North Bethesda Assault Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Criminal Charges Involving Assault in North Bethesda, Maryland

When an argument gets out of hand, someone shoves someone else during a heated moment, or a misunderstanding leads someone to call the police and claim that they were threatened, a person could be arrested and charged with assault. can quickly turn into a criminal case. People may be surprised to learn that even minor physical contact or verbal threats may be considered to be assault. While these charges may seem to be minor at first, a conviction can lead to serious penalties, including the possibility of years in prison.

The legal team at the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder defend people who have been accused of assault in North Bethesda and the surrounding communities. Our attorneys have substantial experience in criminal cases in Montgomery County and other parts of Maryland. We know how these cases are handled by prosecutors, and we can uncover weaknesses in the evidence or highlight false or exaggerated accusations.

We recognize that some clients may have never been in trouble with the law before or that they may not know how their cases will be handled. We will provide steady guidance throughout the legal process, explaining what will happen and what steps can be taken to build a strong defense. We will always make sure clients are prepared to appear in court, and we will advise them on what clothes they should wear and what they should say and do in the courtroom. By addressing their concerns, we can help make these matters as easy and stress-free as possible for our clients.

How Maryland Law Addresses Assault

Maryland defines assault more broadly than most people expect. Under Criminal Law Article § 3-201, assault may include:

Assault

An assault can occur without any physical contact. Intentionally causing another person to fear that they will suffer immediate harm may be considered assault. This may include raising a fist or lunging toward someone in a threatening way. A failed attempt to cause harm may also count as assault.

Battery

Battery involves offensive or harmful physical contact that is intentional and unwanted. Contact does not need to cause an injury. Spitting on someone, grabbing their arm, or pushing them may all count as battery.

Assault and Battery Combined

Prosecutors may charge a person with assault whether the alleged conduct involved a threat, physical contact, or both. The degree of the charge will depend on the seriousness of the conduct and any injuries that allegedly occurred.

Situations That Can Lead to Arrests for Assault

Assault cases may involve a wide variety of alleged actions. A disagreement outside a restaurant or bar may end with both people claiming that the other started the fight. A traffic dispute can escalate into a road rage incident when one driver gets out of the car and behaves threateningly. Arguments between spouses, partners, or roommates can lead to domestic assault charges, and an alleged victim may request a protective order.

First-Degree and Second-Degree Assault

The degree of an assault charge will determine the potential penalties.

Second-Degree Assault

Assault cases will often involve threats or physical contact, and they may result in minor injuries or no injuries at all. In these cases, second-degree assault charges may apply, and a person may be charged with a misdemeanor. Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, a conviction for misdemeanor assault could lead to a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $2,500.

First-Degree Assault

In certain circumstances, assault is classified as a felony. First-degree assault or aggravated assault charges may apply when a person is accused of causing or attempting to cause someone to suffer a serious physical injury, which may include any injury that puts someone at risk of death or causes disability or disfigurement. In these cases, a conviction can result in a sentence lasting for up to 25 years in prison.

How Assault Cases Move Through Maryland Courts

Second-degree assault cases will typically be handled in district courts. Because the maximum penalty for this offense exceeds 90 days, a defendant has the right to request a jury trial. This may result in a case being moved to a circuit court. First-degree assault charges are felonies and are handled in circuit court, and charges may be filed after an indictment by a grand jury.

Throughout this process, our lawyers may file motions to suppress statements or evidence, interview witnesses, obtain video footage, and negotiate with prosecutors. We can take steps to seek a dismissal, a reduced charge, or probation before judgment, which can allow a person to avoid a conviction on their record if they complete the terms of probation.

Depending on the facts of a case, the available defenses may includeself-defense or defense of others. We may argue that there was no intent to commit assault or that the accusations against a person are false accusations or were based on a mistaken identity. In cases involving first-degree assault charges, we may argue that there is insufficient evidence of a serious bodily injury. Our goal will be to resolve a case while minimizing the potential penalties and securing the best possible outcome for our client.

Contact Our North Bethesda, MD Assault Lawyers

An assault accusation can affect your freedom and your reputation, and a conviction could have long-term or permanent effects on your life. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers can evaluate the evidence in your case, explain your options, develop a strong defense strategy, and advocate for you in court. Reach out to our North Bethesda, Maryland assault defense attorneys at 301-762-7500 to schedule a free consultation.