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      Andy Alpert Assault Brand Video
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      reviews

      Client Testimonials

      The Opinions that Matter Most

      “If you’re facing this charge and not sure where to turn, reach out to the experts at Alpert Schreyer.”

      - Anonymous

      “Mr. Chris Hartman represented me greatly on my DUI case and it was all dropped and rendered to negligent driving. We went into details about the case and was made to understand how the case could sway but he mesmerized me with a deal that took all that ””

      - Anonymous

      “The firm developed a program and mitigation strategies to help provide the best possible outcome of the case.”

      - Anonymous

      reviews

      Client Testimonials

      The Opinions that Matter Most

      “If you’re facing this charge and not sure where to turn, reach out to the experts at Alpert Schreyer.”

      - Anonymous

      “Mr. Chris Hartman represented me greatly on my DUI case and it was all dropped and rendered to negligent driving. We went into details about the case and was made to understand how the case could sway but he mesmerized me with a deal that took all that ””

      - Anonymous

      “The firm developed a program and mitigation strategies to help provide the best possible outcome of the case.”

      - Anonymous

      reviews mobile

      Client Testimonials

      The Opinions that Matter Most

      “If you’re facing this charge and not sure where to turn, reach out to the experts at Alpert Schreyer.”

      - Anonymous

      “Mr. Chris Hartman represented me greatly on my DUI case and it was all dropped and rendered to negligent driving. We went into details about the case and was made to understand how the case could sway but he mesmerized me with a deal that took all that ””

      - Anonymous

      “The firm developed a program and mitigation strategies to help provide the best possible outcome of the case.”

      - Anonymous

      Maryland Assault Attorneys

      With Law Offices in Lanham, Waldorf, Frederick, Lexington Park, Rockville, and Annapolis

      A criminal charge can quickly change the course of your life. At Alpert Schreyer, our aggressive representation begins from the first moment you hire us.

      If you’re reading this, you are likely facing criminal charges of some kind. You are undoubtedly scared. You’ve likely had to miss work and are worried about your financial future on top of everything else.

      We are here to help with free legal advice. Call our Maryland assault lawyers today.

      Don’t put it off because you’re concerned you’ll need cash up front. Get your questions answered in a free legal consultation today.

      About the Maryland Assault Defense Team at Alpert Schreyer

      With over 40 years of combined experience, partners Andrew Alpert and Michael Schreyer, and Attorneys Michael Berman, Christian Hartman and Jason Miller, bring specific knowledge and advanced training to every case. Our well-rounded defense team’s commitment to protecting our clients’ rights is unparalleled, as is its proficiency in the courtroom. We fight to get our clients’ charges reduced or dismissed. Should a conviction be unavoidable, our team is dedicated to minimizing the impact of the charges. We know what judges want.

      With offices in BowieFrederickLexington ParkPrince FrederickRockville, and Waldorf, we’ve got a location convenient to you.

      Andrew D. Alpert

      Founding Partner

      Michael J. Schreyer

      Founding Partner

      Michael Berman

      Attorney

      Jason Miller

      Attorney

      What Are Maryland’s Assault Laws?

      Maryland divides the crime of assault and battery into two categories, or “degrees.” Each one requires a different set of facts be proven to find a person guilty of that type of assault. Each degree of assault also comes with different penalties if a person is convicted.

      Second-Degree Assault

      “Second-degree assault” in Maryland occurs when one person intentionally makes contact with another person, or attempts to, against that person’s will. Most assaults are intended to be harmful, such as when one person hits or kicks another, but unwanted touching doesn’t have to cause physical injury in order to be considered an assault and battery.

      Penalties for Second-Degree Assault

      Second-degree assault in Maryland comes with a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, $2,500 in fines, or both, except in the case of a second-degree assault on a law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her duties. Second degree assault on a law enforcement officer and/or parole or probation agent is a felony that is punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or 10 years in prison. A person convicted of second-degree assault may also face probation, community service requirements, fees and costs, and other penalties, as well as the burdens imposed by a criminal record.

      First-Degree Assault

      Maryland law defines “first-degree assault” as intentionally causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another person. First-degree assault typically includes assault committed with a firearm.

      To convict a person of first-degree assault in Maryland, a judge or jury must find that a “serious physical injury” occurred. Not all physical injuries are serious. In a first-degree assault case, a “serious physical injury” is one that “creates a substantial risk of death” or that causes “permanent or protracted” disfigurement or the loss or impairment of any bodily organ or function.

      Penalties for First-Degree Assault

      First-degree assault is a felony in Maryland. The maximum penalty for a first-degree assault conviction includes up to 25 years in prison. Fines, restitution, probation, community service, and other penalties may also be imposed on a person convicted of first-degree assault. A first-degree assault conviction also stays on a person’s criminal record, making it more difficult to secure a job, go back to school, or do many other activities.

      Blogs

      Defending Assault and Battery Charges

      Facing criminal charges for assault can feel like the end of the world, but it doesn’t have to be. Every person who faces assault charges is innocent until proven guilty. It is the prosecutor’s job to prove the assault occurred, which is not always an easy task. Even if you’re afraid, overwhelmed, and confused, help is available, and you shouldn’t give up on protecting your future.

