Defending Second-Degree Assault Charges in Baltimore County, Maryland
Have you been arrested and accused of second-degree assault in Towson or elsewhere in Baltimore County, Maryland? You’re facing serious misdemeanor charges that can result in up to 10 years imprisonment and a $2,500 fine. When your freedom and future are at stake, you need a skilled Towson second-degree assault lawyer fighting tenaciously to protect your rights.
At Shepard Law, we have over a decade of experience successfully defending clients against second-degree assault allegations throughout Baltimore County. Our seasoned criminal defense attorney understands the stress and uncertainty you’re experiencing, and we’re here to provide the non-judgmental, compassionate legal representation you need to achieve the best possible outcome.
What is Second-Degree Assault Under Maryland Law?
In Maryland, second-degree assault encompasses three distinct crimes: intent to frighten, attempted battery, and battery. The state’s assault statute (Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 3-203) prohibits engaging in any of these offenses:
- Intent to frighten: Intentionally placing someone in fear of imminent offensive physical contact or physical harm. The victim must have a reasonable apprehension of immediate injury.
- Attempted battery: Taking a substantial step, with the ability and intent, to cause offensive physical contact or physical harm to another person. The victim need not be aware of the impending contact/harm.
- Battery: Actually causing offensive physical contact to another person, either intentionally (with intent to cause contact without consent) or recklessly (conscious disregard of risk of contact).
Generally, a second-degree assault conviction is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison and $2,500 in fines. However, if the assault causes even minor physical injury to certain personnel (e.g. law enforcement, first responders) on duty, it elevates to a felony with up to 10 years imprisonment and $5,000 in fines.
How Shepard Law Can Help
As an experienced Baltimore County assault attorney, Stephen P. Shepard knows how to effectively fight these charges. Depending on the facts, potential defenses may include:
- Arguing you acted in self-defense or defense of others
- Demonstrating lack of intent to cause fear, contact, or harm
- Establishing that no offensive contact or physical injury occurred
- Showing the alleged victim consented to the contact
- Challenging problems with witness testimony or identification
- Negotiating for dismissal or reduction to lesser charges
- Seeking acquittal at trial by raising doubt about the state’s case
We’ll thoroughly investigate your assault case to identify all factual and legal defenses. Our mission is to resolve your charges in the most favorable manner possible, whether that’s negotiating a lenient plea deal or forcing prosecutors to prove their case at trial. You can count on aggressive, strategic advocacy at every stage.
Contact a Towson, Maryland Second-Degree Assault Lawyer
A second-degree assault conviction can impact your life for years to come. Beyond the threat of incarceration and fines, you face the stigma and lost opportunities of having a criminal record. Don’t gamble with your future by going it alone.
Contact Shepard Law today for your free consultation. Call (410) 648-4008 or complete our online form below to discuss how we can defend your second-degree assault charges. The sooner you put our proven experience on your side, the better.
