Prince George’s County Assault Lawyer
Facing charges of assault can be a stressful experience. Further, if you are charged specifically with either assault in the first or second degree, you might be unclear about the difference between the two.
A Prince George’s County assault lawyer could answer any questions you have about the charges you are facing and also help you fight those charges.
With a lawyer for assault on your side, you could have someone familiar with both the legal system and laws on assault fighting on your behalf for the best outcome possible. You could also have someone working to protect your rights. Let a criminal attorney in Prince George’s County assist you with your case.
First Degree Assault
The term assault, under Maryland law, includes the criminal offenses of assault, battery, and assault and battery. The law differentiates between two types of assault — first-degree assault and second-degree assault. First-degree assault is a more serious offense and is associated with more severe criminal sanctions.
In general, assault is a crime against the person that involves either inflicting physical injury on another person or threatening to inflict such injury. Assault in the first degree involves intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict serious physical injury that puts another person at a substantial risk of death or causes that person either permanent or long-term impairment or disfigurement.
Additionally, under Maryland law, using any type of firearm during the commission of an assault constitutes assault in the first degree.
First-degree assault is considered to be a felony offense and is punishable by a prison sentence of 25 years or less if convicted (see §3–202). An attorney for assault in Prince George’s County could answer specific questions regarding the laws on assault in the first degree.
Second Degree Assault
The offense of second-degree assault is covered in §3–203 of Maryland’s criminal law. While assault in the second degree is still considered to be a serious crime against the person, it is considered to be a lesser offense than assault in the first degree. As such, the punishment for a conviction of assault in the second degree could potentially be less severe than that for first-degree assault.
Second-degree assault involves intentionally inflicting or attempting to inflict physical injury on another person. This differs from the definition for first-degree assault, which involves serious physical injury. Physical injury refers to any type of non-life-threatening physical injury or impairment other than minor injuries.
Second-degree assault is a felony offense, which is punishable by a prison term of ten years or less and a fine of up to $2,500, upon conviction.
However, if a person intentionally commits assault against a law enforcement officer, a parole or probation agent, a firefighter, an emergency medical technician, or any other type of first responder during the course of carrying out their duties, then the punishment for conviction of such an offense is a prison sentence of ten years or less and a fine of up to $5,000.
A Prince George’s County assault attorney could answer specific questions regarding the laws on second-degree assault.
Speak with a Prince George’s County Assault Attorney Today
Facing an assault charge, whether in the first or second degree, can be overwhelming. Perhaps you are unsure how to best fight the charges or even how to properly navigate the legal system. Fortunately, you do not have to face assault charges on your own when a Prince George’s County assault lawyer could help you.
A lawyer for assault could help you navigate the complicated legal system, provide legal representation, prepare a strategic defense to the charges, and fight for an optimal outcome in your case. Make sure to talk to an assault attorney today.
