Maryland Assault Lawyer

An assault charge in Maryland can change your life fast. You may worry about jail time, fines, or a record that follows you to job applications. Castro Law Group has defended people facing assault charges across Maryland since 1993. Robert Castro and our team know how prosecutors build these cases. We know how to push back. Call (301) 870-1200 to speak with a Maryland assault lawyer today.

Castro Law Group represents assault defense clients across Maryland, including assault defense attorney in Charles County, MD, St. Mary’s County, MD assault defense lawyer, and defending assault charges throughout Calvert County, MD.

Charged With Assault in Maryland? Here’s What You Need to Know

An assault arrest often happens in a tense moment. A family argument. A fight at a bar. A dispute that gets out of hand. Once police arrive, the choices that follow can shape your case.

Maryland prosecutors take these charges seriously. They press them even when both people acted aggressively. Once charges are filed, only the prosecutor can drop them. Not the person who called the police. That’s why getting a defense lawyer involved early matters.

How Maryland Defines Assault

Maryland law splits assault into two main charges. The facts decide which one you face.

First-Degree Assault

First-degree assault is a felony. It applies when someone causes or tries to cause serious physical injury. It also applies when a firearm is used. A conviction can carry up to 25 years in prison. Cases that involve a gun, a knife, or another dangerous weapons charge often fall here. Many of these are treated as violent crimes under state law.

Second-Degree Assault

Second-degree assault is usually a misdemeanor. It covers offensive contact, attempted contact, or threats that put someone in fear of harm. Under Maryland Code § 3-203, a conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. If the alleged victim is a police officer, first responder, or parole agent, the charge becomes a felony. Fines can then reach $5,000.

Types of Assault Cases We Defend

Our team handles a wide range of assault charges, such as:

• Aggravated assault
• Assault with a firearm or other dangerous weapons
• Domestic assault and domestic violence
• First-degree assault
• Second-degree assault
• Assault on a police officer or first responder
• Bar fights, road rage, and workplace disputes
• Charges that involve burglary or forced entry

Each case is different. We look at the police report, witness statements, video, and any text or call records before we build a defense.

What Prosecutors Have to Prove

To win an assault case, the state must prove certain facts beyond a reasonable doubt.

For first-degree assault, the state must show you caused or tried to cause serious injury. Or that you used a firearm. For second-degree assault, the state must show offensive contact, attempted contact, or a credible threat that made someone fear harm.

Self-defense is one of the strongest defenses to an assault charge in Maryland. To use it, you must show your force was reasonable for the threat you faced. Evidence like security video, 911 calls, photos of injuries, and witness accounts can support a self-defense claim. We gather and review this evidence to push back on the state’s story.

What Happens After an Assault Arrest in Maryland

After an arrest, you’ll go through a bail review. You’ll also get a court date. In many domestic cases, a judge issues a temporary protective order at the time of arrest. That order can limit where you live and who you contact.

Misdemeanor cases usually move through district court. They can resolve faster. Felony cases go to circuit court and often take longer. Between arrest and trial, your case may include bond hearings, discovery, pre-trial motions, and plea talks.

Missing a court date or breaking a protective order can lead to new charges. It can also make your original case harder to defend. We track every deadline so nothing slips through.

How We Build Your Defense

In our experience, assault cases turn on the details that show up after the initial police report. Witnesses change their stories. Surveillance video tells a different story than the arresting officer’s account. Text messages from before or after the incident often shift the picture.

Here’s how we typically work a case:

• We meet with you to hear your side first, before reviewing anything else
• We pull the police report, charging documents, and any body-cam or 911 audio
• We identify and reach out to witnesses while their memory is fresh
• We look for video from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or doorbell systems
• We file the right pre-trial motions, including motions to suppress where needed
• We negotiate with the prosecutor when the facts support a better outcome
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, even when we expect a plea

This kind of preparation is what gives our clients real options when it’s time to make decisions.

Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

A few common missteps can damage even a strong defense:

• Talking to police without a lawyer present
• Contacting the alleged victim directly
• Posting about the incident on social media
• Breaking a protective order, even by accident
• Missing a court date

We walk clients through these risks at the first meeting. Every message about your case should go through our office.

Why Clients Choose Castro Law Group

Castro Law Group has served Maryland clients since 1993. Founder Robert Castro built the firm on personal attention and direct attorney access. We’ve represented people across Charles County, Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, Prince George’s County, and Washington, DC for more than three decades.

What that experience means for you:

• Deep familiarity with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors in Southern Maryland
• A full criminal defense team that handles assault, weapons, violent crimes, and related charges as a regular part of our practice, not as a side area
• Honest assessments — we’ll tell you when the state has a strong case, when we see room to fight, and when a plea may serve you better
• Direct attorney communication, not screenings through a paralegal

We can also explain whether your case might qualify for expungement once it ends, which can matter as much as the original outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Assault Charges

How long do I have to respond to an assault charge in Maryland?

You must appear on the court date listed in your charging documents. Missing the date can lead to a bench warrant. Call (301) 870-1200 as soon as you receive paperwork.

What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree assault?

First-degree assault is a felony that involves serious injury or a firearm. Second-degree assault is usually a misdemeanor and covers offensive contact or threats. The facts and any weapon use decide which charge a prosecutor files.

Is self-defense a valid defense to assault charges in Maryland?

Yes. You must show the force you used was reasonable and matched the threat you faced. Witnesses, video, and medical records can all support a self-defense claim.

Can the alleged victim drop my assault charges?

No. Only the prosecutor can dismiss assault charges in Maryland. Even if the alleged victim asks the case be dropped, the state controls that choice.

What are the penalties for a second-degree assault conviction in Maryland?

Under Maryland Code § 3-203, a second-degree assault conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. If the alleged victim is a police officer, first responder, or parole agent, fines can reach $5,000.

Can an assault charge be expunged in Maryland?

Sometimes. If your case is dismissed, you’re acquitted, or you meet the time rules after a conviction, you may qualify for expungement. We can review your record and explain your options.

Do you handle weekend and after-hours assault arrests?

Yes. Assault arrests often happen on nights and weekends. Call (301) 870-1200 anytime to leave a message, and our team will follow up to set up a consultation.

Do you serve clients outside Charles County?

Yes. We represent clients across Maryland, including Calvert County, St. Mary’s County, Prince George’s County, and Washington, DC.

Talk to a Maryland Assault Lawyer Today

An assault charge doesn’t have to define your future. The sooner you bring in a defense lawyer, the more options you have. Call Castro Law Group at (301) 870-1200 or reach out through our contact-us page to set up a confidential consultation.