Expert Maryland Assault Lawyers Defending Individuals Charged With Assault

If you have been charged with assault, you are facing some very serious charges. Maryland law classifies assault as a misdemeanor in most circumstances. Assault charges in Maryland, which require the expertise of assault lawyers, can be broken down into two groups: assault or assault and battery.

Assault is a misdemeanor and is defined as one individual attempting to touch another person without their consent. Within this law, it is also stipulated that assault may also occur if the victim has a reasonable fear that unwanted touching will occur.

Battery is classified as the criminal act of actually touching another individual without their consent. All assault charges in Maryland are very serious in nature and have steep penalties and fines attached to them. When someone presses charges for assault in MD, the state takes over the prosecution, making it essential to have an experienced defense team on your side immediately.

If you have been charged with any type of assault, you need an attorney. It’s important to have someone who understands the law. This attorney can determine the best way to defend you against these significant criminal charges.

Contact the skilled Maryland assault lawyers at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A., at (410) 484-0400 to discuss your options.

Why Hire a Maryland Assault Lawyer Immediately

Hiring a Maryland assault lawyer right away helps protect your rights and strengthens your defense from the start. Early legal representation allows us to review the evidence, handle communication with the police, and prevent mistakes that could harm your case.

With early legal support, we can:

• Protect you during police questioning

• Preserve helpful evidence

• Challenge weak or unsupported claims

• Build a defense strategy early

Acting quickly also reduces stress and confusion. Instead of facing the legal process alone, you have guidance at every stage while we work to reduce or dismiss the charges whenever possible.

What Are the Penalties in Maryland If Convicted of Assault?

In Maryland, there are what is known as varying degrees of assault charges and subsequent punishment. If convicted of assault, you could face up to 25 years in prison. Because of the serious nature of these crimes and penalties, you should never try to navigate an assault charge on your own. You need a qualified criminal defense attorney to represent you.

There are several different criminal charges that fall under “assault” in Maryland. They are as follows:

• First-degree assault

A conviction for first-degree assault in Maryland is considered a felony and is punishable by up to 25 years in prison. This criminal action is defined as intentionally causing another person to experience a severe physical injury, attempting to cause a severe physical injury, or using a firearm during the course of the assault. Severe physical injury includes any type of injury that carries with it a severe threat of death, disfigurement, or loss or impairment of limbs or organs.

• Second-degree assault

Maryland second-degree assault charges are classified as misdemeanors and occur when a person attempts to cause or actually causes unwanted harmful physical contact. The criminal penalties associated with this type of assault are extremely harsh as well. A second-degree assault conviction can be punishable by up to 10 years in prison. It should be noted that second-degree assault on any law enforcement officer carries the same stiff penalty but is upgraded to a felony charge.

• Reckless endangerment or poisoning

This is also a misdemeanor charge and is classified as conduct that has a substantial risk of serious injury or even death. Hence, if convicted of reckless endangerment, you could face up to five years in prison. Poisoning another person is considered to be assault, and if convicted, you could face up to 20 years in prison.

Difference Between First- and Second-Degree Assault in Maryland

The main difference is the severity of harm and whether a weapon or serious injury is involved. First-degree assault is a felony with harsher penalties, while second-degree assault is usually a misdemeanor involving unwanted contact or threats.

Because first-degree assault involves more severe allegations, it carries higher penalties. However, both charges are serious and require a strong legal defense.

Potential Consequences Beyond Jail Time

Assault convictions in Maryland can lead to long-term consequences beyond jail time. A criminal record can affect your job, housing, and future opportunities for years.

Some common consequences include:

• A permanent criminal record

• Difficulty finding employment

• Loss of professional licenses

• Housing and background check issues

• Immigration complications

You may also face probation, fines, and court-ordered programs. Even an accusation can harm your reputation and personal life. This is why strong legal defense focuses on protecting both your freedom and your future.

What To Do If You Are Arrested for Assault in Maryland

If you are arrested for assault in Maryland, remain calm and protect your legal rights right away. Your actions after an arrest can affect the outcome of your case.

You should:

• Remain silent and avoid discussing the incident

• Do not contact the alleged victim

• Avoid posting about the case online

• Save messages, videos, or witness information

• Contact a Maryland assault lawyer as soon as possible

Anything you say can be used against you in court. Speaking without legal guidance may weaken your defense. Early legal help allows us to review your case and begin building a defense strategy immediately.

