Can I be charged with assault if I didn’t actually harm the alleged victim?

Under state law, no bodily harm actually needs to be done to the victim for an assault charge to be filed against you. Merely acting in a way that could be interpreted as threatening or with the intent to cause violence can constitute assault. The vague legal definition of assault can lead to unjustified and unfair arrests, charges, and even convictions. If you’re facing criminal charges arising out of allegations of a violent crime, you need the assistance of Maryland assault crime lawyers who are prepared to develop a robust defense for you.

Is assault a misdemeanor or a felony in Maryland?

Under Maryland state law, assault generally constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor offense unless it involves certain elements. These elements include: Strangling The use of a deadly weapon Serious bodily injuries to the alleged victim Victims who meet certain criteria, such as law enforcement officers Assault of law enforcement officers and certain other victims can be charged as a second-degree felony. Strangling, assault with a firearm, and causing serious injuries all constitute a first-degree felony.

What does a charge of assault with a firearm entail?

Under state law, assault with a weapon is a more serious offense than simple assault. Section 3-202 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article specifies that charges of assault with a firearm may encompass any intentional infliction or attempted infliction of physical harm using a type of gun such as the following: Handgun Rifle Shotgun Short-barreled rifle Short-barreled shotgun Machine gun Assault pistol Antique firearm Regulated firearm of any kind When the violent offense you’re accused of involves a firearm, the consequences are significantly more severe than those you would face without the involvement of a weapon. You need a robust defense to help put you on the path to a more favorable outcome to this serious charge.

What factors affect the severity of an assault charge?

While even the least serious assault charge carries the potential for severe penalties, some offenses are much more grave legal matters. Assault charges can escalate in severity depending on factors like the following: The extent of injuries caused to the victim Whether or not a deadly weapon was present during the assault The means by which the assault was conducted, such as by strangling The status or age of the victim, including whether the victim was a law enforcement officer or first responder in the course of their job duties Any prior criminal record you may have The more severe the charges against you and their potential penalties, the greater your need for a strong legal defense. Maronick Law LLC’s assault crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, have the extensive experience and commitment to our clients’ best interests to develop a robust, personalized defense strategy for you.

Maryland Assault Crime Lawyers | Assault Crime Defense Attorneys Glen Burnie, MD

Maryland Assault Crime Lawyers

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Assault Crime Defense Attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD Experienced in Handling Assault Cases in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Montgomery County, and Throughout Maryland

The assault charges looming over you now could send you to prison for a decade or longer. This legal matter is serious enough to threaten your freedom. To achieve the most favorable outcome possible, you need the guidance of experienced Maryland assault crime lawyers like Maronick Law LLC.

Our team of knowledgeable assault crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, is here to provide quality legal representation, starting with a free consultation. To get the help you need to minimize the impact of criminal assault charges, contact us today.

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Assault Charges in Maryland

In Maryland, it is illegal to intentionally make offensive physical contact with a victim, attempt to intentionally make such contact with a victim, or intentionally frighten or intimidate a victim. Being accused of any of these actions could leave you facing serious charges of criminal assault.

Maryland state law (Section 3-201 of the Criminal Law Article) combines common law crimes of assault, battery, and assault and battery under the umbrella term of “assault.”

Generally speaking, laws regarding assault in Maryland prohibit a person from causing or attempting to cause intentional physical injury to someone else.

Misdemeanor Assault Charges in Maryland

Section 3-203 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article establishes the second-degree misdemeanor crime of simple assault, also known as second-degree assault. In the absence of any aggravating factors that would raise the grade of the offense, an alleged assault at the misdemeanor level can lead to a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $2,500.

Maryland Felony Assault Charges

Both the offense you are accused of and the identity of the alleged victim can increase the severity of assault charges.

Section 3-203 establishes as a second-degree felony any assault that causes intentional physical injury to any of the following victims in the course of their official duties:

Law enforcement officers
Parole agents
Probation agents
Firefighters
Emergency medical technicians
First responders of any kind

The penalties you could face if convicted of an assault crime against one such victim include up to 10 years of jail time and up to $5,000 in fines.

Some factors make assault charges more serious, no matter who the victim is.

Section 3-202 of the Criminal Law Article establishes a variety of distinct types of assault recognized as first-degree felony charges in the state. These include:

Assault that causes serious physical injury
Assault with a firearm of any type
Assault by strangling

For any of these offenses, a conviction could result in a prison term of up to 25 years.

Given the high stakes of even the lowest level of offense, there are no minor charges for assault. Assault is a violent crime that, if you are convicted, could send you to jail for up to a decade, even at the level of a misdemeanor. Hiring a team of skilled Maryland assault crime lawyers is exactly the right step to take when your future is at risk.

