Worcester Assault & Battery Lawyer

Experienced Assault Defense in Ocean City

Assault and battery are two of the most common criminal charges in Maryland. They are also two of the most misunderstood. Many people think that assault and battery are the same thing, but they are not. In fact, you can be charged with assault without ever touching another person.

Both assault and battery are serious charges that can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record. If you have been charged with assault or battery, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

At the Law Office of Steven W. Rakow, LLC, we have extensive experience defending clients against assault and battery charges in Ocean City and throughout the Eastern Shore. We understand the serious consequences these charges can have on your life, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future.

If you have been charged with assault or battery, call (443) 856-6376 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our firm.

Understanding Assault Charges in Maryland

Assault is defined as an intentional act that causes a reasonable apprehension of harmful or offensive contact. In other words, assault is an attempt to commit battery. You can be charged with assault even if you never touch another person.

For example, if you raise your fist at someone in a threatening manner, you can be charged with assault. The key element in an assault charge is that the victim must have a reasonable apprehension of harmful or offensive contact. If the victim does not fear that you will actually harm them, you cannot be charged with assault.

Assault is a misdemeanor in Maryland. The penalties for assault include up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. If you are convicted of assault, you will also have a criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job, get a loan, or find housing.

Defining Battery and Its Consequences

Battery is defined as an intentional act that causes harmful or offensive contact with another person. In other words, battery is the actual act of touching another person in a harmful or offensive manner. You can be charged with battery even if you do not cause any physical injury to the victim.

For example, if you spit on someone, you can be charged with battery. The key element in a battery charge is that the victim must have been touched in a harmful or offensive manner. If the victim consents to the contact, you cannot be charged with battery.

Battery is a misdemeanor in Maryland. The penalties for battery include up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. If you are convicted of battery, you will also have a criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job, get a loan, or find housing.

Strategies for Defending Against Assault and Battery

There are several defenses that can be used to fight assault and battery charges. The best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the facts of your case and determine the best defense strategy.

Some common defenses to assault and battery charges include:

• Self-defense: You have the right to defend yourself if you reasonably believe that you are in imminent danger of being touched in a harmful or offensive manner. If you are charged with assault and battery, you can argue that you were acting in self-defense.
• Defense of others: You have the right to defend others if you reasonably believe that they are in imminent danger of being touched in a harmful or offensive manner. If you are charged with assault and battery, you can argue that you were acting in defense of others.
• Defense of property: You have the right to defend your property if you reasonably believe that it is in imminent danger of being damaged or stolen. If you are charged with assault and battery, you can argue that you were acting in defense of property.
• Consent: You cannot be charged with assault and battery if the victim consented to the contact. If you are charged with assault and battery, you can argue that the victim consented to the contact.
• False accusations: Unfortunately, many people are falsely accused of assault and battery. If you are charged with assault and battery, you can argue that the victim is lying or mistaken.

Legal Support for Assault and Battery Charges

If you have been charged with assault or battery, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. At the Law Office of Steven W. Rakow, LLC, we have extensive experience defending clients against assault and battery charges in Ocean City and throughout the Eastern Shore.

We understand the serious consequences these charges can have on your life, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you, review the evidence, and develop an aggressive defense strategy.

Contact Our Worcester Assault & Battery Attorney Today

If you have been charged with assault or battery, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. At the Law Office of Steven W. Rakow, LLC, we have extensive experience defending clients against assault and battery charges in Ocean City and throughout the Eastern Shore.

We understand the serious consequences these charges can have on your life, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights and your future. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you, review the evidence, and develop an aggressive defense strategy.

If you have been charged with assault or battery, call (443) 856-6376 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our firm.