/weekends.