Hyattsville Assault Defense Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Clients Address Assault Charges in Hyattsville, MD

When people are involved in arguments that escalate into pushing or other forms of physical contact, engage in fights at bars or at athletic events, or are accused of purposely causing injuries, they could be arrested and charged with criminal offenses. In many cases, these arrests will result in charges of assault. Whether accusations involve minor physical contact, incidents that led to serious injuries, or the use of a weapon, it is important to understand how to respond and defend against a criminal conviction.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder provide representation for people who are facing charges of assault. We can help clients understand how to defend against these charges or any other related offenses. We know that assault accusations often occur in situations involving strong emotions. Police reports do not always tell the whole story. We will listen closely to what happened and review the evidence carefully, and we can provide guidance on the best ways to proceed during a case, defend against assault charges, and avoid a criminal conviction.

A Personalized Approach to Assault Defense

Accusations of assault can affect a person's life in many ways. They could lose their job, and their relationships with friends and family may be damaged. Our lawyers work to ensure that clients can avoid or minimize the penalties that could impact their finances, their freedom, and other parts of their lives. We strive to keep clients informed at every step, while advising them on what to expect during court appearances and throughout their cases.

Our goal is to ensure that our clients will always be fully prepared for what may happen, including answering their questions, explaining what they should say and do while in the courtroom, and giving an honest assessment of the results they can expect. By providing steady, personal guidance, we ensure that clients can focus on their daily lives while we focus on the legal aspects of their defense.

Understanding Assault Under Maryland Law

Charges of assault may apply in a wide variety of situations. Traditionally, assault has involved words or actions that lead other people to believe that they would suffer harm, while battery has involved phsyical contact with someone else or actions that cause injuries. In Maryland, both of these types of offenses fall under the category of assault.

People may face charges of assault in a variety of situations. Some cases may involve physical contact like pushing, slapping, or punching, but anything that causes another person to fear that they would be injured or suffer other forms of harm could also lead to assault charges. Verbal threats or attempts to hit someone may be considered assault, even if no physical contact occurs.

Simple Assault Charges and Penalties

In cases involving assault that did not lead to injuries, this is usually known as simple assault. In Maryland, accusations of simple assault will typically lead to charges of second-degree assault. This is a misdemeanor offense in most cases, but it can still lead to serious penalties. The maximum prison sentence for second-degree assault is 10 years, and a conviction could also lead to a maximum fine of $2,500.

Aggravated Assault Charges

Based on the accusations against a person, some assault charges may be classified as felonies. These cases will often involve serious injuries, and they are known as aggravated assault. A person who is charged with first-degree assault may be accused of intentionally inflicting a serious injury, strangling another person, or using a firearm to commit an assault. First-degree assault is a felony offense, and a conviction could lead to a sentence lasting for up to 25 years in prison.

The types of severe injuries that may be addressed in cases involving first-degree assault charges will often include bodily harm that led to a permanent disability or the loss of a body part or injuries that could have led to death. Because the difference between second-degree assault and first-degree assault may depend on how injuries are assessed or whether a weapon was involved, medical evidence and testimony from witnesses can play a crucial role in these cases.

Assault Accusations That May Lead to Domestic Violence Charges

When a person is accused of assault against their spouse or partner, other family members, or someone else who lives in their household, they may be charged with domestic violence. While the criminal charges in these cases will be handled in a similar manner as other types of assault charges, concerns about the safety of family members may influence decisions about bail, sentencing, and protective orders.

A person who claims that domestic violence has occurred may file a petition for a protective order, or a judge reviewing charges of assault against a family or household member may decide to issue a protective order. A protective order may require a person to stay away from their home, prevent them from contacting their family members or other alleged victims, and surrender any firearms they own.

In many cases, temporary protective orders may be put in place without giving the person who has been accused of domestic violence the opportunity to respond until a later date. A hearing will be held in which a judge will decide whether long-term protections will be necessary, and a person may provide evidence and testimony supporting their side of the tory. Our attorneys can help clients understand what restrictions they will face under a protective order, and we can provide representation during hearings and work to have unnecessary restrictions lifted or modified.

Contact Our Hyattsville, Maryland Assault Defense Lawyers

The penalties that may affect a person who is charged with assault can be serious. Whether an offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony, a conviction could lead to years in prison and other long-term consequences. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers can provide guidance to people who are facing assault charges, and we work with clients to resolve these cases successfully while protecting their rights. Contact our Hyattsville assault charges attorneys at 301-762-7500 to schedule a free consultation.