Prince George’s County First-Degree Assault Lawyer
First-degree assault is similar to second-degree assault, which is the harmful or offensive, unconsented-to contact of putting somebody in fear of the same. However, first-degree assault is aggravated by either the use or brandishing of a dangerous or deadly weapon, or it involves an action that caused or could have caused severe bodily injury, disfigurement, or death.
All assaults are serious offenses, and a first-degree assault conviction could lead to decades in prison. If you are facing assault charges, you should reach out to a Prince George’s County first-degree assault lawyer as soon as possible. A dedicated criminal defense attorney understands the prosecutor’s tactics and can tailor a defense to the unique facts in your case.
Use of a Weapon
First-degree assault involves the use of a weapon about half the time. First-degree assault scenarios that have involved the use of weapons include getting into a fight and pulling out a gun, a metallic object, a crowbar, a bat, a wrench, a screwdriver, and even unconventional things such as a lamp, rock, or brick. All can cause bodily injury.
First-Degree Assault Without the Use of a Weapon
Strangulation is an example of a first-degree assault scenario that does not involve the use of a weapon. If somebody is strangled or choked to the point where they are losing breath or go unconscious, that results in a first-degree assault charge because there is a risk of death.
First-degree assault could also stem from a fist fight. If someone ends up with a ruptured eye socket, a broken jaw, knocked-out teeth, or a broken nose, that could be a first-degree assault even if only fists were utilized.
Consequences of a First-Degree Assault Conviction
The penalty for first-degree assault is up to 25 years’ incarceration. After the incarceration, first-degree assault penalties almost always tend to culminate in a probationary period.
The long-term impacts of a first-degree assault conviction include being a convicted felon for life. Someone may lose all gun rights and have trouble finding housing and employment. In addition, they cannot pass background checks, vote, or get their passport. There are numerous collateral issues just by virtue of being a convicted felon.
Defenses and Mitigating Factors
A Prince George’s County first-degree assault lawyer can raise a lot of defenses defense against these charges. For example, defense attorneys could ask questions such as:
- Was this self-defense?
- Are there conflicting versions?
- Are there opposing witness statements
- Are there motives to fabricate or exaggerate?
Often times, it is argued that the case is more of a second-degree assault than a first-degree assault. A criminal lawyer’s defense strategy will depend on the specific facts of a particular case.
Importance of Hiring a Prince George’s County First-Degree Assault Attorney
It is essential to retain an experienced lawyer when facing first-degree assault charges in PG County because it is a felony that carries up to 25 years’ incarceration. Because the stakes are so high, it is imperative to retain an experienced Prince George’s County first-degree assault lawyer.
Only such an attorney will know the gravity of the charges and the procedural steps that must be taken to ensure the best possible outcome or defense. An attorney could also challenge the state’s evidence and work any way necessary and appropriate to handle the matter. Reach out to an attorney today.