Rockville Assault Lawyer

In the state of Maryland, there are two types of assault – felony and misdemeanor. Misdemeanor crimes are the less serious of the two, and individuals convicted of misdemeanors will typically face shorter jail sentences and lower fines. Those convicted of felony assault may face years behind prison, given the circumstances of their case.

Even if it is your first time facing an assault charge, you may still benefit from the help that a Rockville assault lawyer could provide. The State takes assault very seriously, and individuals who are convicted can lose their freedom, career, finances, and community standing.

There is simply too much at stake to take any chances. Contact a skilled criminal defense attorney today if you are ready to discuss the details of your case.

First-Degree Assault

First-degree assault is the most serious assault charge a person can receive. If convicted, individuals may face up to 25 years in prison. To be charged with first-degree assault, one example is where law enforcement agents have reason to believe an accused person committed an assault that caused severe injury to another person.

A serious physical injury is defined as any injury that can cause the death of a person or result in permanent disability or disfigurement. Individuals charged with first-degree assault may benefit from hiring a Rockville assault lawyer to advocate on their behalf.

Second-Degree Assault

While second-degree assault is not as serious as first-degree, it can still result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Ordinarily, second-degree assault is charged as a misdemeanor. Alternatively, if the person assaulted is a law enforcement officer, probation officer, or parole officer, it is prosecuted as a felony. A felony conviction of this variety of second-degree assault may still be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $5,000.

To be charged with assault, typically law enforcement must have reason to believe an accused person touched someone else intentionally with an intent to cause injury. Even if the person is not injured, an accused person could still be charged with assault if they touched the person in a way that could potentially cause injury. As an example, if a person attempts to hit another person and misses, they might still be charged with assault, even if they did not make contact with the other person.

No matter which degree of assault a person is facing, they are recommended to speak with a Rockville attorney to learn their rights. A knowledgeable Rockville assault attorney could review a defendant’s case and build their defense.

Domestic Assault

Domestic violence charges often include assault, and similar to other assault charges, a person does not have to make physical contact with another person to be charged. Domestic violence is defined as any act of physical violence committed by one member of a household against another. This can include assault, making threatening comments, and attempting to control another person.

If a person is charged with domestic violence, the alleged victim may pursue a protective order. This order could prevent the defendant from contacting or coming near the accuser.

Often, this means the accused person will not be able to return to their home. If a person is convicted of assaulting a person in their household, they may also lose their job and custody of their children.

What Factors Can Aggravate Assault Charges in Rockville?

There are several different elements in an assault case that can enhance the severity of the charges and their associated penalties. For example, the degree of bodily harm that the target of the assault experiences could elevate a person’s charges. Often, the more severe the injury the assault causes, the more severe the charges. This is why many assaults that cause great bodily harm are classified as first-degree offenses. Also, assault crimes that involve the use or threat of a deadly weapon such as a firearm will often lead to enhanced and additional criminal charges.

Additionally, the nature of the person who is the target of an assault can influence the extent of the charges. For example, an assault that involves a minor or is committed in the presence of a minor may lead to aggravated charges, as would an assault that was motivated by another person’s race, gender or sexuality. The latter could be classified as a hate crime and lead to additional criminal consequences.

If an individual accused of assault in Rockville wants to learn more about how their charges may have been enhanced, they should reach out to a skilled legal professional.

Get in Touch with a Rockville Assault Attorney

If you are currently facing any type of assault charge, it is important to remain calm and evaluate your legal options. Since a conviction might completely uproot your life, you must choose an attorney who knows how to handle assault charges.

It may still be possible to get your charges dropped completely or reduced. Get in touch with a Rockville assault lawyer today for additional information.