Towson Assault Defense Attorneys

Maryland Attorney Fighting to Protect Clients During Assault Allegations

There are a variety of different types of violent crimes that can lead to criminal prosecution in Maryland. Assault is one of the most common of these offenses, and charges may apply in cases where a person acted with intent to harm someone else or behaved in a way that caused someone to believe that they would be injured. These charges may arise from misunderstandings, disagreements, arguments, or in multiple other types of situations, and they should be treated seriously, since a conviction can result in penalties that could affect a person's life in many ways.

Defending against assault charges requires an understanding of the laws in Maryland, the procedures followed in criminal courts, and the potential defense strategies that may be available. At Seger Law, LLC, our criminal defense lawyer has extensive experience addressing these and other types of criminal charges as both a former prosecutor and an advocate for defendants. We work to protect our clients' rights in these situations, helping them respond to the accusations against them and ensuring that they can resolve the charges against them while minimizing the ways their lives will be affected.

What Is Assault?

There are many different activities that may be grouped under the general category of assault. Traditionally, assault refers to actions that cause someone to reasonably fear that they will suffer imminent injuries or other forms of harm, and battery refers to the actual infliction of bodily harm. However, Maryland law classifies both assault and battery under the general offense of assault. This means that threats to harm someone, physical attacks, and purposeful injuries may all lead to assault charges.

There are two types of assault in Maryland:

• First-degree assault: This is the most severe form of assault, and it includes intentionally causing or attempting to cause serious physical injuries, which include any forms of bodily harm that put someone at risk of death, cause permanent disfigurement, or lead to impairment of an internal organ or part of the body. A person may also be charged with this offense if they are accused of committing assault using a firearm or intentionally strangling someone. First-degree assault is a felony that carries a maximum prison sentence of 25 years.
• Second-degree assault: This offense includes any other forms of assault that do not meet the requirements for first-degree assault charges. Physical attacks that do not result in serious physical injury or acting in ways that place someone in fear of imminent bodily harm may result in second-degree assault charges. In most cases, these offenses will be classified as misdemeanors, and a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $2,500. However, second-degree assault involving physical injuries to a police officer, parole or probation agent, firefighter, emergency medical technician, or another first responder who was providing emergency care is a felony offense, and a conviction could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

Defense Strategies Against Assault Charges

There are a number of potential defenses that may be used by a person who is charged with first-degree or second-degree assault, including:

• Self-defense: A defendant may argue that the actions they took were necessary to defend themselves or others in response to an immediate threat.
• Accidental harm: It may be possible to demonstrate that the harm caused to an alleged victim was not intentional but was the result of an accident.
• Consent: In some cases, it may be possible to show that the alleged victim consented to the act that is being classified as assault and accepted the risk that they could suffer injuries.
• Lack of evidence: Highlighting a lack of concrete evidence to support claims that a person intentionally acted to harm or threaten someone may lead to the dismissal of charges or an acquittal.

Contact Our Towson, MD Assault Lawyer

Assault charges in Maryland are serious matters that demand experienced legal representation. At Seger Law, LLC, we are committed to helping defendants develop robust defense strategies as they respond to charges of assault or other violent crimes. We are dedicated to protecting our clients' rights and ensuring that they receive fair trials. To get legal help with assault or other related criminal charges, contact our office and schedule a free consultation by calling 443-208-4692.