Laurel, Maryland Assault Defense Attorney

Skilled Assault Defense Lawyer for Clients in Laurel, MD

The state of Maryland takes assault offenses seriously. Even if you did not put your hands on the alleged victim, you could still face years in prison if you are convicted in a court of criminal law. With assistance from a Laurel, MD assault defense lawyer, you can contest the charges against you to protect your rights.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we have years of experience representing people in a wide variety of criminal cases. We have received hundreds of 5-star reviews from clients who have walked away greatly satisfied with the quality of our defense. You can rest assured that our team will handle your case with care, going over all of your options to challenge an assault charge.

What Is Second-Degree Assault?

In Maryland, the crime of assault is divided into two separate degrees with different punishments. Second-degree assault is the less serious of the two offenses, so it carries lighter penalties on a conviction.

Charges of assault in the second degree are usually reserved for cases where physical contact was made, but the victim sustained no serious injuries. You may be charged with this crime if you:

• Throw a punch at somebody without making contact
• Purposefully spit on someone else
• Shove or forcefully grab another person
• Slap somebody else

Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor offense. If convicted, you could face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a possible $2,500 fine. However, if you knowingly assault a law enforcement officer or a first responder engaged in their duties, you could be charged with a felony carrying a higher maximum fine.

What Is First-Degree Assault?

You may face charges of assault in the first degree if you are accused of intentionally causing or attempting to cause serious bodily harm to another person. The law also provides that threatening somebody with a firearm, loaded or not, is an act of first-degree assault. Acts constituting first-degree assault may include:

• Shoving someone down a flight of stairs
• Punching another person hard enough to result in broken bones
• Hitting somebody else with a baseball bat or another blunt instrument

Additionally, the act of strangling another person by cutting off their air flow is always charged as first-degree assault in Maryland. The penalties for first-degree assault are quite severe, punishable as a felony crime with a maximum of 25 years in prison. Also, keep in mind that a misdemeanor or felony conviction of assault will appear on your criminal record, which can hurt your ability to find employment.

How Can I Defend Against an Assault Charge?

Given the possible penalties for a conviction of assault, it is important that you seek out an attorney to develop a comprehensive defense strategy. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we are well-versed in violent crime, so we can work with you to build a strong case prior to your appearance in court.

Many people wonder if they can claim self-defense as a defense against an assault charge in Maryland. The answer is somewhat complicated, and it will hinge on the unique circumstances of your case. Generally, self-defense claims are limited to cases where the defendant was not the aggressor, and a reasonable amount of force was used to deter the threat. Even if you do not have a perfect claim to self-defense, you may still be able to get the charges against you reduced.

We can also look for other avenues of defense. For instance, we might argue that you did not intend to harm or threaten the alleged victim, or that the conduct was consensual.

Contact a Laurel Assault Defense Lawyer

Have you been accused of assault? If so, do not delay in seeking out legal representation. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can stand up for your rights and work toward an optimal resolution to your case. Call us at 301-589-9500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Laurel, MD assault defense attorneys.