Elkridge Assault Lawyers

Attorneys for Assault, Domestic Violence, and Related Charges in Elkridge, Maryland

The word "assault" will often make people think of physical fights or attacks in which someone is hurt. However, there are many other reasons a person could face criminal charges of assault. These cases may involve words or gestures that caused fear, brief physical contact that did not lead to an injury, or actions that allegedly caused someone to suffer a serious injury. Depending on the circumstances involved in a case, a person who is arrested for assault could face misdemeanor or felony charges.

The penalties that may apply when a person has been arrested for assault can be more serious than many people may expect. To ensure that these charges will be handled correctly, a person will need to make sure they have legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we work with clients to address assault accusations and defend against convictions.

Our lawyers have decades of courtroom experience, and we work to ensure that our clients understand the laws that apply in assault cases and the defense strategies that may be available. In addition to investigating cases and gathering evidence that can be used during our clients' defense, we work closely with the people we represent to ensure that they know what to expect during criminal proceedings. We will always keep clients informed about the next steps that will be followed, and we will advise them on how to prepare for court appearances so that they can minimize stress.

Three Ways Assault Can Occur

In Maryland, charges of assault may involve multiple types of offenses that are generally known as assault or battery. These offenses will often fall into one of the following categories:

• Threats: A person may be accused of acting in a way that is intended to make someone fear that they will be attacked or injured, such as lunging toward them or swinging an object. Verbal threats may also qualify as assault. Criminal charges may apply if the other person reasonably believed that they were about to be harmed.
• Contact: Assault charges may involve accusations of intentionally touching someone in a harmful or offensive way without their consent. A slap, a shove, or grabbing someone's clothing can qualify as assault even if no injuries or other forms of harm occurred.
• Injuries: The most serious assault charges will often involve allegations of intentionally causing someone to suffer physical harm. The injuries in these cases may range from bruises or minor cuts to broken bones or other forms of serious bodily harm.

When Assault May Be Charged as a Felony

First-degree assault is a felony offense that carries penalties including the possibility of a sentence of up to 25 years in prison. A person may be charged with first-degree assault if they allegedly took actions meant to intentionally cause a serious physical injury. Injuries that may qualify for felony charges will generally involve a serious risk of death or long-term impairments. For example, repeatedly kicking someone who has fallen to the ground may lead to charges of first-degree assault if this resulted in damage to a person's internal organs.

Strangulation may also be a factor in first-degree assault cases. Pressure on the neck or throat can quickly cause a person to suffer serious harm. A person who has allegedly choked or strangled someone and prevented them from breathing or cut off their blood circulation may face serious penalties. The evidence used in these cases may include medical examinations, photographs of redness or bruising on a person's neck, or descriptions of breathing problems after being choked.

Assault committed with a firearm will also usually lead to felony charges. A person who displays a handgun during an argument in a parking lot may face first-degree assault charges, even if the weapon was never fired.

Misdemeanor Assault Charges

When an alleged assault does not involve serious injuries, strangulation, or the use of a firearm, it is usually charged as second-degree assault. Although these offenses are classified as misdemeanors, the maximum penalty is 10 years in prison.

Second-degree assault charges may apply after disputes between neighbors, arguments at sporting events, conflicts between coworkers, confrontations after traffic accidents, or in other situations. A person who allegedly pushed someone else during an argument, engaged in other forms of offensive conduct, or behaved in a way that indicated that they were going to attack or harm someone can be charged with assault.

Assault Involving Police Officers and First Responders

To provide protection for people who serve the public, the laws in Maryland allow for more serious penalties in cases involving accusations of assault against first responders. A charge of second-degree assault may be classified as a felony in a case involving assault against a police officer. Felony charges may also apply if a person allegedly assaulted a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or another person who was providing emergency medical care. While the maximum sentence for these offenses is 10 years in prison, the maximum fine may be as high as $5,000.

Vehicular Assault Charges

When a vehicle has allegedly been used to intentionally put others at risk or inflict injuries, a person could be charged with vehicular assault. These charges may be based on the accusation that a driver intentionally drove toward a person or rammed another car. While vehicular assault is generally treated as a misdemeanor with potential penalties that may include up to one year in prison and fines as high as $5,000, more serious charges may apply if a person's actions allegedly led to injuries or death.

Contact Our Elkridge, MD Assault Attorneys

Whether assault charges involve allegations of threats, physical contact, or injuries, the attorneys at Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help clients determine how to address these accusations and defend against convictions. In situations where people have been accused of domestic violence, we can defend against any assault charges that may apply while also responding to requests for restraining orders. We will work to ensure that our clients will be able to minimize the impact that assault charges may have on their lives. Contact our Elkridge, Maryland assault charges defense lawyers by calling 301-762-7500 and setting up a free consultation.