Assault and Battery Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Assault and battery in Anne Arundel County is a serious offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201, carrying penalties from 90 days to 25 years. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, assault and battery are distinct but often charged together. Assault refers to the threat or attempt to cause harmful or offensive contact, while battery is the actual unlawful touching. The severity of the charge depends on factors like the alleged victim’s status (e.g., law enforcement officer), the use of a weapon, or the intent to cause serious injury. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and a protective order.
For official statute text, see Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and forms are available at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
An experienced assault and battery defense lawyer Anne Arundel County understands the local court’s approach. The process typically involves:
- Initial Appearance & Bail: A District Court commissioner sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance after arrest.
- Arraignment: You are formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Discovery & Investigation: Your attorney obtains police reports, witness statements, and any video evidence to build your defense.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss the charge if your rights were violated.
- Negotiation or Trial: Your attorney negotiates with the State’s Attorney for a favorable disposition, such as an assault charge dismissed lawyer Anne Arundel County can pursue, or prepares for trial.
- Sentencing or Disposition: If convicted, your lawyer advocates for minimal penalties; if PBJ or dismissal is obtained, they guide you through the expungement process.
In Anne Arundel County, second-degree assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine; first-degree assault is a felony with a maximum of 25 years.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault 2nd Degree | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None directly | Criminal record, protective order possible |
| Assault 1st Degree | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None directly | Felony record, loss of firearm rights |
| Battery | Misdemeanor (typically) | Up to 90 days | Up to $500 | None directly | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex criminal defense. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. We have a deep understanding of Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act and its impact on expungement eligibility for assault cases.
While specific locality counts are protected, our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements. For instance, our team has successfully argued for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in assault cases, allowing clients to avoid a permanent conviction. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
Phones 24/7/365; by appointment. By appointment only.
Our Rockville location serves clients at Anne Arundel County courts, accessible via I-97, I-695, Route 50, and Route 301. We are an assault and battery lawyer near Annapolis, Glen Burnie, and Severna Park. We serve communities including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Assault and Battery Defense FAQs for Anne Arundel County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my assault charge dismissed in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. An assault charge dismissed lawyer Anne Arundel County can achieve this by challenging the evidence, proving self-defense, or showing a lack of probable cause. Dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) are common when witnesses are uncooperative or evidence is weak. An experienced attorney reviews all details to build the strongest case for dismissal.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge in Anne Arundel County?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanor assault carries up to 10 years in prison. An attorney at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal. Without a lawyer, you risk a permanent criminal record and jail time.
What is the difference between assault and battery in Maryland?
Assault is the attempt or threat to cause harmful contact, while battery is the actual unlawful touching. They are often charged together. The penalties vary based on degree, with second-degree assault being a misdemeanor and first-degree assault a felony.
What happens after an arrest for assault in Anne Arundel County?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Felonies go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. In Anne Arundel County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law.
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.