Baltimore, MD asked in Criminal Law for Maryland

Q: Is conspiracy to assault first degree a non violent misdemeanor?

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: First degree assault is a felony and a crime of violence.

A: Assault in the First Degree is a felony that is classified as a crime of violence by the Maryland Criminal Code, Section 14-101. Under the Maryland Sentencing Guidelines, conspiracy to commit any offense is classified for sentencing purposes the same as the offense the defendant conspired to commit, so it would be treated at the same seriousness category and as a crime of violence.

A conspiracy conviction carries the same potential sentence as the offense that is the object of the conspiracy; however, all conspiracies are classified as misdemeanors as far as conviction and criminal records are concerned. Because a conspiracy charge typically involves a defendant who does not personally carry out the underlying offense, there may be no victim or serious injury or damage to an intended victim, which would result in a lesser recommended guidelines range for sentencng purposes than if the crime had actually been carried out.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.