Being accused of assault in Frederick, MD, can be a stressful experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to take these charges seriously and find legal help as soon as possible. Our dedicated Maryland criminal defense lawyers are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your rights are protected. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense based on the specifics of your situation. We understand that there’s no cookie-cutter response to a criminal charge.
Whether you’re facing charges in Frederick, Maryland, for minor assault allegations or a more serious offense, we can help. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 381-1993 to schedule a free consultation with a Frederick assault defense lawyer.
How Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested For Assault
If you’re facing assault charges in Frederick, MD, our legal team is here to help. Below are some of the steps our lawyers will take to help with your case:
- We will schedule a free consultation and sit down and listen to your side of the story. We understand that what the prosecutor and the alleged victim says isn’t always the truth.
- In addition to reviewing evidence turned over by the prosecutor, we will conduct our own thorough investigation to uncover inconsistencies in the victim’s statements and poke holes in the prosecutor’s case.
- If appropriate, we will negotiate with the prosecutor to try to obtain a plea deal that could reduce the charges against you or lead to lenient sentencing outcomes.
No matter what the situation is, we’re here to help you with charges in Frederick, Maryland. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Frederick criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Assault in Maryland
In Maryland, assault is categorized into first-degree (felony) and second-degree (misdemeanor or felony) based on the circumstances surrounding the incident. It’s helpful for defendants to understand the differences, which include:
- First-degree assault: First-degree assault is classified as a felony and involves severe circumstances. The defendant must purposely act in a way that results in significant harm to another person or attempt to cause significant harm. Using a firearm during the assault also makes the charge first-degree, reflecting the increased danger and potential for serious injury or death.
- Second-degree assault: Second-degree assault covers all assaults that do not meet the criteria for first-degree assault. This is typically charged as a misdemeanor. A person can be charged with this if they put someone in fear that they are about to be harmed. Additionally, any unwanted physical contact that is either injurious or offensive falls under second-degree assault.
- Assault on a police officer: Assault on a police officer is another distinct and serious offense in Maryland. This includes assaulting a police officer, correctional officer, probation/parole agent, or Metro Transit Police officer while they are performing their official duties.
Understanding the various definitions and degrees of assault in Maryland is essential for anyone facing these charges.
What Are the Penalties For Assault in Frederick, Maryland?
The penalties for assault in Frederick depend on the specifics of the case and how the offense is charged. Jail time and fines are as follows:
- Penalties for first-degree assault: A first-degree assault in Maryland is classified as a felony, carrying a conviction that may result in up to 25 years in prison.
- Penalties for second-degree assault: Second-degree assault is treated as a misdemeanor in Maryland, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500. The exact penalty depends on the circumstances of the case and the severity of the assault.
- Penalties for assault on a police officer: Assaulting a police officer in Maryland is considered a felony offense, with potential penalties totaling up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
An assault conviction can also carry significant consequences that extend far beyond the legal penalties imposed by the court. These collateral consequences often include the following:
- Employment challenges: A conviction can significantly hinder your ability to secure or maintain employment. Almost all employers run background checks before hiring someone, and many of them hesitate to hire someone with a serious conviction on their record.
- Loss of professional licenses: Assault convictions may also lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses required for certain careers, such as those in healthcare, law enforcement, or education. Losing these licenses can disrupt your career and reduce your earning potential.
- Housing difficulties: Finding housing can become more challenging with a criminal record, as landlords also conduct background checks and may deny rental applications based on assault convictions.
- Impact on family and relationships: An assault conviction can strain personal relationships and create tension within the family. The stigma associated with a criminal record may lead to social isolation and emotional distress for both you and your loved ones.
- Financial burden: Beyond court-imposed fines and legal fees, an assault conviction can lead to financial issues due to limited job prospects. Managing these financial burdens can be stressful and may affect your overall quality of life.
- Immigration consequences: For non-citizens, an assault conviction can trigger severe immigration consequences, including deportation or ineligibility for visas and citizenship.
Understanding these penalties is crucial, and having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in your case. If you are facing assault charges in Frederick or elsewhere in Maryland, contact our skilled criminal defense lawyers today for a free consultation.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Assault?
If you’re dealing with assault charges, it can be helpful to understand some of the possible defenses that can be used in your case. Some of the most common legal defenses include the following:
- Self-defense: Self-defense is one of the most common defenses in assault cases. You can argue that you acted to protect yourself from imminent harm or threat. This means demonstrating that your actions were necessary to prevent injury to yourself or someone else. You must also prove that any harm you caused was proportionate to the harm you were facing.
- Lack of evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s evidence is another possible defense strategy. If the evidence against you is inconsistent or insufficient to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the assault, your lawyer can argue for an acquittal. For example, if the alleged victim continues to change their story, your lawyer can use this to argue that they are fabricating the claims.
- False accusation or mistaken identity: If someone falsely accused you of assault or if you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator, this defense can be effective. Providing alibi evidence, like presenting witnesses who can verify your whereabouts, can prove your innocence.
- Accident: Assault charges usually require proving that you had the intent to cause harm. If you can show that there was no intent behind your actions, but your behavior accidentally caused harm, this could be a strong defense.
A lawyer will determine the best course of action and decide what defense is the strongest, but understanding the options can help ease some of the anxiety you’re facing.
If you’re facing assault charges, you could be looking at serious consequences, legally and personally. From prison time to strained relationships with family members, this is a situation that can have a serious effect on your life. In these cases, it’s absolutely necessary to speak with a skilled legal professional who can help you mitigate the consequences of this situation.
For help with an assault charge or any other type of criminal matter in Frederick, Maryland, reach out to us today. Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Frederick assault defense lawyer.