Fulton, Maryland Assault Defense Attorney

Experienced Assault Defense Attorney for Residents of Fulton

The state of Maryland imposes strict penalties for violent crimes, including the crime of assault. Even if the incident ultimately did not result in severe injury to anybody else, you could still be fined, incarcerated, and left with a criminal record. When an assault charge threatens to upend your life, a Fulton assault defense lawyer can work with you to develop a sound legal strategy.

The best legal defense for an assault charge should be tailored to the specific details of your case. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we will make exhaustive preparations for your case, taking the circumstances of your arrest into account so that we can more effectively represent you in court.

Second-Degree Assault Charges

The charge of assault in the second degree is reserved for more mild physical contact or aggressive gestures. These acts do not necessarily have to result in injury, but they are often offensive or threatening in some way. Examples of second-degree assault may include shoving another person or throwing a punch without making contact.

As a misdemeanor offense, this crime is punishable by no more than 10 years in prison, as well as a possible fine of up to $2,500. However, if you assaulted someone whom you knew to be a law enforcement officer, parole officer, or emergency responder, you will be charged with a felony, with an increased fine of up to $5,000. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we will look for mitigating circumstances that could possibly result in reduced charges or a more lenient sentence in court.

First-Degree Assault Charges

When an act of assault puts somebody at serious risk, it could result in aggravated charges. The crime of assault in the first degree is always prosecuted as a felony offense, which will come with increased penalties. You could be charged with first-degree assault if:

• Pointing a firearm at another person
• Throwing someone down a flight of stairs
• Strangling another person
• Using a dangerous weapon to injure another person
• Dislocating someone's shoulder or arm
• Striking somebody over the head with a bottle

If you are convicted of assault in the first degree, you could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.

Domestic Assault

In Maryland, domestic violence is usually charged under the state's assault laws. There are no special laws or procedures outlined for assault on a family member, but the court may treat the case differently due to the relationship between the alleged offender and the victim.

If you have been accused of assaulting a family member, working with a criminal defense attorney is in your best interests. The stigma of domestic violence can be hard to shake, so you should prepare a strong defense with the help of a lawyer.

Defenses Against an Assault Charge in Maryland

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can explore possible defenses to an assault charge before your court appearance, such as:

• Self-Defense: If you were responding to a reasonable threat to your safety, you may be able to claim self-defense. However, if the use of force was not proportionate to the threat, this may not absolve you of all responsibility.
• Lack of Intent: If you did not intend to hurt the victim or otherwise threaten them, you may be able to challenge the prosecution's case.
• Consent: If you and the alleged victim agreed to engage in combat or another mutual engagement, you could dispute the charges against you.

Meet With a Fulton, MD Assault Defense Lawyer

An assault conviction can have lasting consequences for your future. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., our Fulton assault defense attorneys can represent you with confidence in court. Call our offices at 301-589-9500 or contact us online today.