      You can protect and defend your legal rights by working with experienced Maryland assault lawyers like the team at Alpert Schreyer. We have successfully defended numerous clients charged with assault and have the legal knowledge and resources to build an effective case on your behalf.

      If you’ve been charged with assault in Maryland, we urge you to seek the help of our legal defense team as soon as possible. At Alpert Schreyer, our dedicated Maryland assault lawyers fight to protect the legal rights of every client we represent and to build a strong defense in pursuit of the best possible outcome.

      Blogs

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      Maryland Drug Crime Client Story

      We are sharing a client story below to help you better know what to expect in your case. Though we’ve changed the names and specifics to protect client privacy, you’ll find value in the information. Please read to the end, then call our Maryland DUI lawyers to set up a free legal consultation. We’d love to discuss your claim.

      Anyone who knows Trevor Green will tell you he’s a “stand-up” guy. He’s kind, considerate, and level-headed. The kind of guy who thinks before he speaks, even when angry, and definitely not someone who’d throw the first punch. He is not the guy you picture getting arrested for assault. That’s why his wife Maya was so upset the night she called the Frederick, Maryland office of Alpert Schreyer looking for someone to defend her husband from not one, but two assault charges.

      Attorney Michael Berman arrived to find Trevor in a holding cell downtown. They sat in an interview room, where Trevor explained that he’d been in a local bar with his coworkers at the time of the fight.

      “About fifteen minutes before we called it a night, we saw this young woman leave her bar stool and head for the back hallway to the bathrooms,” Trevor said. “There was a guy on her heels, warning her not to even think about sneaking out the back door. He appeared to be drunk and was loud and obnoxious.

      “You could see the ladies’ room door from where we were, and they were so loud, I automatically turned their way, as did most of the people within earshot. He grabbed her arm as she pulled the door open, but she pulled away and went in.

      “For a second, he looked like he was going to follow her in, but someone came out right away, almost colliding with him. He stepped into the men’s room instead.

      “She must have been waiting for the guy to give up and leave because it was probably a good ten minutes before she reappeared. My friends had just left, and I was paying my tab when she blew past the bar, and there he was, following close behind, alternating between pleading with her and yelling at her to stop.

      “As he passed me, he grabbed her arm again and she freaked out, trying to get away. I got off my stool and told him to let her go. He did, and immediately took a swing at me. He missed and I knocked him on his as— his butt. That’s when his girlfriend, of all people, jumped on my back, pulling my hair.  I couldn’t believe it,” Trevor said, shaking his head. “I shrugged her off, and she fell on her back and hit her head.

      “Now, they’re both pressing assault charges against me. Their story is I threw the first punch, and then knocked her down for no reason. My friends were gone by then, and somehow no one seems to remember what really happened. Apparently, it’s well and good to gawk until the police want your statement,” Trevor said, shaking his head once more. “I was just trying to do the right thing. No good deed goes unpunished, I guess.”

      What happens after my arrest?

      “So, what happens now?” Trevor asked, his eyes shining with fear. “Please tell me you can help. I’m a civilian contractor with a security clearance and a great job with the military. These charges could end all that. My wife is home with our toddlers. I’ve got to take care of my family.”

      “I believe we can help you,” Attorney Berman said. “Our first objective is to arrange for you to be released on bail. You’ll be arraigned in the morning, at which time we will argue for you to be released on your own recognizance, or ‘ROR.’ This means allowing you out of jail without posting bail.

      “This is the easiest for non-violent charges, but we’re going to try just the same, arguing that you are, in fact, a law-abiding citizen and not a flight risk. Should that fail, I still believe it likely you’ll be released until your trial, though you may have to post bond,” Berman said.

      “In the meantime, do not speak to anyone inside the jail about your case — even in the simplest terms,” Berman cautioned. “You’re likely to find the inmates ‘friendly,’’’ he said, using air quotes. “I assure you, they’re out for themselves. It’s common practice for the repeat offenders to cruise through the ranks, gathering fragments of information they can cobble together to offer to the prosecution in exchange for a reduction in their own charges. The easiest way to protect yourself is to avoid speaking to anyone about your case, period. In here, information is currency.”

      “Got it. Don’t speak to anyone,” Trevor said, solemnly.

      Respect the court’s schedule

      “As I mentioned, the immediate goal is to get you out until your case is resolved or goes to trial,” said Attorney Berman. “You’ll be given your next court appearance date at your arraignment, and your defense team will get to work on your case. The important thing you must focus on now is being reliable and on time for every court appearance.

      “Your friends and family know you’re an upstanding guy, but the court doesn’t know you, beyond the fact that you’ve been arrested for assault. Our goal is to prevent them from developing any harmful opinions of you because you wasted the court’s time by showing up late, or worse, you missed a court date.

      “If your case goes all the way to trial, it’s possible we may build a favorable image of you for a jury. But at this point, the best we can hope for is to stay off the negative radar. Be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there,” Berman said.

      “I will, I promise,” said Trevor.

      How do you defend an assault charge?

