Dedicated Legal Defense In Assault Cases
While assaults can arise from random encounters with unknown individuals, they most often begin with a verbal confrontation with someone you know or love. Being charged with assault can throw your life upside down in the blink of an eye. If you face accusations of assaulting your significant other or someone you reside with, you can be ordered to leave your home and have no contact with this person or the children you may have together. Also, it is not unusual for the person accused of assault to have to pay a bond to be released pending trial.
The attorneys at Ortega Law, LLC, in Anne Arundel County, understand how scary and frustrating these types of allegations can be to your life as they threaten your freedom and reputation in the community. A finding of guilt cannot only lead to potential jail time but to the inability to carry a firearm. If you are charged with assault of any degree, you need an attorney to defend you aggressively from the criminal charges that put your freedom and rights on the line.
Types Of Assault
In Maryland, someone can charge you with assault in either the first or second degree. The most common type is assault in the second degree, which is a misdemeanor. A conviction for this crime carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and potentially a $2,500.00 fine. It is clear from the way that judges view and sentence people convicted of assaults that this state takes assault very seriously.
Assault in the second degree can occur in one of three ways:
- Intentionally frightening another person with the threat of immediate offensive or harmful contact
- Attempting to cause offensive or harmful contact
- Causing offensive or harmful contact to another person
Assault in the first degree, a felony, is the most serious form of assault and carries the potential sentence of 25 years in prison. Assault in the first degree occurs when the accused uses a firearm or intends to cause serious physical injury in the commission of the assault.
There are numerous defenses to allegations of assault, including mistaken identity and self-defense, to name a few. The alleged victim often, especially between people in relationships, will decide that they do not want to pursue the charges. This is not a defense. The state, not the alleged victim, decides whether or not to pursue the charges. There are two sides to every story. Let the lawyers at Ortega Law help you tell yours.
Contact Us Today For Zealous Legal Representation
Call 410-650-8543 in Pasadena, or fill out this confidential online form to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable attorneys. We serve clients throughout Anne Arundel County.