Chevy Chase, MD Assault Defense Attorney

Chevy Chase, Maryland Assault Defense Lawyer

When a heated argument escalates to violence, the parties involved may face criminal charges. In Maryland, assault can carry hefty penalties, including the possibility of years in prison and a black mark that will show up on your criminal record. By working with a Chevy Chase assault defense attorney, you can contest the allegations in a court of law.

People accused of violent crimes may face close scrutiny from judges and prosecutors. The last thing you want is for the court to think you are a dangerous person who needs to be incarcerated. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we have years of experience in criminal defense, and we can help you strategize around misdemeanor and felony charges of assault.

Degrees of Assault

Some states use the term "assault and battery" to distinguish between threats of violence and physical acts causing injury or offense. Maryland does not make a distinction between assault and battery, as they are both punished under the same statute.

A second-degree assault is a misdemeanor, usually reserved for incidents involving offensive physical contact or mild injury. You might face second-degree assault charges for shoving another person or slapping somebody. However, the penalties may be much worse than you expect. Regardless of whether or not somebody was actually hurt in the act, you could face up to 10 years in prison for committing assault in the second degree.

First-degree assault charges usually apply if somebody was seriously injured or if a dangerous weapon was used or brandished against the victim. As a felony, first-degree assault is punishable by up to 25 years behind bars.

Domestic Violence

The only real difference between a simple assault charge and domestic violence in Maryland is the offender's relationship to the victim. If you commit assault against someone in your household, a family member, or a romantic partner, it will be noted in court. The penalties for domestic violence are identical to the penalties for assault, with upgraded charges for aggravating circumstances.

Some people are under the mistaken impression that the victim can drop a domestic violence charge against a suspected offender. It is at the state's discretion to decide whether or not to prosecute a case, regardless of the alleged victim's input. That being said, the prosecution may have a more difficult time arguing their case if the victim will not cooperate by supplying testimony or further evidence.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can defend you against charges of domestic violence. We will take the time to understand your unique situation and present your side of the story to the court.

Defenses Against an Assault Charge in Maryland

There are many possible defenses against an assault charge in Maryland. We can refer to different arguments in your case, such as:

• Self-Defense: If you were responding to an imminent threat to your safety, we could argue that you used a reasonable, proportionate amount of force to protect yourself or others.
• Mutual Agreement: We could argue that the alleged victim consented to the contact, or that you both agreed to get in a fight, possibly reducing the severity of the crime.
• Lack of Evidence: If the evidence does not point to you as the culprit, we could bring the court's attention to the weak case against you.

Contact a Chevy Chase Assault Defense Lawyer

You need an involved defense strategy to contest an allegation of a violent crime. Our Chevy Chase, Maryland assault defense attorney can meet with you individually to discuss your options.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we are here to fight for you. Call our offices at 301-589-9500 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation.