Assault & Domestic Violence
Top Rated Howard County Assault Domestic Violence Lawyer
Assault | Domestic Violence | Felony Assaults | Definition of Assault | Assault Lawyer | Domestic Violence Attorney | Penalty for Assault
What is Assault?
Under Maryland law, a second degree assault (also known as assault 2) occurs when someone places the victim in reasonable fear of an imminent harmful or offensive touching, and the actor has the present apparent ability to carry out the threat. Assault also includes the consummated act of battery, which is an intentional harmful or offensive touching. Domestic assault and domestic violence assault are two examples of assault.
What is Domestic Violence Assault?
Under the law, there is no legal difference between an “assault” and a “domestic assault” or “domestic violence assault.” It simply means that the assault occurred between people who have some relationship to one another, such as spouses, family members, dating relationships, or friends. The proof necessary, and the potential penalties, are the same for an assault committed between people who do not know each other.
Be aware that police departments now have a “zero tolerance” policy regarding calls for domestic assaults. If there is evidence of injury, police usually will make an arrest, even if the victim does not want an arrest. In addition, most prosecutors’ offices have “no drop” policies, which means they will prosecute domestic assault cases even if the victim does not want the case prosecuted. Contrary to popular belief, the victim does not have the legal power to “drop the charges.”
Penalties for Assault
Second degree assault is a misdemeanor. If convicted, the court may impose a sentence up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a $2,500.00 fine, or both. First degree assault is a felony. The maximum sentence is up to 25 years’ imprisonment.
A conviction can have many other devastating consequences, including loss of employment; loss of a security clearance; inability to possess firearms, including hunting rifles and shotguns; and deportation if one is not a United States citizen.
Top Rated Assault Domestic Violence Lawyer Columbia MD
Jonathan Scott Smith is a top rated assault domestic violence attorney and former prosecutor with more than 35 years of extensive trial experience, including assault and domestic violence cases. Attorney Smith has handled thousands of assault, domestic violence, and other criminal cases in the local courts. Mr. Smith fights hard for his clients. That’s why many satisfied clients think so highly of him.
Mr. Smith’s extensive trial experience — and track record of successful results — has earned him the recognition of his peers and clients:
- Maryland Super Lawyer (Past 5 consecutive years), and selected within Top 100 in Maryland.
- “AV-Preeminent™*” (Highest peer rating for legal ability and ethics by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (every year since 1988).
- Client Distinction Award (Client Review Rating of 4.5 or higher on 5.0 scale – less than 4% of 900,000+ attorneys listed by Martindale-Hubbell).
- “Client’s Choice Award” by AVVO, based on average client reviews of 5 stars — the highest client review possible.
- Client Satisfaction Award, 10 Best Law Firms, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
- “10.0 Superb” attorney rating by AVVO.
These are the highest ratings possible for legal skill, ethical practice, a lawyer’s years in practice, disciplinary history, professional achievements, and industry recognition.
Contact Top Rated Assault Domestic Violence Attorney Ellicott City MD
To schedule an appointment with a top rated assault domestic violence criminal defense lawyer, contact us online or call us at 410-740-0101. Put the skill and experience of a former prosecutor to fight for you.
