Maryland does not use the exact term aggravated assault in its criminal code. What many people call aggravated assault is charged as first-degree assault. It is the most serious assault charge in the state, and a conviction can change your life. If you face this charge, a Maryland aggravated assault defense lawyer can fight to protect your future.

First-degree assault is defined in Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 3-202. A person commits this crime by trying to cause serious physical injury to another. It also applies when someone commits an assault with a firearm, or strangles another person. Serious physical injury means an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes lasting harm to the body.

The penalty is severe. First-degree assault is a felony. A conviction carries up to 25 years in prison. A felony record can also cost you your right to own a firearm. It can hurt your job prospects and follow you for life. This is very different from the lesser charge of second-degree assault.

First-degree assault is far more serious than second-degree assault, which is usually a misdemeanor under Section 3-203 with up to 10 years and a fine of up to 2,500 dollars. We break down how the two charges compare in our guide to first-degree and second-degree assault. The line often comes down to the level of injury and whether a weapon was involved. Prosecutors sometimes overcharge a case as first-degree assault when the facts do not fit.

A strong defense starts early. We review the evidence and question the injury claims. We look hard at how the state built its case. Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent, and mistaken identity. In the right case, we push to reduce a first-degree charge to a lesser offense or to have it dropped.

Where will your case be heard? Because first-degree assault is a felony, it goes to the Charles County Circuit Court at 200 Charles Street in La Plata. That court handles felony and jury trials. The District Court at 11 Washington Avenue handles misdemeanor cases, such as most second-degree assaults. Knowing the local court and how it works is part of a strong defense.

The state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. For first-degree assault, it must show serious injury or the use of a weapon. We test that proof at every step. We challenge how the police gathered evidence. We cross-examine the witnesses. We also work to protect your record where the law allows.

Castro Law Group works from our office at 11701 Central Avenue, Suite 200, in Waldorf. We hold a 4.9-star Google rating, and our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined experience to the defense table. We defend assault charges across Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s counties.

If you or a family member faces a first-degree assault charge, do not wait. Call Castro Law Group at (301) 870-1200 to speak with an aggravated assault defense lawyer. You can also learn more about how we handle assault charges, other violent crime charges, and weapons charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is aggravated assault in Maryland?

Maryland does not use the exact term aggravated assault. What many people call aggravated assault is charged as first-degree assault under Maryland Code, Criminal Law Section 3-202, which covers trying to cause serious physical injury, assault with a firearm, or strangling another person.

What is the penalty for first-degree assault in Maryland?

First-degree assault is a felony. A conviction carries up to 25 years in prison. A felony record can also cost you your right to own a firearm and follow you for life.

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

First-degree assault under Section 3-202 is a felony with up to 25 years in prison. Second-degree assault under Section 3-203 is usually a misdemeanor with up to 10 years and a fine of up to 2,500 dollars. The difference often comes down to injury and whether a weapon was used.

What court handles a first-degree assault charge in Charles County?

Because first-degree assault is a felony, the case is heard in the Charles County Circuit Court at 200 Charles Street in La Plata, not the District Court. The Circuit Court handles felony and jury trials.

Do you defend assault charges in Charles County?

Yes. We defend assault charges across Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s counties. Call (301) 870-1200 to speak with a defense lawyer about your case.