Facing charges for assault in Maryland can be stressful and intimidating. However, know that you do not have to do it alone, as the Frederick assault lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, are ready to help. We thoroughly understand assault laws and defenses and will work for the best possible outcome in every case. Do not accept unnecessary consequences in your assault case – contact our office today to learn more about our services. Call (301) 381-1993 today.
If a disagreement at a bar escalates into a shoving match, it may not seem like a big deal – that is, until police arrest you and prosecutors charge you with assault. In fact, the situation does not have to escalate to physical contact, as you can face assault allegations for simply making threats of violence or injury. Assault laws and the criminal defense process in Frederick, Maryland, can be confusing, and many people do not know how to proceed to best protect their rights.
WHAT CONSTITUTES ASSAULT?
While “assault” can be a cause of action in a civil personal injury case, it is also a criminal offense under Maryland law. Assault can refer to any of the following:
- Threatening offensive physical contact with another person
- Actually engaging in offensive physical contact with another person
- Threatening to cause serious physical injury to another person
- Actually causing serious physical injury to another person
“Serious physical injury” refers to an injury that results in lasting or permanent impairments, disfigurement, or the loss of a body part, or in a significant risk of death. Depending on the circumstances of an alleged assault, you could face charges of one or more of the following offenses:
- First-degree assault – This charge applies if a prosecutor alleges you intentionally caused or attempted to cause serious physical injury to another person. Prosecutors can also issue this charge for assaults that involved a firearm. This is a serious felony offense with a potential sentence of up to 25 years in state prison.
- Second-degree assault – This charge generally applies to assault cases that do not involve serious bodily injury. You can face second-degree assault charges for offensively touching or pushing someone, or even for threatening to do so. No injuries have to result for you to face criminal assault charges. In most cases, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor charge, and a conviction could mean up to ten years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Assault cases can get more serious if authorities allege you committed an assault against someone you knew was a police officer, first responder, or probation or parole officer who was on the job. In these cases, you will likely face felony charges with potential penalties including up to ten years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The sentence for a particular conviction will often depend on the alleged circumstances of the assault and the identity of the victim. The right defense attorney can present mitigating factors to try to reduce a sentence, as well as challenge any aggravating factors presenting by the prosecutor. Assault convictions may also have long-term consequences in addition to any fines or jail time. Having a serious conviction on your criminal record can affect the following and more:
- Professional licenses
- Housing rentals
- Owning firearms
- College acceptance and scholarships
- Eligibility for jobs
- Security clearances
While assault convictions can mean serious and lasting penalties, there are fortunately many ways that our attorneys can defend against these charges.
Contact the Frederick Criminal Defense Attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to Understand your rights and Legal Options
Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation and legal case evaluation. Call us at (301) 381-1993 for a free consultation.
We are here to help.