If you have been charged with assault, you have a lot to think about. Assault is a violent crime, and if convicted, you could face up to 25 years in prison. When your future hangs in the balance due to one altercation, it can feel hopeless, especially if you don’t believe the charges are fair.
You have options. A Baltimore assault lawyer can help you understand your rights and choose the right strategy to handle your charges. You don’t have to take on the justice system on your own.
You have the right representation. At The Bishop Law Group, our Baltimore criminal defense lawyers have served thousands of clients like you. Contact us today for an assessment and to learn how we can help you.
What Is Assault in Maryland?
In Maryland, unwanted contact, attempted contact, or threatened contact with an individual may be considered an assault, especially if the actions caused fear. This is a second-degree assault charge, also known as simple assault.
Second-degree assault is typically a misdemeanor. If convicted, you face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. However, in some cases, second-degree assault may be charged as a felony if committed against specific classifications of individuals, such as:
- Police officers
- Probation officers
- Firefighters and other first responders
The penalty for second-degree felony assault is up to 10 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both.
First-Degree Assault in Maryland
According to Maryland law, a person may not intentionally cause or attempt to cause serious physical injury to another. First-degree assault is a felony with jail sentences of up to 25 years.
As attempting to cause injury is a component of assault, you may face a harsh prison sentence even if your alleged attack was unsuccessful. The use of a firearm will lead to a first-degree assault charge; however, other weapons can as well.
If you are charged with first-degree assault, it is important to speak to a skilled attorney as soon as possible.
For a free legal consultation with a criminal defense lawyer serving Baltimore, call (410) 390-3101
Defenses Against Assault
Your assault lawyer in Baltimore will review your case and help you choose the best course of action to address your charges. If you choose to fight them, there are several potential defenses to explore. These include:
Establishing an Alibi
If you were somewhere else when the alleged assault took place, you’d have a good chance of beating your charges. An alibi is most effective when you can prove with evidence or witness testimony that you were where you say you were at the time of the incident.
Self-Defense
You have the right to defend yourself reasonably if you believe the alleged assault victim was actually the aggressor. The testimony of other people and evidence such as security camera footage can help prove your claim.
Defense of Others
In some cases, you can step in and physically defend another person you believe is under threat. If the threatened person is willing to corroborate your story, you could have a solid defense against your charges.
Mutual Combat
One of the most interesting potential defenses is the concept of mutual combat. This is where both parties consent to the fight.
Lack of Intent to Cause Injury
If you can show that your actions were not intended to harm the victim, you may be able to have your charges dropped. Remember that the burden of proof is on the prosecution.
Mistaken Identity
Some violent crimes take place in chaotic situations, and a victim may struggle to recall what happened. You could be accused of something you didn’t do, and if so, your attorney will work to show you were not the perpetrator.
False Accusations
You may face a situation where someone with a vendetta uses the justice system to accuse you of a crime you didn’t commit. It is important to explain the full story to your attorney so they can establish a defense and show you are the target of a false accusation.
Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (410) 390-3101
More Ways Your Baltimore Assault Lawyer Can Help
When you hire an assault lawyer in Baltimore, you give yourself the chance you deserve to beat your charges and move on with your life. Most public defenders are fine lawyers, but they don’t have the time or resources to dedicate to your case as we do.
In addition to establishing your defense strategy, here are a few more ways we may be able to help with your assault case:
Preservation of Your Rights
As your attorneys, we are ethically bound to defend you to the best of our ability. It is your constitutional right, and we take it very seriously. We will be there fighting alongside you every step of the way.
Incident Investigation
We won’t take the cop’s word for it. We will investigate your case, review evidence such as security footage, and speak with witnesses to learn what happened. We need to know who was involved to put together a strong defense.
Offering Legal Advice
Once we have a solid understanding of your case, we will give you our top advice on how to proceed. This could mean advocating to have your charges dropped, fighting for your acquittal in court, taking a plea deal, or arguing for reduced sentencing on your behalf.
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Get Help from a Baltimore Assault Attorney
If you have been arrested for assault, you are right to be concerned. Assault is a violent crime, and a conviction has serious consequences. Simple assault carries a possible 10-year prison sentence. If you are convicted of first-degree assault, you could go away for a long time.
Don’t leave your future to chance. A Baltimore assault attorney can help you defend your constitutional rights and ensure the courts treat you fairly. Depending on your case, we may be able to get your charges dropped, argue for lesser charges, or fight for your acquittal in court.
At the Bishop Law Group, we take your civil rights seriously, and we will be there when you need us. Contact us today for an assessment and tell us your story.
Call or text (410) 390-3101 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
