Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Re: Criminal Procedure

Is a drinking and driving offense involved? Pouring a drink presumedly with ice cubes out of a car en route likely caused property damage but it does not constitute a criminal offense of malicious destruction. Criminal intent is lacking. Clearly what you did was not a smart thing to do but it certainly is not something that should result in criminal prosecution. Worst thing that can happen is you may need to pay for property damage. If other matters should arise hire an attorney.

Re: Criminal Procedure

You have been charged with malicious destruction of property. Assuming that the alleged damage is less than $500.00 the maximum penalty is 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the damage is greater than $500.00 the maximum penalty is 3 years in jail and a $2,500 fine. If no one was injured, it is unlikely that this is a jail case, but that would be up to the judge if you are found guilty. A likely outcome could involve your payment for the damage to the other vehicle. If there was no damage to the vehicle than there is no malicious destruction crime. Given that you are charged with a criminal offense with a potential jail sentence you should have an attorney.