      “I know you just got here, but is there anything you can tell me about how you might go about building a defense? Just to give me the peace of mind that you’ve got a way forward?” Trevor asked.

      “Well, ideally, we’ll be able to show that the crime didn’t actually take place — or that it did, but you weren’t the guy involved,” said Berman. “In your case, the altercation took place, but there are mitigating factors in each assault charge. The other person acted with intent to harm you and you defended yourself.

      “We’re going to start with a careful investigation of what happened and search for additional witnesses who can corroborate, or support, your side of the story,” Attorney Berman said. “We’ll start with looking for witnesses who haven’t spoken to the police yet. We’ll also look for security camera footage of the incident.

      “We’ll also look for a history of aggressive behavior from the guy and the girl. From the public drama they displayed over the course of half an hour, I’d guess they’re known for this type of drama,” Attorney Berman said.

      Don’t speak to the prosecution

      “What, if anything, did you say to the police?” Berman asked.

      “Nothing. I was afraid I’d make the situation worse. I asked for a lawyer as soon as they read me my rights,” said Trevor.

      “Okay, good. You did the right thing,” Berman said. “Don’t say anything to them going forward, either. They can speak to your defense team if they have any questions for you. We’ll take it from here, protecting your rights first and foremost.”

      Don’t ask for advice from family or friends

      “When you get out of jail pending trial, make sure you don’t seek any legal advice from family or friends,” Attorney Berman warned. “People may give you unsolicited legal advice, which is often inaccurate and useless. While there’s nothing you can do about them volunteering it, remember not to take it to heart.

      “Then there’s the majority of friends and family who won’t know you’re dealing with this at all. In their case, it’s best to keep your situation to yourself,” Berman said. “Your wife cannot be forced to testify against you, but friends and family can be. While they may not have anything damaging to say, the prosecutor will try to twist their words to obtain a conviction. It’s best for you and for them if they aren’t vulnerable to the stress of being dragged into court.

      “Now that you’ve got a legal team, you can turn to us for answers to your legal questions and for the support you need,” Attorney Berman said. “We are here for you.”

      “Thanks, that’s a huge relief,” Trevor said.

      Don’t post about your case on social media

      “As an extension of this subject, don’t vent about your case on social media,” warned Berman. “It’s natural to want to defend your innocence and even vent. But it’s not going to help your case. If anything, it will make things worse.

      “Remember that social media platforms are public forums. Anything you post will be available to the prosecution, who will use your posts in pursuit of a conviction, if possible.”

      “Got it. I will stay away from social media. Preserving my freedom and my job are my biggest concerns. This means protecting my security clearance, which starts with keeping as much of this out of the public eye as possible,” Trevor said.

      “Correct. It will help all around,” Attorney Berman said.

      Don’t leave town

      “Last but not least,” said Berman, “don’t leave town. I realize this may sound like a line out of a crime drama, but it’s important. When people are released from jail pending criminal charges, their first instinct is often to run. It’s a primal response to the overwhelming stress of the situation.

      “But even if you feel like heading to Virginia for the weekend where you’re completely anonymous, stay put. Even if you feel claustrophobic, even if a local reporter is hounding you for a quote, even if anything,” said Attorney Berman. “By the way, I think you know by now not to answer if you do get questions from a reporter. And call us if you’re feeling unbearably stressed out.

      “The bottom line is, the negative impression you could make on a jury is far too damaging to risk any travel outside of the immediate area. Don’t give the prosecution anything they can use against you,” Berman warned.

      Trevor stayed out of conversations with inmates until his arraignment the next day. Attorney Berman got him released on his own recognizance, and he took the attorney’s instructions to heart. He made his court appearances, stayed off social media, stayed local, and reserved his case strategy discussions for his legal defense team.

      The team’s investigation revealed additional witnesses and an admission. A bartender named Todd remembered the boyfriend because he refused to serve him alcohol about the time Trevor arrived. He said the guy appeared to already have had enough and became belligerent when he was refused alcohol. That’s when the girlfriend tried to leave, sparking the buildup to the fight. Todd had left for the night by the time the fight actually broke out and thus had not been questioned by the police.

      The girlfriend later bragged on social media after the incident that she’d attacked Trevor to “help her man.” The post proved helpful on its own and produced additional witnesses who claimed to have seen the event while also at the bar. When interviewed, two of the new witnesses admitted seeing the boyfriend take the first swing at Trevor. Further investigation revealed the boyfriend had a history of drunken bar fights.

      Attorney Berman was able to get the charges against Trevor dropped and no harm was done to his job or his life. He remains grateful and very relieved.

      Call Our Maryland Assault Lawyers Today

      If you have been charged with assault in Maryland, don’t take chances with the outcome. Reach out to the Maryland assault lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC for a free legal consultation. Let us protect your right to a robust legal defense. Call today.

      Client Reviews

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      The attorney’s and paralegals are incredible. They are truly committed to understanding your case and serving you. However, I’ve personally worked with Mr. Berman and Mrs. Bowman through my entire process! I am so grateful for their passion, dedication, and professionalism. I haven’t worked with many attorney’s in the past, but I’m glad you all were recommended to me. You all are truly the best. Thank you so much!

      Viair Myles

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