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Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are crimes that are less serious in nature then felonies. In Washington DC Metropolitan Area, misdemeanors are divided into four classes, while in D.C. and Maryland, misdemeanors are not classified by class, but instead by crime.

FROM VA CODE § 18.2-11

classesMisdemeanors In Washington DC Metropolitan Areadescription
Class 1Class 1 misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanor and will be punished with up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.Stalking is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Class 2Class 2 misdemeanors will result in jail time of up to six months and/or a fine of up to $1,000.An example of a Class 2 misdemeanor would be possession of drug paraphernalia.
Class 3Class 3 misdemeanors do not result in jail time, but will result in a fine of not more than $500.A second conviction public intoxication will result in a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Class 4
The lowest misdemeanor is the Class 4. It will result in a fine of up to $250.A first offense of a misdemeanor, such as public intoxication, will result in a Class 4 misdemeanor. After a year, these misdemeanors are expunged from your record.

Unlike in Washington DC Metropolitan Area, D.C. misdemeanors are categorized by the crime and not by a class. Crimes categorized as misdemeanors will result in specific punishments. Below are examples of various misdemeanors in Washington, D.C.

classesMisdemeanors In D.C.description
TrespassingDC Code § 22-3302Trespassing can result in 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Disorderly ConductDC Code § 22-1321Disorderly Conduct can result in up to 90 days in jail and/or a $250 fine.
DUIDC Code § 50-2201.05A DUI (first offense) can get you a maximum of 90 days in jail, a fine between $300-$1,000 and a suspension of your license for six months.
Crowding or ObstructingDC Code § 22-1307Obstructing the passage of a street, sidewalk, or the entrance to a public building will result in no more then 90 days in jail.