Baltimore Assault Lawyer | Expert Assault Defense in Baltimore City & County
Assault charges in Baltimore are taken seriously by prosecutors and can result in significant jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Whether you're facing first-degree assault (a felony) or second-degree assault (typically a misdemeanor), you need an experienced Baltimore assault lawyer who understands the local courts and knows how to build an effective defense.
At FrizWoods, our Baltimore assault attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of assault cases throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore County. We appear regularly in all Baltimore District Courts and Circuit Courts, bringing decades of experience and insider knowledge from our backgrounds as former prosecutors and public defenders.
Max Frizalone
Strategic Baltimore assault defense with focus on dismissals and acquittals.
- Extensive experience defending domestic violence and assault cases in Baltimore
- Skilled at challenging witness credibility and police reports
- Coordinates protective order defense with criminal case strategy
Luke Woods
Seasoned assault defense attorney with deep Baltimore court knowledge.
- Over two decades defending first and second-degree assault cases
- Expert cross-examination of alleged victims and police witnesses
- Proven ability to secure dismissals and reduced charges
Understanding Baltimore Assault Charges
Second-Degree Assault (Most Common)
Second-degree assault under Maryland Criminal Law § 3-203 includes:
- Physical contact: Unwanted touching that causes harm or offense
- Attempted battery: Trying to cause physical harm to another person
- Intent to frighten: Placing someone in fear of immediate physical harm
Penalties: Up to 10 years in prison and $2,500 fine, though first-time offenders often receive probation or alternative sentences.
First-Degree Assault (Felony)
First-degree assault under Maryland Criminal Law § 3-202 involves:
- Serious physical injury: Harm that creates substantial risk of death or permanent disfigurement
- Use of a firearm: Any assault involving a gun, regardless of injury severity
Penalties: Up to 25 years in prison, making experienced legal representation crucial.
Assault on Law Enforcement
Assault on police officers, firefighters, or other first responders is treated as a felony with enhanced penalties up to 10 years in prison and $5,000 fine.
Common Baltimore Assault Scenarios
Domestic Violence Cases
Many Baltimore assault charges arise from domestic disputes. These cases often involve:
- Protective orders filed simultaneously with criminal charges
- Credibility battles between conflicting witness accounts
- 911 recordings and body camera evidence that may help or hurt your case
- Medical records documenting alleged injuries
Bar and Street Fights
Baltimore's nightlife districts see frequent assault charges from:
- Mutual combat situations where both parties were fighting
- Self-defense scenarios where you were protecting yourself or others
- Mistaken identity cases with unreliable witness identification
- Surveillance video that may contradict police reports
Workplace and School Incidents
Assault charges can arise from conflicts at work or school involving:
- Harassment allegations that escalate to physical confrontation claims
- Bullying situations where self-defense becomes necessary
- Professional consequences beyond criminal penalties
Our Baltimore Assault Defense Strategy
Challenging the Evidence
We thoroughly examine all evidence in your case:
- Police reports for inconsistencies and bias
- Witness statements for credibility issues and motive to lie
- Medical records to challenge injury claims and causation
- Video evidence from security cameras, body cams, and cell phones
Self-Defense Claims
Maryland law allows reasonable force to protect yourself or others. We investigate:
- Who was the initial aggressor in the confrontation
- Proportionality of force used in response to threats
- Reasonable fear of imminent harm requiring defensive action
- Duty to retreat and when it applies under Maryland law
Constitutional Violations
We identify and challenge violations of your rights:
- Illegal searches that produced evidence against you
- Miranda violations during police questioning
- Due process violations in arrest and charging procedures
- Witness identification procedures that were suggestive or unfair
Baltimore Court Experience
District Court Defense
Most assault cases begin in Baltimore District Courts:
Baltimore City:
- Patapsco District Court (South Baltimore cases)
- Eastside District Court (East Baltimore cases)
- Wabash District Court (North Baltimore cases)
Baltimore County:
- Essex District Court (Eastern County cases)
- Catonsville District Court (Western County cases)
- Towson District Court (Central County cases)
Circuit Court Litigation
Serious assault cases proceed to Circuit Court for jury trials:
- Baltimore City Circuit Court: Downtown location handling city felony cases
- Baltimore County Circuit Court: Towson location for county felony cases
Our attorneys have extensive jury trial experience in both jurisdictions.
Protecting Your Future
Employment and Professional Licenses
Assault convictions can impact:
- Professional licenses for healthcare workers, teachers, attorneys
- Security clearances for government and contractor positions
- Employment opportunities requiring background checks
- Immigration status for non-citizens facing deportation risks
Expungement and Record Shielding
We help clients understand options for clearing their records:
- Immediate expungement for dismissed or acquitted cases
- Waiting periods for certain conviction types
- Shielding for cases that don't qualify for full expungement
- Probation Before Judgment to avoid conviction records
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm arrested for assault in Baltimore?
Remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Don't discuss the incident with police, witnesses, or anyone else except your lawyer. Contact FrizWoods as soon as possible for emergency representation.
Can assault charges be dropped in Baltimore?
Yes, assault charges can be dismissed through various means including insufficient evidence, successful motion practice, witness credibility issues, or negotiated resolutions with prosecutors.
What's the difference between assault and battery in Maryland?
Maryland law combines assault and battery into single assault charges. You can be convicted of assault without actually touching someone if you intended to cause fear of harm.
Will I go to jail for first-time assault in Baltimore?
Not necessarily. First-time offenders often receive probation, community service, or Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) that avoids a conviction record. An experienced attorney can negotiate for alternatives to jail time.
How long do assault cases take in Baltimore courts?
Timeline varies based on court location and case complexity. District Court cases may resolve in 2-4 months, while Circuit Court cases can take 6-12 months or longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while protecting your interests.
Why Choose FrizWoods for Baltimore Assault Defense
- Local Court Expertise: Daily appearances in all Baltimore assault courts
- Former Prosecutor Experience: Insider knowledge of prosecution strategies
- Proven Track Record: Numerous dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges
- Comprehensive Defense: We handle both criminal charges and related protective orders
- 24/7 Availability: Immediate response for arrests and emergency situations
Contact Our Baltimore Assault Defense Team
Assault charges in Baltimore require immediate, experienced legal representation. Don't let one incident define your future. Contact FrizWoods today for aggressive assault defense that protects your rights and freedom.
Call (301) 720-1917 or visit our contact page for a free consultation with a Baltimore assault lawyer who will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.