Towson Assault Defense Attorney

Dedicated Assault Defense Attorney in Towson

For people who have been arrested and charged with crimes in Maryland, assault charges can carry significant weight. These cases may involve minor altercations, serious bodily harm, and everything in between. Accusations of these charges can be worrisome, and those who are charged with assault or related crimes may need to address complex legal issues, and they could potentially face severe consequences.

At Baltimore Legal Services, our criminal defense attorneys work to ensure that our clients have the highest level of representation when they are facing charges of assault or other violent crimes. We know how these charges can affect a person's reputation and freedom, and we are dedicated to helping our clients avoid convictions whenever possible. With our experience in both the prosecution and defense of criminal cases, we can help build successful strategies to resolve these cases effectively.

First-Degree Assault

The most serious cases involving accusations of assault will involve charges of assault in the first degree. This charge may be brought when the alleged assault involves the intentional infliction of serious physical injury or the attempt to do so. In legal terms, a "serious physical injury" is an injury that endangers a person's life or causes permanent or long-lasting impairment or disfigurement. Assault committed when using a firearm or involving choking or strangling the alleged victim will also be classified as first-degree assault. If someone in Maryland faces a felony first-degree assault charge, a conviction could lead to penalties that include a prison sentence of up to 25 years.

Second-Degree Assault

Other forms of assault that do not meet the requirements to be classified as first-degree assault may lead to charges of assault in the second degree. While this offense is less serious, it still carries significant implications. In general, intentionally causing a physical injury to another person or threatening or acting in a way that causes a person to believe that they will be injured is considered assault, and criminal charges may apply. Misdemeanor second-degree assault carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. In most cases, a person may also be fined up to $2,500, although if the victim of the alleged assault is a law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, firefighter, or first responder, this fine may be increased to a maximum of $5,000.

Reckless Endangerment

Maryland law defines reckless endangerment as engaging in conduct that puts someone else at a substantial risk of suffering serious injuries or being killed. Unlike assault charges, reckless endangerment does not require the intent to cause someone to suffer harm. A person may be charged with this offense if they show a disregard for the safety of others. This offense may apply in a variety of situations, such as mishandling firearms. It is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum prison sentence of five years, a maximum fine of $5,000, or both.

Contact Our Towson Assault Attorney

Assault charges have the potential to alter the course of your life. If you are convicted, you may be required to serve a multi-year prison sentence and pay thousands of dollars in fines, and you will have a criminal record that could limit your future opportunities. However, with the right legal support, you can navigate the legal system effectively and determine the best steps to take in your defense. At Baltimore Legal Services, we work to safeguard the rights of our clients and help them avoid convictions whenever possible. We will ensure that every available legal avenue is explored in pursuit of a favorable outcome for you.

To determine your best options for defending against charges of first-degree assault, second-degree assault, or reckless endangerment, we encourage you to reach out to us and schedule a free consultation. Call 858-523-8423 or contact us online. With a skilled, experienced attorney on your side, you can be sure that you will be prepared to address the charges against you and resolve your case while minimizing the penalties that may affect your life.