Waldorf, Maryland Simple Assault Lawyers

Attorneys Defending Against Assault and Battery Charges in Waldorf

People may be accused of violent crimes in many situations. These cases may involve allegations of assault in which a person intentionally injured someone else or attempted to do so. Even when a case involves "simple" assault, a person convicted of a crime may face serious penalties that could affect them for years. For those who are facing assault charges, understanding the legal options for defense can be essential.

The criminal defense lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer can provide representation for people who have been charged with assault or other violent crimes. We understand the difficulties that people may face in these situations, and we work to ensure that our clients can resolve criminal cases successfully. We have decades of experience in criminal cases, and we strive to ensure that our clients can avoid criminal convictions and put these difficult situations behind them.

How Assault Is Addressed in Maryland Law

In criminal cases, offenses involving threats or actions that caused others to believe that they would suffer harm are usually referred to as assault, while intentionally injuring someone or making contact with them in an aggressive manner may be referred to as battery. However, Maryland law does not distinguish between assault and battery, and these types of offenses are all grouped under the general category of assault.

Simple assault may involve actions that allegedly led to minor injuries or caused someone to believe that they would suffer harm. They may also include contact that a person considers to be offensive or provocative. Aggravated assault charges are more serious, and they will often involve serious injuries or the use of weapons.

Situations That Can Lead to a Simple Assault Charge

There are some situations where everyday confrontations may result in assault charges. Some examples of situations where a person could be charged with simple assault include:

• Pushing or Shoving: A push during an argument can qualify as assault if it caused the other person to fear that they would be injured or feel offended.
• Threatening Gestures: Raising a fist at someone or making other gestures that caused someone to believe that they would be struck may be considered assault.
• Bar Fights or Altercations: A punch thrown during an argument could lead to assault charges, regardless of whether it actually connected or caused an injury.
• Domestic Disputes: Physical contact or threatening behavior during arguments between family members could lead to assault charges and other penalties related to domestic violence.
• Road Rage Incidents: Confrontations between people on the road may involve threatening behavior or physical contact, which could result in assault charges.
• Workplace or School Conflicts: Arguments between coworkers or between students in schools or other public spaces could lead to arrests for assault if a person felt threatened.

Penalties for Second-Degree Assault in Maryland

Cases involving simple assault may lead to criminal charges for second-degree assault. This offense is usually classified as a misdemeanor, but it may lead to serious penalties for a person who is convicted. The maximum sentence for misdemeanor assault is 10 years in prison, and a person may also be fined as much as $2,500. The sentence that may be imposed after a conviction may depend on factors such as what happened during the incident in question, whether injuries occurred, and whether the defendant had previously been convicted of a violent crime or another offense.

Enhanced Penalties in Certain Cases

If the alleged victim of second-degree assault is a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or another first responder, more serious charges may apply. In cases where a first responder suffered physical injuries due to assault, an offense may be classified as a felony. The maximum prison sentence in these cases will still be 10 years, but the maximum fine will increase to $5,000.

Collateral Consequences of a Conviction

In addition to serving time in jail or prison and paying fines, a person convicted of second-degree assault may face other ongoing issues that could affect their life. A criminal record with an assault conviction may limit a person's employment opportunities, their ability to obtain or keep a professional license, housing applications, child custody proceedings, or other areas of their life. A felony conviction will result in the loss of certain civil rights, including a prohibition on firearm possession and other restrictions.

Defense Against Simple Assault Charges

Our criminal defense lawyers can provide guidance on the options that may be available for defense against a conviction for assault. The right strategy will depend on the facts of the case and other factors. We may be able to use defenses such as:

• Self-Defense: A person has the right to use reasonable force to protect against injuries. We may be able to show that a defendant believed that force was necessary to protect themselves.
• Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, a person can use reasonable force to protect another person from harm. We may argue that a person acted to protect their family members or others from being injured.
• Lack of Intent: If the contact made in a situation that led to assault charges was accidental, or if a person's actions were misinterpreted, we may argue that they had no intent to commit assault.
• Challenging Witness Testimony: In some cases, an alleged victim or other witnesses may make false accusations of assault. Our lawyers can look for inconsistencies in statements made by witnesses or show that they had ulterior motives for accusing a person of assault.

Contact Our Waldorf, MD Simple Assault Attorneys

Even though simple assault charges may not seem to be serious, a strong defense can be crucial in these cases. The early involvement of a criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in the direction a case takes and the options for defense that may be available. At Farmer & Klopfer, we can review what happened, determine what steps a person can take during their defense, and fight to prevent a criminal conviction. Contact our Waldorf simple assault defense lawyers at 301-843-3890 to arrange a free consultation.