Aspen Hill, MD Assault Attorney

Lawyer Helping Clients Defend Against Assault Charges in Aspen Hill, Maryland

An argument that gets out of hand, a confrontation at a bar, or a dispute between neighbors are just a few of the situations that may result in assault charges. A person who is accused of assault may face serious criminal penalties, especially if the accusations involve serious injuries or other aggravating factors. Understanding the best ways to defend against these charges is crucial for anyone who has been accused of assault.

The lawyer at Law Offices of Mallon Snyder is here to help you understand your options and build the strongest possible defense against assault charges. He will advise you of your rights and your legal options while providing you with compassionate guidance throughout your case. His goal is to ease your concerns and make sure you understand the best approach to take, including preparing you for any court appearances and advising you on how to respond to questions from a judge. With his help, you will be able to resolve your case successfully while minimizing the ways your life may be affected.

What Is Assault?

In Maryland, assault may include any actions that cause someone else to fear that they will suffer harm, as well as actually making contact with someone or inflicting injuries. Assault may consist of threats, aggressive actions, or other behavior indicating that a person intends to harm someone. It may include minor forms of contact, such as shoves or slaps. It may also include actions that resulted in injuries, such as punching someone or hitting them with a weapon such as a baseball bat.

Misdemeanor Assault

Second-degree assault charges may apply in situations where a person allegedly made threats or offensive contact or inflicted minor injuries. While second-degree assault is a misdemeanor offense, a person who is convicted could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and/or fined up to $2,500. A conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record that can affect issues such as employment, housing, and professional licensing.

If a person is accused of committing second-degree assault against a law enforcement officer or another first responder, they may face felony charges. A conviction may result in a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Misdemeanor assault charges may involve confrontations that escalate beyond words or involve threatening behavior. These situations may include:

• Physical fights at bars, restaurants, or other public venues
• Neighbor disputes over issues such as property lines, noise complaints, or parking that turn physical
• Road rage incidents in which one driver gets out of their vehicle and physically confronts another person or makes threatening movements or gestures that cause a person to fear that they will suffer harm
• Workplace confrontations involving physical contact or threats

Felony Assault Charges

First-degree assault charges may apply in certain circumstances. A person may be charged with first-degree assault based on accusations that they intentionally caused a person to suffer a serious injury, that they attempted to injure someone, or that they used a firearm while committing assault. A serious injury that could lead to first-degree assault charges may include any form of bodily harm that leads to disability or disfigurement or puts a person at risk of death.

Because first-degree assault is classified as a felony, the penalties of a conviction will be more serious, including collateral consequences that will continue to affect a person after serving their sentence. The maximum sentence for first-degree assault is 25 years in prison. A felony assault conviction can have a permanent impact on a person's civil rights. They will be prohibited from possessing firearms, and they may face restrictions on the types of jobs they can hold.

A person may face felony assault charges if they are accused of inflicting significant injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, severe lacerations that result in permanent scars, or other injuries that result in hospitalization. While the use of a firearm is a common factor in these cases, other weapons, such as knives or clubs, may also lead to charges of first-degree assault.

Domestic Violence and Assault Charges

Arguments between family members or other domestic incidents can sometimes lead to arrests for assault. When a person has been accused of domestic violence, they may not only face criminal charges for assault, but they may also be subject to protective orders.

The alleged victim of domestic violence may request a protective order to help ensure that they will be protected against future acts of violence. An arrest for domestic violence may also lead a judge to put a protective order in place. In most cases, an emergency protective order will be issued based on allegations made by a person who claims to be the victim of domestic violence. A hearing will then be held to determine whether a final protective order should be put in place.

A protective order can prohibit a person from contacting their spouse, children, or other family members. It may require a person to vacate a home they share with the alleged victim. Temporary arrangements for child custody may be put in place, and a family court may consider allegations of domestic violence when making decisions about how custody will be handled going forward. A protective order will also require a person to surrender any firearm they own. A violation of the terms of a protective order can lead to additional criminal charges, and the penalties in these cases can be serious.

Contact Our Aspen Hill Assault Lawyer

Whether assault charges are classified as misdemeanors or felonies, legal representation can be crucial as a person defends against these allegations. The consequences of a conviction can reach far beyond the courtroom, and a strong defense will be necessary to help a person avoid long-term or permanent penalties. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyer will explain the charges in these cases, make sure a person is fully prepared to address assault charges in court, and advocate for solutions that will minimize the effects on a person's life. Contact our Aspen Hill, MD assault defense attorney today at 301-762-7500 to arrange a free consultation.