Columbia Assault Defense Attorney

Aggressive Lawyer Representing Clients Charged With Assault in Columbia, MD

A quick scuffle can get out of hand fast, and in some cases, you could be saddled with criminal charges. If you are convicted of assault in Maryland, you could end up with a permanent record that brands you as a violent criminal. Instead of leaving your fate to chance, you should work with a Columbia criminal defense lawyer who can contest an assault charge in court.

At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we have the knowledge, experience, and skills to represent you in your criminal case. Whether you are up against misdemeanor or felony charges of assault, we will provide you with an aggressive legal defense to help you resolve your case and move on with your life.

Assault in the Second Degree

In Maryland, you can be charged with assault even if you did not make physical contact with the victim. Threatening or intimidating gestures may qualify as assault in the second degree, along with any physical contact intended to cause harm, such as slapping, shoving, or grabbing. If the victim of the alleged assault was a police officer or other first responder, the maximum possible fine increases to $5,000.

Assault in the second degree is a misdemeanor offense, but you should not treat it as a slap on the wrist. On a conviction, you could be imprisoned for up to 10 years, fined up to $2,500, or both. You may be able to argue self-defense or that there was no malicious intent behind the act. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can review the circumstances behind your arrest to work out a sensible strategy for your defense.

Assault in the First Degree

Assault in the first degree is a felony charge carrying a much harsher punishment. This charge is reserved for acts resulting in serious injury or that were intended to cause serious injury, such as stabbing, shooting, or strangling another person. Merely brandishing a gun against another person may result in first-degree assault charges, even if you never pulled the trigger.

On a conviction of felony assault, you face up to 25 years in prison. A felony on your record is likely to raise red flags from employers, landlords, and anybody else who runs a background check on your criminal history. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we can defend you against charges of assault in the first degree, looking for ways to reduce your charges to assault in the second degree or to avoid a conviction altogether.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is prosecuted as an assault charge in Maryland. In fact, the only difference between assault and domestic violence is the perpetrator's relation to the victim. Assault against a current or former spouse, family member, roommate, or other close relation will likely qualify as domestic violence.

Although the sentencing guidelines for domestic violence are the same as assault, you may face more aggressive prosecution in the courtroom. Once you have been charged with domestic violence, the victim cannot drop the charges, even if they want to. Our firm can advocate for your rights in front of a judge, making sure that your side of the story is heard by the court.

Meet With a Columbia, Maryland Assault Defense Lawyer Today

If you face charges of assault in the first or second degree, you should seek out legal representation as soon as possible. At The Law Offices of Gerstenfield & Demirji, PC., we represent clients in Columbia who are facing charges of assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes that carry hard prison time.

Attorney Robert Demirji has a strong working relationship with prosecutors in Maryland, which gives him an edge in negotiating for favorable sentences. To schedule a free consultation, call our offices at 301-589-9500 or contact us online today.