How Maronick Law LLC Can Help

Due to intense public and professional pressure, prosecutors zealously pursue convictions in cases of violent crimes like assault. An assault conviction in Maryland has the potential to send you to prison for up to a decade for even the lowest-level offense or, for more severe violations, up to 25 years. These charges can alter the course of your future.

To minimize the impact assault charges can have on your life, you need skilled legal representation. The Maryland assault crime lawyers at Maronick Law LLC are here to assist you. We take a proven approach to each assault charge case we handle, including:

A thorough review of the facts during a free, confidential case evaluation
An investigation that focuses on gathering evidence to build your defense
Extensive analysis of all avenues as we develop legal strategies custom-tailored to your situation
Legal advocacy at all stages of criminal proceedings, including trusted advice and aggressive representation in negotiations, pre-trial proceedings, and trial

Through our commitment to our clients and our innovative defense strategies, we have a long history of securing more favorable resolutions to cases that involve serious criminal charges like assault.

Why Choose Maronick Law LLC?

If you’re facing assault charges in Maryland, your choice of legal defense counsel matters. With your future and your freedom hanging in the balance, you can’t afford to risk the outcome of your case by choosing an overworked public defender or an inexperienced law firm to represent you. For the powerful legal defense necessary to achieve the most beneficial outcome possible, turn to Maronick Law LLC’s assault crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD.

Experience Handling All Types of Assault Charges

Throughout our 80-plus years of combined legal experience, the team of Maryland assault crime lawyers at Maronick Law LLC has developed a reputation for protecting our clients from unjust assault charges. We’re prepared to assist you with assault charges of all kinds, from misdemeanor assault to first-degree felony assault and related legal issues such as gun crimes, sexual assault, vehicular assault, and reckless endangerment.

Defense Counsel for Assault Charges Anywhere in Maryland

Our assault crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, represent clients statewide, with numerous office locations throughout Maryland for your convenience. With extensive experience assisting clients all over Maryland, we’re familiar with the various circuits and districts that make up the state’s criminal court systems.

Trusted Advice and a No-Risk Consultation

Maronick Law LLC offers honest and experienced legal advocacy. Our attorneys are ready to stand by your side from start to finish in your case. During a free, confidential consultation, we’ll answer your questions and advise you on how we can help you fight these charges and minimize the consequences of this legal issue on your life.

Contact the Maryland Assault Crime Lawyers at Maronick Law LLC Today for a Free Case Review

When you’ve been accused of assault in Maryland, it’s essential that you understand your legal rights and how to uphold them in the face of serious criminal charges. With our skilled Maryland assault crime lawyers on your side, you’ll be prepared to confront these charges no matter what the prosecution throws your way.

For help from assault crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, contact Maronick Law LLC online or call us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Crimes Charges in Maryland

Under state law, no bodily harm actually needs to be done to the victim for an assault charge to be filed against you. Merely acting in a way that could be interpreted as threatening or with the intent to cause violence can constitute assault. The vague legal definition of assault can lead to unjustified and unfair arrests, charges, and even convictions. If you’re facing criminal charges arising out of allegations of a violent crime, you need the assistance of Maryland assault crime lawyers who are prepared to develop a robust defense for you.
Under Maryland state law, assault generally constitutes a second-degree misdemeanor offense unless it involves certain elements. These elements include:
Strangling
The use of a deadly weapon
Serious bodily injuries to the alleged victim
Victims who meet certain criteria, such as law enforcement officers
Assault of law enforcement officers and certain other victims can be charged as a second-degree felony. Strangling, assault with a firearm, and causing serious injuries all constitute a first-degree felony.
Under state law, assault with a weapon is a more serious offense than simple assault. Section 3-202 of the Maryland Criminal Law Article specifies that charges of assault with a firearm may encompass any intentional infliction or attempted infliction of physical harm using a type of gun such as the following:
Handgun
Rifle
Shotgun
Short-barreled rifle
Short-barreled shotgun
Machine gun
Assault pistol
Antique firearm
Regulated firearm of any kind
When the violent offense you’re accused of involves a firearm, the consequences are significantly more severe than those you would face without the involvement of a weapon. You need a robust defense to help put you on the path to a more favorable outcome to this serious charge.
While even the least serious assault charge carries the potential for severe penalties, some offenses are much more grave legal matters. Assault charges can escalate in severity depending on factors like the following:
The extent of injuries caused to the victim
Whether or not a deadly weapon was present during the assault
The means by which the assault was conducted, such as by strangling
The status or age of the victim, including whether the victim was a law enforcement officer or first responder in the course of their job duties
Any prior criminal record you may have
The more severe the charges against you and their potential penalties, the greater your need for a strong legal defense. Maronick Law LLC’s assault crime defense attorneys in Glen Burnie, MD, have the extensive experience and commitment to our clients’ best interests to develop a robust, personalized defense strategy for you.