Assault and Battery Lawyer Charles County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Assault and battery in Charles County, Maryland, are serious offenses under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201, carrying penalties from 90 days to 25 years in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients at the District Court of MD for Charles County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Charles County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Assault and Battery Laws
Maryland law defines assault and battery as causing offensive physical contact or placing someone in fear of imminent bodily harm. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances and the alleged victim. Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor, while first-degree assault is a felony. A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing. The official Maryland statute can be reviewed at the Maryland General Assembly website. Cases are prosecuted by the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office and heard at the District Court of MD for Charles County (200 Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646).
- Initial Appearance: After an arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your attorney can file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the case.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your lawyer will negotiate for a favorable disposition like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) or prepare for trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence which may include probation, fines, or jail time.
- Expungement: If eligible, you may petition to have the record expunged after a waiting period.
In Charles County, second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in jail and a $2,500 fine, while first-degree assault is a felony with up to 25 years imprisonment.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible protective order |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Felony record, loss of firearm rights |
| Assault on Law Enforcement | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Charles County Assault and Battery Defense Team
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we fight aggressively for every client. We understand the local Charles County court procedures and have a track record of achieving favorable outcomes, including dismissals and charge reductions.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While specific results in Charles County are part of our broader practice, our approach is consistently focused on protecting our clients’ futures. We work to have charges dismissed, reduced, or resolved through alternatives like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our team, including Mr. Sris, leverages deep knowledge of Maryland criminal law to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and seek the best possible resolution.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Rockville location serves clients in Charles County, including La Plata, Waldorf, and Indian Head. We are accessible via major highways like Route 301 and Route 210. As a trusted assault and battery lawyer near Charles County, we offer 24/7 availability for consultations.
Assault and Battery Defense FAQs for Charles County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Charles County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors at the District Court of MD for Charles County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my assault and battery record expunged in Charles County?
It depends. Maryland allows expungement for case dispositions like acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). Expungement for a conviction is more complex and depends on the specific offense and time passed. An attorney can review your case to determine eligibility under the Justice Reinvestment Act.
What happens after an assault arrest in Charles County?
After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained. Your case will then proceed to arraignment and either a trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or a preliminary hearing and transfer to Circuit Court (felony).
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge in Charles County?
Yes. Even misdemeanor second-degree assault carries a potential 10-year jail sentence. An assault and battery defense lawyer Charles County can negotiate for a PBJ (avoiding a conviction) or seek a dismissal, protecting your record and future. The court process involves complex procedures where legal representation is vital.
What is the difference between assault and battery in Maryland?
In Maryland, “assault” generally refers to the threat of harm (placing someone in fear), while “battery” refers to the actual harmful or offensive physical contact. However, the term “assault” in charging documents often includes both concepts. The degrees (first or second) depend on the severity of the injury and the status of the victim.
Contact an Assault and Battery Defense Lawyer Charles County Today
If you are facing assault charges in Charles County, time is critical. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a confidential consultation. We will review the details of your case and explain your defense options. For related legal matters in the area, see our pages on DUI defense in Charles County and family law in Charles County. For a broader view of our criminal defense practice, visit our Maryland criminal defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.