Prince George’s County Assault Lawyer
An assault charge in Prince George’s County is a serious matter that demands immediate, experienced legal representation. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor second degree assault allegation or a felony first degree assault charge, a conviction can mean years in prison, a permanent criminal record, and lasting consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. At SoMD Criminal Defense, attorneys Jeremy Widder and Kathryn Batey defend clients facing assault charges throughout Prince George’s County from our Oxon Hill office. With Jeremy’s nine years of experience as a former Assistant State’s Attorney and more than 60 jury trials, and Kathryn’s background as a former Deputy District Public Defender, we bring strategic, determined defense to every case. Call (301) 818-0389 for a free consultation.
Assault Charges in Maryland
Maryland law recognizes several categories of assault, each carrying different penalties and elements the State must prove.
First Degree Assault — First degree assault is a felony in Maryland, punishable by up to 25 years in prison. The State must prove that you intentionally caused or attempted to cause serious physical injury to another person, or committed an assault with a firearm. First degree assault charges in PG County are treated as among the most serious violent offenses and are prosecuted aggressively.
Second Degree Assault — Second degree assault is a misdemeanor carrying up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Despite being classified as a misdemeanor, the potential for a decade of incarceration makes second degree assault a charge that must be taken seriously. Second degree assault includes offensive physical contact, causing physical harm, or placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent harm.
Reckless Endangerment — Reckless endangerment involves conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person. It is a misdemeanor carrying up to five years in prison.
Understanding the difference between first and second degree assault is critical, as it determines whether you face felony or misdemeanor consequences.
Domestic Violence-Related Assault in PG County
When an assault charge involves individuals in a domestic relationship — spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, people with children in common, or individuals in an intimate relationship — the case is treated as a domestically related crime with additional consequences and procedures.
Prince George’s County, like all Maryland jurisdictions, follows mandatory arrest policies in domestic violence situations. When officers respond to a domestic call and have probable cause to believe an assault occurred, they are required to make an arrest. This means that even in situations involving mutual combat, misunderstandings, or false allegations, someone is likely to be taken into custody.
Domestic violence-related assault cases also frequently involve protective orders, which can force you out of your home, limit contact with your children, and restrict your movements before any finding of guilt. Defending against these charges requires an attorney experienced in both criminal defense and the protective order process.
How We Defend Assault Cases
Assault cases often hinge on credibility, context, and the specific facts of the encounter. Our defense strategies include:
Self-Defense — Maryland law permits the use of reasonable force to defend yourself when you reasonably believe you are in imminent danger of bodily harm. We gather evidence to support self-defense claims, including witness testimony, physical evidence, and prior incidents involving the alleged victim.
Defense of Others — Similar to self-defense, you may use reasonable force to protect another person from imminent harm. We present evidence establishing that your actions were a proportionate response to a genuine threat.
Lack of Intent — Many assault charges require proof of intent. Accidental contact, involuntary movements, or unintentional harm can form the basis of a defense challenging the State’s ability to prove the required mental state.
Witness Credibility — In many assault cases, the outcome depends on competing accounts of what happened. We thoroughly investigate witness backgrounds, motivations, and prior inconsistent statements to challenge the reliability of the State’s witnesses.
Inconsistent Statements — We compare the alleged victim’s initial statements to police with later testimony to identify contradictions that undermine credibility.
Body Camera and Surveillance Evidence — Video evidence can corroborate your account, show the demeanor and condition of the parties, and reveal details that contradict the prosecution’s narrative. We obtain and carefully review all available footage.
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
Assault on a law enforcement officer carries enhanced penalties in Maryland. Second degree assault on an officer is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine — double the fine for a standard second degree assault. These charges often arise during arrests, traffic stops, or encounters where the situation escalated rapidly. Common defenses include challenging whether the officer properly identified themselves, whether the defendant’s actions constituted assault, and whether excessive force by the officer provoked the response. Understanding aggravated assault in this context is also important.
Consequences Beyond Jail Time
A conviction for assault in Prince George’s County affects far more than your freedom. Protective orders may remain in place, restricting your contact with certain individuals and your ability to live in your own home. Maryland and federal law restrict firearm possession for individuals convicted of certain assault offenses, particularly domestic violence-related assaults. Employers conduct background checks, and an assault conviction can disqualify you from many positions, particularly in healthcare, education, government, and any role requiring a background check. For non-citizens, assault convictions — especially those classified as crimes of violence or domestic violence offenses — can trigger deportation, prevent naturalization, or result in inadmissibility.
PG County Courts
Assault cases in Prince George’s County are heard in the District Court, which has locations in both Hyattsville and Upper Marlboro, and the Circuit Court located in Upper Marlboro. Misdemeanor assault cases typically begin in District Court, while felony first degree assault cases are handled in Circuit Court. We regularly appear in all PG County courtrooms and have developed a thorough understanding of the procedures, judges, and prosecutors at each location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for second degree assault in Maryland?
Second degree assault is a misdemeanor in Maryland punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. If the victim is a law enforcement officer, the maximum fine increases to $5,000. Despite being a misdemeanor, the potential for a lengthy prison sentence makes experienced legal representation essential. Learn more about second degree assault in Maryland.
Can assault charges be dropped in PG County?
Yes, assault charges can be dropped or dismissed in Prince George’s County. The State may decide not to proceed if the evidence is insufficient, if witnesses are unavailable or recant, or if constitutional violations led to suppression of key evidence. However, only the State’s Attorney can drop criminal charges — the alleged victim cannot simply decide to drop them. An experienced defense attorney works to present the strongest possible case for dismissal.
Is self-defense a valid defense to assault in Maryland?
Yes, self-defense is a recognized legal defense to assault charges in Maryland. You may use reasonable force to defend yourself if you reasonably believe you are in imminent danger of bodily harm. The force used must be proportional to the threat. In some situations, you may also have a duty to retreat before using force, though exceptions apply when you are in your own home.
What happens at my first court date for assault?
Your first court date for an assault charge in PG County is typically a preliminary hearing or arraignment. At this hearing, you will be informed of the charges against you, advised of your rights, and given the opportunity to enter a plea. If you have not yet retained an attorney, the court may postpone the proceedings to give you time to do so. Having a defense lawyer present at your first appearance ensures your rights are protected from the very beginning.
Contact a Prince George’s County Assault Lawyer Today
If you or someone you care about is facing assault charges in Prince George’s County, the time to act is now. Contact SoMD Criminal Defense today at (301) 818-0389 for a free consultation. We defend clients throughout PG County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Oxon Hill, Hyattsville, College Park, Laurel, Greenbelt, and surrounding communities.
