Charged in Ocean City, MD? What You Need to Know About Property Damage & Disorderly Conduct.

Frank Benvenuto, P.A.
Aug 27, 2025
2 min read

Ocean City, Maryland's vibrant summer scene—bustling boardwalks, lively beach parties, and late-night gatherings—can sometimes blur the line between fun and unlawful. When misbehavior crosses into property damage or public disturbance, it’s crucial to understand the local legal definitions and potential consequences. This guide breaks down destruction of property and disorderly conduct in Ocean City, MD, so you know what you could be facing—and what steps to take next.

I’m Frank Benvenuto, P.A., and I’ve been defending clients for over 32 years in Maryland courts. If you’ve been charged, you don’t have to face this alone. Call me today at 443-783-2451 for a free consultation.

Destruction of Property Charges

In Maryland, destruction of property—sometimes called malicious destruction of property—is taken seriously. Under Maryland Criminal Law § 6-301:

Damage under $1,000 → Misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Damage $1,000 or more → Misdemeanor punishable by up to 3 years in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Graffiti offenses may carry restitution or community service.

Even if the incident seemed minor, prosecutors may push for harsh penalties—especially during Ocean City’s busy tourist season.

Disorderly Conduct in Ocean City, MD

Disorderly conduct (sometimes called disturbing the peace) can include:

Loud or disruptive behavior in public.
Blocking sidewalks, streets, or boardwalk access.
Refusing to obey lawful police orders.
Engaging in fights or drunken outbursts in bars, clubs, or on the beach.

In Maryland, disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 60 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

In Worcester County, specific rules also apply—for example, bonfires on the beach between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. are prohibited and can result in a citation.

The Real Impact of These Charges

Beyond fines and jail, these charges can leave you with a permanent criminal record. That means potential issues with:

Employment background checks.
College or professional licensing applications.
Security clearances.
Housing opportunities.

Defending Your Case

Client consultation — Client Consultation

As your defense attorney, I’ll work to:

Review whether the police acted lawfully.
Challenge the evidence (for example, whether your behavior was truly disorderly or if property damage was exaggerated).
Seek reduced charges, probation, or dismissal where possible.

Many of my clients are visitors to Ocean City who don’t live in the area. Having an attorney with local experience in Worcester County courts is critical.