Were you arrested for assault in Montgomery County, MD? Contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys at (301) 364-3195 for a free consultation. Our Montgomery County assault defense lawyers have 125 years of combined experience and have built a reputation for aggressively helping defendants from beginning to end.
We communicate honestly and keep you informed so you feel supported and ready for your case. You’ve come to the right place for help with a criminal charge in Maryland. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Montgomery County criminal defense attorney.
Why Hire Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys if You’re Arrested for Assault in Montgomery County?
The aftermath of an assault arrest in Montgomery County, Maryland, may be one of the scariest experiences you’ll face, so you’ll need an experienced legal team to support you. Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys stands apart with decades of combined hands-on experience and a deep commitment to aggressive defense that puts our clients first.
Here’s what makes our Montgomery County criminal defense lawyers different:
- More than 300 five-star Google reviews from past clients
- Our defense team includes former prosecutors, so we know how to approach your case in a unique way that not every lawyer can. We also know how the other side thinks and strategizes.
- We routinely travel nationwide for advanced criminal defense training.
Dealing with assault charges without a knowledgeable lawyer means taking unnecessary risks with your job, family, and future. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Montgomery County assault defense attorney.
Overview of Assault in Maryland
Assault charges in Maryland cover a wide range of situations where you make unwanted or aggressive contact with someone else. The two degrees of assault include:
First-Degree Assault
First-degree assault is charged when someone intends to cause another person serious harm. This can include things like broken bones or injuries that could be life-threatening. It can also apply if a gun was shown or used.
Second-Degree Assault
Second-degree assault can be charged when there is some sort of physical injury caused to another person. However, this statute does not cover very minor injuries.
An assault in the second degree charge is usually a misdemeanor, unless the incident was directed at a protected professional, like a police officer or EMT. In those cases, it may be increased to a felony with harsher penalties.
What Are the Penalties for Assault in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Getting convicted of assault in Maryland carries serious consequences. Penalties depend on the degree of assault you’re facing, along with who was involved and whether it’s a first or repeat offense.
First-Degree Assault Penalties
First-degree assault brings up to 25 years in state prison. This is designated as a violent crime, which means you must serve at least half your sentence before being considered for parole. Repeat offenders may face even longer sentences.
Second-Degree Assault Penalties
Second-degree assault is charged as a misdemeanor and carries prison time of up to 10 years and fines as high as $5,000. However, if the assault targeted a police officer, firefighter, or EMT, penalties are more intense. You face up to $5,000 in fines, and the behavior may be charged as a felony.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Assault?
Being arrested for assault in Maryland, whether it’s first or second degree, means you’ll need a powerful defense. Here are some that your lawyer will consider raising:
Self-Defense
If you were protecting yourself from real and immediate harm, your attorney might argue that force was justified. They can show evidence of this by using witness testimony, obtaining medical records showing your injuries, or even video footage showing that the other person was the aggressor.
Lack of Intent
First and second-degree assault charges both involve the intent to cause harm, which the prosecution must prove. If your actions were accidental or not intended to injure someone, it could weaken their case against you.
Mistaken Identity
Mistaken identity is another defense that may work in assault cases. If you were wrongly identified as the individual responsible for the alleged assault, evidence and witness testimony may be used to challenge the prosecution’s assertions.
Plea Deal
If the evidence against you is strong, a plea deal may be used to reduce charges. For instance, first-degree assault could be lowered to second-degree assault or even to charges such as reckless behavior. This approach can minimize the penalties, including fines or prison time, that you might face.
Consult an experienced Maryland assault defense attorney who can guide you through your defense options and work toward the best possible resolution for your situation.
Being accused of assault is overwhelming for any person or family. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we take the time to really listen to clients and address their fears. We communicate honestly and keep you informed so you feel supported, understood, and prepared for what’s to come.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a assault defense lawyer.
