Waldorf Assault Lawyer

If you were charged with assault in Maryland, you might be overwhelmed and concerned about the fallout. An assault conviction can have serious consequences. It could impact your employment, housing arrangement, and reputation. You might also have to serve time in jail or pay fines.

Know that you do not have to face the legal system alone. With the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can build a strong defense and protect your best interests. A Waldorf assault lawyer can advocate to have charges dropped or reduced. Regardless of your circumstances, our legal team is ready to work tirelessly for you.

Assault Charges in Maryland

Under Section 3-201 of the Maryland Criminal Code, assault crimes are defined as assault, battery, and assault and battery. This offense could involve action taken with the intent of harming another, even if no harm results. Maryland law breaks assault down into two categories: assault in the first degree and assault in the second degree. The primary difference is that first-degree assault is charged as a felony with a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor with significantly less jail time.

Assault in the First Degree

When an assault is committed using a firearm, it is considered first-degree, regardless of whether the victim suffered a physical injury. A firearm might include a handgun, shotgun, rifle, assault pistol, or machine gun. This is a felony conviction that could lead to up to 25 years in prison.

Assault in the Second Degree

The elements of a second-degree assault are set out in Section 3-203 of the Maryland Criminal Code. The penalty is up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. No matter the severity of assault charges, working with a Waldorf attorney on an airtight defense is crucial.

Defenses to Assault Allegations

The defenses available to someone charged with assault depend on the facts and circumstances of their case. The prosecutor may agree to reduce or drop charges for various reasons. For one, the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person accused was guilty; if they cannot satisfy all the elements of the offense, dropping or reducing the charges is appropriate. Some common defenses a Waldorf lawyer might use in assault cases include:

• Self-defense
• Defense of others or property
• Lack of evidence
• No intent

An experienced local attorney could review the assault charges and determine potential defenses for the accused.

Hire a Waldorf Assault Lawyer to Defend You

When you face assault charges, you are likely stressed about the outcome of your case. Not only are you worried about serving prison time and paying significant fines, but you may also be concerned about navigating life with a criminal record after a conviction. The stigma of a criminal record could follow you for years if you do not challenge the charges.

Hiring a Waldorf assault lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. An attorney with years of experience representing those accused of assault crimes could put their knowledge, skills, and training to work for you. In many cases, our legal team could advocate to have charges dropped or significantly reduced.

You should not have to worry about the impact of one mistake for the rest of your life. Contact our firm today to discuss your legal options.