Bethesda Assault Defense Lawyer

Attorney Helping Clients in Bethesda, Maryland Defend Against Assault Charges

A physical altercation might not seem like a big deal in the heat of the moment, but these situations may sometimes lead to assault charges. The state of Maryland prosecutes violent crimes harshly, and convictions can lead to harsh punishments. Even if you were involved in a situation where no one was seriously injured, you could be charged with misdemeanor or felony assault, and you may have to contend with fines, prison time, and a criminal record.

When addressing issues related to criminal law, you will want to make sure you have a defense attorney on your side who will defend you diligently and aggressively. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we make exhaustive preparations when handling criminal charges, and we will tailor your defense to the specific details of your case. With over 300 positive reviews from satisfied clients, we have the experience needed to help you defend against assault charges successfully.

Degrees of Assault

Some states differentiate between assault and battery. They may define assault as causing someone to fear that they will suffer immediate harm, while battery may refer to actual physical contact or injuries. Maryland does not make this distinction, and all offenses are grouped under the general category of assault.

Varying degrees of assault charges may apply in these cases, and the legal consequences may be harsher than you would expect. Slapping or shoving someone, for example, could be considered second-degree assault, which is charged as a misdemeanor and punishable by as many as 10 years behind bars. First-degree assault is an even more serious offense that is classified as a felony and could result in up to 25 years in prison. A conviction may also require you to pay thousands of dollars in fines.

As mentioned, simple assault occurs when someone threatens another person with force or makes physical contact without their consent. Actions such as raising a fist to hit someone or spitting directly on a person could lead to charges of second-degree assault. The difference between a misdemeanor and felony conviction, or second-degree and first-degree assault, may depend on the severity of bodily harm, the presence of a weapon, and the intent of the assailant.

Attempting to cause significant injury, threatening significant harm, and trying but failing to cause serious injury could also result in first-degree assault charges, such as in the case of pointing a gun at someone. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we will investigate the unique circumstances of your case to work out the most sensible strategy for your defense.

Domestic Assault in Maryland

Though some states have different laws governing domestic violence and assault, Maryland punishes acts of domestic violence under the state's assault statutes. When a person is accused of committing violence against a family member or a person who lives in their household, the court may consider the offender's relationship to the victim, and the case may be handled differently than a case involving simple assault.

Often, cases involving domestic violence can lead to consequences in addition to the penalties that would apply for an assault conviction. Protective orders may be issued, and a parent's child custody rights may be affected. A person's ability to own or possess a firearm may be restricted. While the alleged victim of domestic assault may seek to drop charges, a prosecutor can still choose to pursue a conviction against the victim's wishes.

How Can I Defend Against an Assault Charge?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be a variety of potential defenses that can help you avoid an assault conviction. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can help you build a strategy that best suits your situation. We will work tirelessly to explore your legal options while making sure you will be prepared for court appearances. Some common strategies include:

• Arguing that you acted in self-defense and only used force to protect yourself or others from harm
• Calling into question whether or not the prosecution can prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
• Challenging whether or not the incident was misinterpreted or involved accidental contact
• Pointing to inconsistencies in the alleged victim's account of the situation or their motives for making accusations of assault
• Arguing that there was a mutual agreement to fight
• Taking steps to show that you were mistaken for someone else
• Providing testimony that contradicts the prosecutor's arguments or the claims of the alleged victim

Consult With a Bethesda, MD Assault Attorney

Crimes of violence and charges of assault can come with multiple types of repercussions, and they need to be handled with attention and care. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we care about the outcome of your case, and we will work to minimize the impact that assault charges may have on your life. By handling your case with compassion and support, our Bethesda assault lawyers can take steps to protect your rights. Call 301-589-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.