North Laurel Assault Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for First-Degree or Second-Degree Assault Charges in North Laurel, MD

An arrest and criminal charges of assault may occur because of a moment that only lasted a few seconds. A heated argument between neighbors or coworkers, a shoving match between parents at a youth sports game, or a disagreement between family members at home can lead to a call to the police by someone who was involved or someone who witnessed or overheard the incident. When officers arrive, they may arrest a person based on brief conversations with the people at the scene and sometimes without hearing the full story of what happened.

Assault charges can be serious, and depending on whether a person is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, they could be looking at a lengthy prison sentence, sometimes lasting for as much as 25 years. The attorneys at Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help clients determine the ideal path for defense when responding to assault accusations or other criminal charges that may apply in a situation. We understand how prosecutors approach these cases, and we know what defense strategies are most likely to be successful.

In addition to our knowledge of the law and our experience gathering evidence and building arguments to help our clients defend against convictions, we can provide compassionate guidance throughout a case. We work to ensure that our clients feel supported and that they will be able to meet all legal requirements that they may encounter. This includes extensive preparation for court appearances, which ensures that clients will be ready to come to court, dress in a professional manner, and answer questions or make statements in ways that will help their cases.

What Is Assault?

For the average person, the word "assault" means a physical attack on someone that most likely resulted in injuries. However, the legal definition of assault is more broad. It can include threats to cause harm, including words a person uses stating that they want to hurt someone, as well as physical actions indicating that an attack is coming, such as pulling back a fist to throw a punch.

In Maryland, assault offenses may also include what other states refer to as battery. A person may be charged with assault if they make unwanted contact with someone else, such as by pushing or shoving them. They may also face criminal charges if they intentionally cause an injury by striking someone or taking other physical actions.

Because of this broad definition, there are numerous reasons why people may be arrested and charged with assault. Verbal threats or actions that cause someone to believe that they will suffer harm, offensive contact, or purposeful injuries or other forms of harm can all lead to serious criminal charges.

Second-Degree Assault Charges

In many cases, people who are accused of committing assault that did not lead to serious injuries may face charges of second-degree assault. Although this offense is classified as a misdemeanor, it carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.

A charge of second-degree assault may be increased to a felony if a person is accused of assault against a police officer or another first responder, such as an emergency medical worker or firefighter. In these cases, the maximum prison sentence is still 10 years, but the maximum fine will increase to $5,000.

First-Degree Assault Charges

The most serious assault charges are classified as felonies. A person convicted of first-degree assault could be sentenced to serve up to 25 years in prison. The reasons a person could be charged with this offense include:

Causing or Attempting to Cause a Serious Physical Injury

When assault allegedly involves the attempt to seriously injure someone, it may be classified as a felony. A serious physical injury may include any form of bodily harm that puts someone in danger of being killed or leads to a permanent disability or disfigurement. For example, if a fight occurs in which one person suffers a fractured skull and the loss of vision in one eye, this would likely be considered a serious physical injury, and the other person may be charged with first-degree assault.

Strangulation

Allegations of assault in which a person strangled someone can lead to felony charges. Strangulation may include choking someone around the neck and blocking the flow of air or interrupting their blood circulation. Because this can lead to a risk of serious injury or death, it can lead to charges of first-degree assault.

Assault With a Firearm

An assault in which a person was allegedly carrying a firearm, including a handgun, rifle, or shotgun, will typically be classified as first-degree assault. A gun does not need to be fired, and no one needs to be injured for these charges to apply. A person who allegedly pointed a gun at someone else during an argument or dispute may face felony assault charges.

Related Charges That May Be Filed in Cases Involving Assault

Depending on the circumstances involved in a case, prosecutors may bring multiple types of charges against a person who has been accused of assault. These may include.

Assault Involving a Vehicle

A car can be used to commit assault, and a person could be charged with a violent crime in addition to a traffic violation. A driver who has been accused of swerving toward a pedestrian or intentionally striking another vehicle may face charges of vehicular assault.

Reckless Endangerment

A person who is accused of taking actions that put someone else at risk of being seriously injured or killed could be charged with reckless endangerment. These charges are different from assault, because they involve reckless behavior rather than intentional actions. However, they could be charged alongside assault if a person is accused of putting others in danger at the same time as injuring someone intentionally.

Domestic Violence

When a person has been accused of assault against a spouse, their child, or another family member, an offense may be classified as domestic violence. In addition to any penalties that may apply for a conviction on assault charges, a person may face restrictions under a restraining order, such as being required to move out of their home, being prohibited from contacting their family members, and not being allowed to possess a firearm.

Contact Our North Laurel, Maryland Assault Lawyers

Whether assault charges are classified as misdemeanors or felony offenses, a strong defense can be crucial. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers know how to help clients address these charges and avoid convictions while also minimizing penalties that could affect their lives and family relationships. Contact our North Laurel, MD assault attorneys at 301-762-7500 to arrange a free consultation.