What Are the Different Charges You Can Face? What Are the Potential Penalties?
Imagine yourself in a situation where someone has done something to cause you to lose your temper. You say something or you engage in a reflex gesture, maybe clenching your fists, and the next thing you know, the police are at your door, seeking to arrest you on charges of assault. It can happen.
In Maryland, assault is generally categorized as first-degree assault or second-degree assault. Assault in Maryland is defined as an “offensive touching,” made without consent or permission, that creates a reasonable fear of imminent harm. Even the slightest contact can be considered assault. Maryland law distinguishes the different levels of assault this way:
- First-degree assault either involves the use of a firearm or causes serious injury or death
- Second-degree assault may be charged anytime there is offensive physical contact
Unlike other states, Maryland does not differentiate between assault and battery. Accordingly, an attempt to cause bodily harm or to put a person in reasonable fear of imminent harm may constitute an assault, even if there is no physical contact.
Experienced Baltimore County Criminal Defense Attorney
Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith brings more than 30 years of experience to persons facing criminal prosecution in Maryland, including people charged with any type of assault, including domestic violence. SuperLawyers has listed him as one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine has also named him a Top-Rated Lawyer.
Attorney Smith has held an AV-rating (the highest possible) under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System for more than three decades. He has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s coveted Client Distinction Award, an accolade earned by less than 4% of all attorneys nationwide. He carries a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has also earned AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.
A highly experienced trial lawyer, Jonathan has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Maryland criminal law and procedure. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence and will take all necessary measures to ensure that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.
Contact a Proven Assault Crimes Defense Lawyer
At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively advocate for criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.
