Ellicott City, Maryland Assault Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Charges of Simple Assault or Aggravated Assault in Ellicott City

Charges of assault may be based on a wide range of conduct, from a push during an argument to an intentional attack that leaves someone seriously injured. Because the specific charges that may apply will depend on the circumstances of a case, people who have been accused of assault may be unsure about the penalties they may face until they sit down with someone who can walk them through the charges.

At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorneys represent people who have been accused of assault and related offenses. We can provide legal guidance on the issues that may be addressed during a case and the steps a person can take to avoid a criminal conviction. We will take the time to explain exactly what a prosecutor must prove, how to address the evidence in a case, and the realistic options for defense that may be available. At all times, we will make sure our clients are fully prepared to address the charges against them, appear in court when required, and defend against convictions.

Why People May Be Charged With Simple Assault

In Maryland, charges of second-degree assault are often referred to as simple assault. These offenses may involve harmful or offensive physical contact, attempts to cause harmful contact, or words or actions that caused another person to fear that they would suffer imminent harm. Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor offense, and a conviction could lead to up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

Circumstances that could lead to second-degree assault charges may include:

• Arguments That Turn Physical: A disagreement between neighbors, coworkers, or other people may escalate into pushing, grabbing, or striking, and a person may be charged with assault based on their actions.
• Fights at Bars, Nightclubs, or Parties: Physical confrontations in locations where people drink alcohol can result in assault charges when someone is accused of striking someone else or acting in a threatening manner.
• Threats: A person who raises their fist, lunges toward someone, or makes other threatening gestures or movements may be accused of causing someone else to fear that they would suffer harm. Assault charges may apply even if there was no physical contact.
• Self-Defense Situations: A person may act to protect themselves or someone else, but they may face charges of assault based on claims that they caused an injury through their actions.

Increased Charges for Aggravated Assault

Charges of first-degree assault are also known as aggravated assault. A person could be charged with this offense if they allegedly caused someone to suffer a serious injury when committing assault or if an offense involved intentional strangulation. Aggravated assault charges may also apply if a person allegedly used a firearm during an assault. First-degree assault is a felony offense, and a conviction could lead to a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Other Criminal Charges Involving Assault

Depending on who was involved in an incident or how it occurred, certain types of additional assault charges may apply, including:

• Vehicular Assault: When a driver has allegedly caused someone to suffer a serious injury because of reckless driving, driving under the influence, or other forms of unsafe driving, they could be charged with a misdemeanor offense.
• Domestic Assault: When a person is accused of assault against their spouse, a former romantic partner, the other parent of their child, or another member of their family or household, they may face first-degree or second-degree assault charges. In addition to the criminal penalties that may apply in these cases, protective orders may be put in place, affecting a person's child custody rights, the ability to possess firearms, living arrangements, and other aspects of their life.
• Assault on a Police Officer: A person who is accused of intentionally causing a physical injury to a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or another first responder can face felony charges, even if an offense is classified as second-degree assault. The penalties for these offenses may include up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $5,000.

Defense Strategies in Assault Cases

When a person has been accused of assault, different people may have conflicting stories about what happened. Our lawyers can provide guidance on the options that a person may have for defending against assault charges, including:

• Challenging the Credibility of the Accusations: Many assault cases are based on the claims made by the alleged victim. Inconsistent statements, motives to fabricate or exaggerate an incident, and a lack of other witnesses or physical evidence may undermine the case against a person.
• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: Our attorneys may take steps to show that a person acted to protect themselves or someone else from an immediate threat of harm. By showing that their actions were reasonable, we may be able to prevent a criminal conviction.
• Disputing Intent: Assault charges require proof that a person intended to cause harm, inflict fear, or make physical contact. Our lawyers may argue that contact was accidental or that a person did not intend to cause an injury.
• Challenging the Severity of a Person's Injuries: In first-degree assault cases, our attorneys can review whether the harm suffered by the alleged victim can actually be considered to be a serious physical injury. By showing that injuries were not serious, we may help to reduce charges to second-degree assault and limit the penalties a person may face.

Contact Our Ellicott City, MD Assault Defense Lawyers

When facing a misdemeanor or felony assault charge, a strong defense can be crucial. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we can review the facts surrounding an incident, the credibility of the accusations against a person, and other factors to determine the best steps to take when defending against a conviction. Contact our Ellicott City assault attorneys at 301-762-7500 to set up a free consultation.