What Does it Mean to be Charged with Assault and Battery?

Assault and battery charges in Maryland can have severe consequences that can affect your family and your future. Albers & Associates is here to help you better understand this crime and the charges involved and will be there to defend you through the legal process following your crime.

Types of Assault Crimes in Maryland

1st-Degree Assault – The most severe form of assault, first-degree assault includes (1) attempting serious physical harm to a person, (2) causing serious physical harm to a person, and/or (3) utilizing a firearm during an assault. First-degree assault is considered a felony in Maryland.

2nd-Degree Assault – A lesser form of assault, second-degree assault is a classification of crimes in which the offender attempts or causes physical harm to another but the harm is not considered to be serious and is not carried out with a firearm. This crime is considered a misdemeanor in Maryland. 

3rd-Degree Assault – This crime occurs when a person attempts to physically injure or harm another person but does not carry out the physical act. It also includes the non-physical harm a person can do to another.

What is a Battery Charge?

Battery refers to the actual act of physically harming someone. When someone commits battery, it is often their intention to harm someone and they are successful in carrying this out physically. In Maryland, battery charges are taken extremely seriously.

The consequences can range from a fine to a lengthy prison sentence, depending on the severity of the offense and whether any aggravating factors are involved. It is important to retain an experienced Towson attorney who understands the laws and regulations specific to battery in Maryland in order to get the best possible result for your case.

What it Means to Be Charged with Assault and Battery in MD

Maryland law’s definition of assault is the unwanted or harmful touching of another. Although assault charges can be assessed when only the attempt, intention, or threat of harming another is present, battery charges make the crime of assault a more serious one. Your assault charges will include battery if your crime goes beyond intending or attempting to harm someone and you cause a physical injury to another person. 

Possible Defense Strategies for Assault and Battery Charges

There are several defenses for assault and battery charges in Maryland, these defenses may include:

• Self-defense: An individual charged with assault or battery may be able to mount an argument that they acted in self-defense.
• No intent to harm: If the accused did not have an intent to cause harm, then they may try to raise the defense of lack of intent.
• Involuntary intoxication: This is where an individual pleads guilty on grounds that they took drugs or alcohol without knowledge of its effects and were unaware of their actions as a result.
• Mistake of fact/law: This is when an individual claims that either a mistake in fact or law led to their assault or battery charges, such as being unaware of age and legal limits on touching another person.
• Necessary action: In some cases, it may be argued that the accused had no alternative but to take the action they did, and that their action was necessary to prevent a greater injury.

Your Criminal Defense Lawyer for Assault and Battery Charges in Towson, MD

The team of expert attorneys at Albers & Associates has years of experience defending cases of those who have committed crimes of assault and battery. We will ensure we gather all of the details of your case in order to provide solid defense and advocate for your rights in court. Contact us today to get started with your free consultation and get the criminal defense in Towson, MD that you deserve.