Wheaton, MD Assault Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Charges of Simple Assault or Aggravated Assault in Wheaton, Maryland

When people become involved in arguments, shoving matches, fights, or other situations that could lead to injuries, the police may be called. Officers may interview the people involved in these situations or witnesses who saw what happened, and they may arrest a person who behaved aggressively or inflicted injuries. These cases may result in assault charges. Depending on the circumstances of a case, a person could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony offense, and they will need to determine what steps they can take to defend against a conviction.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers can assist with charges of assault or other related criminal offenses. We will provide guidance on the steps a person can follow to protect their rights during their defense. By reviewing the evidence involved in a case, we can identify the strategies that may be used to resolve a case without a criminal conviction. We will advise a client of what to expect during their case, including preparing them for any appearances in court. With our compassionate, dedicated representation, clients can get through these situations and move forward with their lives.

Common Situations That Can Lead to Assault Arrests

Disagreements, arguments, or other situations where people encounter conflict can lead to criminal charges when someone is accused of making threats, attempting to intimidate others, making offensive contact, or inflicting injuries. Arrests for assault may occur in situations such as:

• Bar Fights: At bars or nightclubs, people who have been drinking alcohol may become involved in arguments, and they may become involved in fights. These cases may involve multiple witnesses, and people may disagree about who started the confrontation, what happened during a fight, and whether a person intentionally injured someone else.
• Arguments Between Neighbors: Disagreements over property lines, noise complaints, or parking disputes can lead to arguments that may escalate into threats or physical confrontations. These cases may involve disputes over who was the aggressor and what actions were taken that led to intimidation, threats, or injuries.
• Domestic Disputes: Spouses, romantic partners, parents, children, or other family members may become involved in arguments, and the police may be called when someone believes a situation has gotten out of hand. A person who is accused of threatening or injuring a family member may be arrested for assault. Accusations of domestic violence may also lead to protective orders that can place restrictions on where a person can go and whether they can communicate with their family members.
• Vehicular Assault: If a person is accused of causing an injury by driving in a negligent or dangerous manner, they may face assault charges. These cases may involve road rage incidents, accidents involving aggressive driving, or injuries caused by distracted driving or other traffic violations.
• Assault on a Police Officer: When a person is accused of acting in a way that caused an injury to a police officer, they may be charged with assault, and the penalties they face may be more serious than in other types of assault cases. These charges may apply if a person is accused of resisting arrest, making physical contact with an officer, or striking an officer with a vehicle.

Defense Strategies in Assault Cases

Our attorneys will review what happened in an incident that led to an arrest for assault. Police reports in these cases may be based on limited information gathered at the scene of an incident. Other factors may have affected a case. We can obtain statements from witnesses, review security camera footage, and gather other evidence that may be used to defend against assault charges. As we work to protect our clients' rights, we may use strategies such as:

• Self-Defense: When a person acted to protect themselves or another person from being injured, this can serve as a defense against assault charges. We can take steps to show that a person's actions were lawful and reasonable based on the threats they were facing.
• Lack of Intent: In some cases, contact between the parties may have been accidental, or a person may not have intended to cause harm to another person. Our lawyers can help clients defend against assault charges by showing that they had no intent to threaten, intimidate, or injure others.
• Challenging Witness Credibility: In some cases, the personal history between the parties involved may be used to show that a person exaggerated claims of assault or made false accusations. We can review evidence to determine what actually happened and show that the claims of an alleged victim were fabricated or exaggerated.
• Disputing the Severity of Injuries: The difference between felony charges for first-degree assault and misdemeanor charges for second-degree assault may come down to the injuries that were suffered by the alleged victim. Our attorneys may take steps to show that the injuries that occurred were not serious, which may help to reduce the charges against a person.

Contact Our Wheaton Assault Defense Attorneys

An assault charge can affect your life in many ways. Accusations of assault could have an impact on your reputation, career, and personal relationships. A conviction could lead to a prison sentence lasting for multiple years, high fines, and other penalties. A criminal record could affect your life in the future by limiting your employment opportunities and causing other difficulties. As you defend against these accusations, you will need help from a skilled attorney.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we can review the details of your situation and advise you of your options for defense. We will help you take steps to show that you did not intentionally threaten or injure someone else, and we will work to resolve your case while minimizing the ways your life may be affected. Contact our Wheaton, MD assault lawyers at 301-762-7500 to arrange your free consultation today.