Were you charged with assault in Prince George’s County? We know how seriously this charges can impact your life, at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys we have +125 years of combined experience, call us at (301) 262-7005 and our Prince George’s assault defense lawyers will help you clear your case.
Don’t make the mistake of taking these allegations lightly. You could be facing significant prison time, financial penalties, and a lasting criminal record that can haunt you years after you’ve completed your punishment. We’ve successfully helped countless clients like you achieve the best outcomes possible.
If you were charged with assault, don’t wait another minute to start protecting yourself. Contact our law offices to schedule your free and confidential consultation today.
Why Call Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys For Legal Help if You Were Arrested on Assault Charges in Prince George’s County?
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we believe that everyone who is accused of a crime deserves the best possible defense. We know that many people who are charged with crimes aren’t criminals. Police and prosecutors can misinterpret the facts–and sometimes can charge people with crimes that are overblown or don’t really fit the circumstances.
If you were charged with a crime, count on our Prince George’s County criminal defense attorneys to protect you.
Our attorneys can help by:
- Listening carefully to your story and explaining your options
- Locating every piece of evidence that can be used to prove your innocence
- Engaging in meaningful negotiations to have your charges downgraded or case dismissed if possible
- Representing you at all hearings
- Ensuring that your rights are protected at all stages of the criminal process
- Identifying all weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Explaining the terms of any available plea deal
- Moving to have any illegally obtained evidence excluded
- Taking your case to trial and fighting vigorously to protect you if a plea deal isn’t available or acceptable
Don’t wait to get legal assistance. If you’re facing assault charges, contact our Prince George’s County criminal defense lawyers for a consultation immediately.
Overview of the Laws on Assault in Maryland
In Maryland, assault charges can vary depending on the nature of the harm involved. Assault can be a misdemeanor or a felony in Maryland. It’s important to understand the differences between the two primary statutes governing assault. The potential penalties can vary widely depending on the circumstances.
Regardless of the charges involved, it’s important to seek legal advice quickly. Our assault defense lawyers in Prince George’s County can start working behind the scenes immediately to reach the best possible outcome. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the better.
Second-Degree Assault Laws in Maryland
Second-degree assault charges in Maryland are similar to “simple assault” charges in other states. Second-degree assault charges in Maryland involve threats of offensive physical contact or actual offensive physical contact.
Second-degree assault can be a misdemeanor or felony.
A second-degree assault is any assault that does not involve:
- An intent to cause serious physical injury to another person
- The use of a firearm or strangulation
Offensive physical contact is any type of contact that a reasonable person would find offensive. Typically, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor assault charges also apply in cases involving assault of an inmate.
That said, felony assault charges can apply if the defendant intentionally caused physical injury to someone who they know, or have reason to know, is:
- A law enforcement officer who is performing their official duties
- A parole or probation officer who is performing their official duties
- A firefighter, EMT, rescue squad member, or any other first responder who is providing emergency medical care or rescue services
In these cases, “physical injury” is specifically defined to include any damage to the victim’s physical condition, excluding minor injuries.
Assault can take on many forms. Second-degree assault charges may apply if you hit or slap someone without causing any serious physical harm. Prosecutors can also file charges if you do something that would cause a reasonable person to believe they were in imminent danger of suffering harm.
Remember that you can face assault charges even if you didn’t actually make physical contact with the other person. Attempts and threats of harm can be enough to charge and convict.
First-Degree Assault Laws in Maryland
First-degree assault charges may apply in cases involving:
- Intentionally causing, or attempting to cause, serious physical harm to another person, or
- Using a firearm in the commission of assault
- Committing an assault via intentionally strangling another person
First-degree assault is a serious felony. If convicted, you could face up to 25 years in prison.
Our Experienced Defense Attorneys Handle All Types of Assault Defense Cases in Prince George’s County
At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’re equipped to develop your strong legal defense if you’re facing any type of assault charge, including:
- Second-degree assault and battery
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic violence
- Assault with a firearm or deadly weapon
- Child abuse
- Juvenile assault charges
- Assault involving a police officer, first responder, or other protected class
- Assault by an inmate
Various types of assault cases can involve unique complications. If you were charged with assault, call our defense attorneys in Prince George’s County today. We’re always available to discuss your legal options.
What Are the Possible Penalties for an Assault Conviction in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
Penalties for assault in Maryland depend on the nature of the underlying charge(s).
Penalties for Second-Degree Misdemeanor Assault in Maryland
Penalties for misdemeanor-level assault may include up to ten years in prison and up to $2,500 in fines (or both).
The punishment you’ll face will depend on a number of factors. If it’s your first offense, it’s possible that you could walk away with a period of supervised probation. In rare cases, such as a fight with a friend, it’s possible that you could be required to complete community service in lieu of jail time.
That said, assault is always treated as a violent crime. That generally means you’ll be required to complete at least 50% of any prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole. If you were charged–even with a misdemeanor–take the offense seriously and get a criminal defense lawyer involved quickly.
Penalties for Second-Degree Felony Assault in Maryland
Second-degree felony assault is punishable by up to ten years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.
Penalties for First-Degree Assault in Maryland
If convicted on first-degree assault charges, you could face up to 25 years in prison.
Possible Collateral Consequences of an Assault Conviction in Maryland
While jail time and financial penalties are the primary penalties if you’re convicted on assault charges, the conviction can carry additional punishments and consequences.
Examples of some of these collateral consequences include:
- Parole or supervised probation
- Anger management course requirements
- Drug or alcohol counseling, if drugs or alcohol were involved
- A lasting criminal record
- Immigration problems
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- Child custody issues
Again, assault is a violent crime. Conviction can impact your life in unexpected ways. Even if it’s your first offense and the injuries were minor, call a lawyer for immediate assistance.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Accused of Committing Assault in Prince George’s County?
Prosecutors in Maryland must prove every element of the charge you’re facing beyond a reasonable doubt. Our Prince George’s County assault defense attorneys know how to make that as difficult as possible. We’ll build a custom-tailored defense strategy that’s unique to your individual circumstances.
Examples of the types of defense options in assault cases include:
- You did not have the required intent to cause injury or serious physical injury
- Self-defense (or reasonable defense of others), meaning that you were defending yourself against reasonable harm and used an amount of force that was reasonable under the circumstances
- You did not have any reason to know that the victim was a police officer or first responder
- False allegations where the victim accused you of assault to further some other objective
- Innocence, meaning that you were a victim of mistaken identity or false identification
- Alibi, another innocence defense where we can prove you were somewhere else at the time of the attack
- Problems with the evidence and violations of your constitutional rights
- Police bias
You have rights throughout the legal process. We know that it can seem like the police and prosecutors hold all the cards. We’re here to provide the legal assistance you need and deserve during this stressful time.
Call To Arrange a Free Consultation With an Experienced Prince George’s County Assault Defense Attorney
Law enforcement and prosecutors in Maryland take assault charges seriously. Conviction can potentially impact every aspect of your life–and impact you well into the future. Hiring an experienced Prince George’s County assault defense attorney is the best way to make sure you don’t walk away with a lasting criminal record.
Our team at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to ensure your rights are protected at every turn. Give us a call to arrange your free consultation today.