What Are Some of the Possible Defenses Against Assault in Maryland?

If you have been charged with assault, our attorneys can discuss some of the legal options in Maryland that will be the most favorable to you.

• No Credible Threat

This type of defense could be used if the victim was never truly in fear for their safety. Or, it can also be if there was no reasonable threat of injury at the time.

• Self-defense

This type of defense is applicable if you were the initial target of an attack and responded by defending yourself. It’s important to note that in Maryland, an individual is allowed to use only as much force as is necessary for their specific situation. Any overuse of force will make this defense invalid. Specific legal factors must be met to successfully argue self-defense in Maryland.

• Affirmative Defense

In this type of defense, you willingly admit to perpetuating the assault. By applying this defense, you contend that you assaulted an individual to prevent them from harming you or another person. It can also be used if you were required to exert physical force in an attempt to prevent an individual from committing a criminal act, such as theft.

• Mistaken Identity

This defense may apply if you were wrongly identified as the person who committed the alleged assault. Misidentification can happen due to poor visibility, stress during the incident, or unreliable witness recollection. If the identification is inaccurate or lacks strong supporting evidence, your attorney may use this to challenge the prosecution’s case.

By identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, such as misidentification, your attorney can build a strategy focused on how to get an assault charge dismissed before the case reaches trial.

Can Assault Charges Be Dropped in Maryland?

Yes, assault charges can be reduced or dismissed, but the alleged victim cannot simply drop the charges. Once charges are filed, the State of Maryland controls the case.

Charges may be dismissed if there is weak evidence, inconsistent statements, or legal issues with the arrest. Defenses such as self-defense, lack of proof, or mistaken identity may also support dismissal.

We review all evidence, police reports, and witness accounts to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and pursue the best possible outcome.

Our Defense Strategy in Maryland Assault Cases

Our defense strategy focuses on reviewing the facts, challenging the evidence, and protecting your rights at every stage. We begin with a full case review, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video or medical records.

Our approach may include:

• Challenging unreliable witness testimony

• Presenting self-defense arguments

• Showing lack of intent or credible threat

• Raising mistaken identity issues

• Negotiating for reduced or dismissed charges

We also handle communication with prosecutors and the court. This allows you to focus on your life while we manage the legal process and work toward the best possible result.

Maryland Assault Lawyer Serving Baltimore and Surrounding Areas

We represent clients facing assault charges throughout Maryland, including Baltimore, Towson, Columbia, and nearby areas. Our team understands local courts, prosecutors, and legal procedures in Maryland jurisdictions.

This local experience helps us build defense strategies that reflect how assault cases are handled in Maryland courts. Whether you are charged with first-degree or second-degree assault, we are prepared to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are facing assault charges, you likely have questions about the legal process and potential consequences. The following FAQs can help you better understand what to expect.

• Is assault a felony in Maryland?

  Assault can be a felony or a misdemeanor. First-degree assault is a felony, while second-degree assault is usually charged as a misdemeanor unless special circumstances apply.

• Can you go to jail for second-degree assault in Maryland?

  Yes. A second-degree assault conviction can lead to up to 10 years in prison, along with fines and probation, depending on the case details.

• What happens after an assault arrest in Maryland?

  After an arrest, you may go through booking, bail review, and court hearings while the prosecution reviews evidence and your attorney prepares a defense.

• Can assault charges be expunged in Maryland?

  In some cases, charges may be expunged if the case is dismissed, you are found not guilty, or you meet Maryland expungement requirements.

• Does the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A. offer free consultations for assault charges?

  Yes. We offer a free consultation to review your assault charge, explain your legal options, and discuss possible defense strategies.

• How can the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A. help with my assault case?

  We defend clients facing assault charges by reviewing evidence, challenging the prosecution’s case, and working to reduce or dismiss the charges while protecting your rights throughout the legal process.

Maryland Assault Lawyer at the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A.

You may employ this defense if it is unclear who actually committed the assault. This is often used in situations such as bar fights or other public brawls.

If you are facing assault charges, it is critical that you hire experienced assault lawyers who can guide you through the complex laws that surround assault charges in Maryland. Contact the Law Offices of Alex Poberesky, P.A. at (410) 484-0400. Schedule your appointment now to speak with a member of our legal team who can assist you. We can offer you a free case review and answer any questions you may have pertaining to your case.