What type of crime is unlicensed practice as a counselor in Maryland?

In Maryland, unlicensed practice as a counselor is classified as a misdemeanor. This classification indicates that the act of providing counseling services without the appropriate licensure is considered a criminal offense, but it is not as severe as a felony. Misdemeanors typically carry less severe penalties compared to felonies, which may involve longer imprisonment terms or larger fines.

Misdemeanor charges often result in penalties such as short-term imprisonment, fines, or both. The rationale behind treating unlicensed practice as a misdemeanor reflects the state's interest in protecting the public from unqualified practitioners who may provide inadequate, harmful, or unethical services.

The other classifications, such as felony, infraction, or violation, do not accurately represent the nature of unlicensed counseling practice in this context. Felonies generally involve more serious crimes with harsher penalties. Infractions and violations, on the other hand, are typically administrative matters that do not carry the same level of criminal liability as misdemeanors. Therefore, understanding that unlicensed practice is a misdemeanor is crucial for counselors to know the legal implications of such an action.