How an Assault Lawyer Can Help You
If you’ve been arrested and charged with assault, it’s critical to take quick action to secure a Maryland assault lawyer. An assault charge can lead to serious consequences such as jail time, high fines and a permanent criminal record.
In Maryland, a person can be charged with first-degree assault if they intentionally cause or attempt to cause serious physical injury to another person. This is a felony and carries penalties of up to 25 years in prison. Read more.
Felony or Misdemeanor?
If you’re facing a criminal charge in Maryland, you know that it can have life-altering consequences. A felony conviction can affect your ability to get a job, a mortgage, an apartment, or even get into college.
It can also ruin your reputation, lead to familial discord, and destroy any professional endeavors you may have had. It is important to seek legal assistance from a qualified Maryland Assault Lawyer as soon as possible.
In most cases, a crime will be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the specifics of the case. A Maryland criminal defense attorney can help you determine what the classification of your charges will be and then work with prosecutors to achieve a favorable outcome for you.
Preliminary Hearings and Jury Trials
In felony cases, you may request a “preliminary hearing” within ten days of your arrest. These hearings are designed to determine whether the prosecution has enough evidence to proceed with the felony charges, and they often serve as a good tool for challenging cases in which the prosecution has overcharged you or otherwise presented circumstantial and weak evidence.
The prosecutor will usually present evidence at this hearing, and the defense will typically cross-examine witnesses and introduce physical evidence. The judge will listen to the arguments and then decide if there is sufficient evidence to go to trial or if the case should be dismissed.
First-degree assault is a very serious charge in Maryland, punishable by up to 25 years in prison. It can be charged when a defendant assaulted another person with a deadly weapon, or when a person intentionally causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury.
Evidence and Witnesses
The evidence in a Maryland assault case will be determined by a number of factors. In addition to eyewitnesses, investigators may obtain medical records, 911 calls, reports, or surveillance footage from the incident.
The key is to ensure that all the information obtained in a Maryland assault investigation is relevant and helpful for your defense. You can do this by working with a skilled Maryland assault lawyer.
First-Degree Assault
A person who is accused of assault in the first degree may face a prison term of up to 25 years. This is one of the most serious crimes that a person can be convicted of under Maryland law.
Under Maryland law, assault is an intentional act that causes serious physical injury to another person. As such, it is not sufficient for the prosecutor to prove that you actually caused injury; they must also show that you intended to cause injury.
Defending Your Rights
There are many different defenses that your Maryland assault lawyer can explore to help you fight charges. One of the most common is self-defense.
Another is consent. This means that you cannot be charged with assault if the victim consented to be punched or struck.
This type of case is especially common in domestic violence situations.
If you are facing domestic violence charges, it is important to find an experienced Maryland assault attorney who will work to protect your rights.
A first degree assault charge is a serious felony in Maryland, which can lead to years in jail and hefty fines. In addition, a conviction for this offense can have serious repercussions that can impact your employment, occupational licensing, financing, and ability to remain in the United States as a non-citizen.
