Howard County Assault Lawyer
An assault charge in Howard County can range from a misdemeanor to a felony that carries decades, and many start as a domestic dispute where the other person no longer wants to press it. FrizWoods keeps an office in Columbia and appears in the Ellicott City courts. Criminal defense is the only thing we do. For the statewide picture, see our Maryland assault lawyer hub.
Call us 24/7 at (877) 343-1031 or use our contact form for a free consultation.
Max Frizalone
Founding partner of FrizWoods LLC known for courtroom-first strategy and client-focused advocacy.
- Former Prince George's County State's Attorney and Maryland Public Defender.
- Handled serious cases including carjackings, attempted murder, armed robbery, and violent felonies.
- A thoroughly reviewed criminal lawyer with a track record of trial wins in high-stakes felony and misdemeanor cases.
Luke Woods
Veteran trial attorney with decades of criminal defense experience across Maryland courts.
- Over 20 years of experience in Maryland criminal courts
- Handled thousands of cases and 100+ trials.
- Extensive motion practice, jury/bench trials, and complex felony litigation.
Assault Charges in Howard County
- Second degree assault is a misdemeanor, but it carries up to 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Most assault cases in the county are charged here.
- First degree assault is a felony carrying up to 25 years. It applies when the State alleges serious physical injury or the use of a firearm.
- Domestic assault is charged as second or first degree assault, but it brings added issues: a protective order, no-contact conditions, and firearm surrender.
How Assault Cases Move Through the County Courts
Most Howard County assault cases are heard in the District Court in Ellicott City, and felony assault moves to the Circuit Court for Howard County, also in Ellicott City, where you may have the right to a jury trial. Howard County shares District 10 with Carroll County. If a loved one is being held, we can appear at a bail review hearing to argue for release, often within 24 hours.
How We Defend Assault Charges
- Self-defense. Maryland law allows reasonable force to protect yourself or someone else. This is one of the most common and effective defenses in an assault case.
- Credibility and the record. Many assault cases come down to conflicting accounts. We use body-camera footage, 911 audio, medical records, and witness statements to test the accuser's version.
- The reluctant complaining witness. In domestic cases, the State can proceed even if the other person wants to drop it, but their reluctance changes the negotiation.
- Intent. Assault requires more than an accident. Where the State cannot prove intent, the charge can fall apart.
Communities We Serve
We defend assault cases across Howard County, including Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Fulton, Savage, and West Friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a second degree assault charge be dropped in Howard County?
The alleged victim cannot drop it themselves; only the State's Attorney can. But their wishes, along with weak evidence, factor heavily into whether we can get a dismissal or reduction.
Is assault a felony in Maryland?
Second degree assault is a misdemeanor (though it carries up to 10 years). First degree assault is a felony carrying up to 25 years.
Will an assault charge stay on my record?
Until resolved, yes. A conviction stays unless you later qualify for expungement. A dismissal or acquittal can usually be expunged.
Talk to a Howard County Assault Lawyer
If you are facing an assault charge anywhere in Howard County, contact us for a free consultation. We also handle the full range of charges on our Howard County criminal lawyer page.