Prince George's County Assault Lawyer
An assault charge in Prince George's 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 has an office in Upper Marlboro, steps from the courthouse, and Max Frizalone is a former Prince George's County prosecutor who knows how the State charges and proves these cases. 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 | Former Assistant State's Attorney
Founding partner of FrizWoods LLC known for courtroom-first strategy and client-focused advocacy.
- Former Prince George's County Assistant 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
Founding Partner | Former Supervising Public Defender
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.
Shane Nolan
Attorney | Former Anne Arundel County Prosecutor
Former Anne Arundel County prosecutor with District and Circuit Court experience.
- Handled hundreds of misdemeanor prosecutions before moving to serious Circuit Court felony cases.
- Jury-trial experience involving homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other serious charges.
- United States Coast Guard veteran and former certified federal boarding officer.
Assault Charges in Prince George's 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
An assault case may proceed in District Court in Hyattsville or Upper Marlboro, or in Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro depending on the charge and procedure. The hearing notice controls. If a loved one is being held, review the PG County bail process and contact counsel with the available custody records.
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.
- Witness accounts. The State may proceed even if a complaining witness changes position. Prior statements, recordings, injuries, and other evidence still require careful review.
- 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 Prince George's County, including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, Hyattsville, College Park, Laurel, Largo, Clinton, Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a second degree assault charge be dropped in Prince George's 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 Prince George's County Assault Lawyer
If you are facing an assault charge anywhere in Prince George's County, contact us for a free consultation. We also handle the full range of charges on our Prince George's County criminal lawyer page.
If the same incident involves a civil order, review the separate Prince George's County protective-order page. A criminal assault case and a protective-order proceeding are distinct matters.