Columbia Assault Attorneys

Lawyers Defending Against Criminal Charges Involving Assault in Columbia, MD

The potential charges a person may face when they have been accused of assault can be serious. Assault charges may arise in a variety of situations, including disagreements between strangers, disputes between family members, or a fight in which a person allegedly suffered an injury. The criminal penalties that may apply in these cases may include fines, jail time, protective orders, and a criminal record. Understanding the best options for defense can be crucial when a person has been arrested for assault.

The attorneys at Law Offices of Mallon Snyder work with clients to determine the best approach to take to defend against assault charges. We will make sure clients understand the specific charges they are facing, the ways they may be affected by a conviction, and the defense strategies that are most likely to be successful. By working with a client to prepare a thorough defense, we can provide the guidance they need as they address the issues involved in their case, and we will work to achieve an outcome that will protect a person's freedom and future.

Misdemeanor or Felony Assault Charges

The specific charges a person may face when they have been accused of assault will usually depend on what actually happened during an incident. Assault may be charged as a misdemeanor if a person allegedly made offensive or harmful physical contact with someone else or acted in a way that caused another person to fear that they would suffer harm. Charges of second-degree assault may address situations such as a minor scuffle, a shove, a slap, or an aggressive gesture during an argument. While these charges may not seem to be serious, a person who is convicted may face a jail sentence that could be as long as 10 years.

The penalties for assault can increase significantly when a case involves aggravating factors. First-degree assault or aggravated assault may involve intentionally causing someone to suffer a serious bodily injury or using a gun while committing assault. These cases may result in felony charges, and a person who is convicted could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison.

Whether a case is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor can depend on the details surrounding an incident. The exact nature of the injuries suffered by an alleged victim, whether a person was carrying a weapon or is accused of strangulation, or other factors could determine the severity of the charges and penalties. Our lawyers will review the evidence carefully and determine what options for defense may be available.

Domestic Violence Accusations and Protective Orders

Some assault charges may be based on domestic violence incidents. A person who is accused of injuring, threatening, or making provocative contact with a member of their family or someone who lives in their household may not only face criminal penalties, but accusations could affect family law cases, or restrictions may be placed on where they can go and when they can contact their family members.

Protective orders may be issued in situations where a person has been accused of assault against a family member, including their spouse, children, parents, siblings, a current or former romantic partner, or the other parent of their child. The alleged victim of domestic violence may request a protective order, or a judge may put a protective order in place after a person has been arrested for domestic assault.

A protective order may prohibit a person from contacting the alleged victim of domestic violence or other family members. This may prevent them from speaking to their spouse or children, which can cause serious disruptions to family relationships. A person may also be prohibited from returning to their home, and they may need to find new living arrangements on a temporary or permanent basis.

Our attorneys can provide representation for clients during protective order hearings while also helping to defend against criminal charges related to domestic violence. We can help clients prepare for hearings, gather evidence supporting their side of events, and advocate for solutions that will prevent disruptions to family life. Our goal is to resolve these situations while protecting our clients' rights and making sure they will be able to minimize the long-term penalties of domestic violence accusations.

Vehicular Assault Charges

In some cases, assault charges may be based on how a person allegedly operated a vehicle rather than a direct physical confrontation. When a driver has allegedly caused someone to suffer a serious injury because they engaged in recklessness, carelessness, or negligence while operating a vehicle, they could be charged with vehicular assault.

When a person is charged with an offense involving a life-threatening injury that occurred because they allegedly operated a vehicle in a manner that was considered to be criminally negligent, they may be charged with a misdemeanor offense. The penalties for a conviction may include up to one year in jail. A person could face vehicular assault charges in situations involving allegations of reckless driving, or they may be accused of injuring someone while committing DUI. More serious charges of vehicular manslaughter may apply if a person allegedly caused someone else's death due to negligent driving. In these cases, the sentence may be as high as 10 years in jail.

Charges of vehicular assault may be based on the opinions of accident reconstruction experts or witnesses who observed a crash. Our lawyers can work with experts to evaluate an accident or the injuries that occurred and argue against accusations of criminal negligence. We will work to defend against convictions of vehicular assault or related offenses.

Contact Our Columbia, Maryland Assault Attorneys

Because of the serious nature of assault charges, it is important to secure legal representation and take steps to defend against a conviction. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorneys can review your case, explain the specific charges and potential penalties, and provide guidance on the defense strategies that may be used. At all times, we will work to ensure that our clients will be fully prepared to address criminal charges, including making sure they will be ready for court appearances by dressing professionally and advising them on how to respond when they are asked questions by a judge. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Columbia assault defense lawyers at 301-762-7500.