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Understanding Assault Charges in Maryland

27th January 2011
By ApostlesPeter in Legal
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Being charged with an assault is a serious matter that can lead to a felony conviction that will follow you the rest of your life.Of course, you will probably first have to serve time in prison. Finding an experienced attorney Frederick, MD clients need for mounting a quality defense is important.This is no time to settle for anything less than the best legal services you can find.



An assault charge in Maryland can actually include assault or battery.It can also refer to assault and battery. Assault refers to trying to touch another person without first getting their permission or in spite of the lack of consent.A battery charge refers to actually touching a person in some way without their consent.



But assault can go further than just trying to touch someone in an offensive manner.If you even make someone fearful of the touching then you have committed an assault. You can imagine how easy it is for a girlfriend or boyfriend who is angry with their ex-partner to make false accusations.In another questionable set of circumstances,if you get drawn into a fight that is not of your making and you were simply defending yourself at the time you touched someone else, you can be charged with assault.



Defense is Needed When Guilty or Not



Unfortunately,you will still have to defend yourself when you are charged even if you are not guilty.It is too bad some people use their ability to make accusations just to get someone in trouble, but it happens every day.The police arrive at a scene, see people physically fighting or one person hiding who is frightened, and the next thing you know you have been charged with an assault.



There are different types of assault charges under Maryland law and each has different possible penalties.



>> 1st Degree Assault – causing serious physical injury to someone



>> 2nd Degree Assault – causing physical injury to someone



>> Reckless Endangerment – acting in a way that causes a risk of physical injury or death to another person



>> Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer



>> Assault by Attempted Poisoning



>> Assault by Water and/or Food Contamination



You can be charged with sexual assault, assault with a weapon or domestic assault.The penalties for the various assault charges range from a minimum of 2 years (poisoning) to 25 years in prison (1st Degree Assault). When you are arrested and/or charged with assault of any kind it is important that you not say anything to the police and immediately contact an experienced defense attorney in Frederick, MD.



Exercising Your Rights



The best defense will depend on the circumstances of the case of course.In many cases, self defense can be claimed.Other options include convincing the district attorney to reduce the charge to a lesser one or even asking for dismissal.An experienced attorney in Frederick, MD knows the law and has dealt with a variety of cases.The one thing you should not do is just accept the charges because you believe the case is hopeless. Defending yourself is your right and it’s a right you need to exercise.



The Law Offices of Marc Ward are dedicated to providing you the best defense in your DUI, MVA points system hearing, or injury case available. For more details on Defense Attorney Fredrick, MD and Attorney Frederick, MD than please click on to our website www.wardlawoffices.com
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