Howard County Simple Assault Lawyer
There is nothing “simple” about being accused of assault, even when the alleged conduct does not result in serious bodily injury to the other party. In fact so-called simple assault can carry harsh penalties and is considered a criminal offense, even in cases where the other party suffered no physical injury at all.
These types of cases can actually become quite convoluted, meaning that if you are charged with simple-assault, you will need the help of an experienced Howard County simple assault lawyer right away. Call and schedule a free consultation with a Howard County assault lawyer today to discuss your case and how to proceed.
Simple Assault in Maryland Defined
Simple assault in Maryland is also known as “second-degree assault” or “assault and battery” under Maryland Code 3-203. Second-degree assault encompasses all types of assault that did not involve a firearm, and did not cause or did not intend to cause serious or permanent bodily injury to another person. Although simple assault is not considered to be the most serious type of assault it is still important to consult with a Howard County simple assault lawyer if facing charges.
Assault occurs when a person acts intentionally and causes another to fear imminent harm or offensive contact, even if no harm or contact actually occurs. If a contact or harm does occur and the alleged victim did not consent to such contact, that is referred to as battery. The contact need not cause any injury at all. An alleged victim may claim he or she suffered a psychological injury from the fear or apprehension, for instance. In other cases, the accusing party may have suffered very minor physical harm.
Why Work With A Howard County Simple Assault Lawyer?
Often, an assault case can hinge on whether a person intended the act that caused the harm. Not intending to harm someone does not excuse assault, but not intending to make or attempt to make the harmful or offensive contact can be a valid defense to simple assault. For instance, accidentally tripping and falling into someone would likely not be considered assault, even if the other person was injured. However, even minor physical contact could constitute assault in certain situations, if the fear or apprehension the alleged victim felt could be considered reasonable by a judge or jury.
Regardless of the circumstances that led to your assault charge, one of our Howard County simple assault lawyers can help. Be sure to consult your Howard County simple assault attorney as soon as you learn you are facing assault charges. Your simple assault lawyer in Howard County will need to advise you in interacting with police, the alleged victim, and any witnesses, for instance, as well as obtaining the police report, and seeking medical care in case you may have suffered injuries in any altercation that may have occurred. This is particularly important if you were acting in self-defense.
Maryland Penalties for Simple Assault
Simple assault or assault in the second degree is usually considered a misdemeanor, though the penalty in Maryland is harsh – up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $2500. If a law enforcement, correctional officer, transit police or probation officer is intentionally injured, however, this can be considered a felony offense punishable by up to ten years in jail and a fine of up to $5000.
Consult an Experienced Howard County Simple Assault Attorney
Our Howard County simple assault lawyers understand that there are two sides to every story. There are several viable defenses to assault, including self-defense or defense of another person. If you have been charged with simple assault while defending yourself or someone else, you may have been wrongly accused. Likewise, if your Howard County simple assault attorney can establish for the court that you did not act intentionally when you made a harmful or offensive contact with the alleged victim, the charges against you may be reduced or dismissed. Call today and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and develop the strongest possible defense.