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Bowie Criminal LawAssault Lawyer

In Maryland, an assault charge can cover an offense as minor as a verbal threat, or it can cover the offense of stabbing someone. Maryland has two categories of assault: First and Second Degree.

Annapolis-Bowie criminal defense lawyer, Maria Patterson, handles first and second degree assault cases in Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties. Most of the criminal assault cases she has defended involve domestic violence. Lawyer Maria Patterson also has experience with such cases where a spouse is subpoenaed to testify by the State.

Once the police arrive, they may decide to seek assault charges independently of the wishes of the spouse that initiated the call.It is the State’s decision to proceed with criminal assault charges, not the victim's.

Assault charges in domestic violence cases frequently arise after a call to the police by one spouse. 2nd degree assault is causing offensive contact or harm to another from an intentional or reckless act that was not an accident, mistake, or carelessness. The State must prove that a Defendant intended to place a victim in fear of immediate, offensive harm or contact; that the Defendant had the apparent ability to do so; and the victim reasonably feared immediate offensive harm or contact.

Call Maria Patterson to discuss your assault charge at 301-383-1522. The top rated criminal defense lawyer is located in Bowie, near the intersection of Route 301 and Route.

Due to the serious nature of domestic violence, these cases are often pursued aggressively by the state even when the victim does not want to.Assault defendants are often charged with multiple add-on crimes such as Reckless Endangerment, False Imprisonment, Stalking, Telephone Misuse, and Harassment.

1st Degree Assault is a Felony in Maryland and is punishable by up to 25 years imprisonment.  1st Degree Assault is to intentionally cause or attempt to cause serious physical injury to another, or to commit an assault with a specified firearm. Serious physical injury is an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes a serious prolonged or permanent disfigurement.  The State usually needs an expert medical witness to prove this element, so often, a plea to the less serious charge of 2nd Degree Assault (which is a misdemeanor) may be offered to the Defendant.

In Maryland, the spousal privilege may only be asserted one time! Once the spousal privilege has been asserted by a husband or wife, the State may subsequently force him/her to testify against their spouse.

Made one of the best decisions in my life by hiring Maria! Definitely someone you’ll want on your side . . . Case resolved very quickly.
Thanks again Maria!

Chris

Criminal Defense Client (Charged With Assault)

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If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident or suffered a serious personal injury due to someone else’s negligence please contact the best personal injury lawyers at Patterson Law. George Patterson has been featured in an article published in the Best Lawyers in America. The “best” injury lawyers may be reached at their Annapolis or Bowie offices at 301-888-4878.

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