Aggravated Assault Lawyer Somerset County — What Are Your Defense Options?

Aggravated assault in Somerset County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-202, carrying up to 25 years in prison. An aggravated assault lawyer Somerset County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the State’s evidence and seek dismissal or reduction. Our firm has documented results in Somerset County courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation.

Maryland Aggravated Assault Law & Penalties

In Maryland, aggravated assault is defined as an assault with the intent to cause serious physical injury, or an assault with a firearm or other dangerous weapon. This is distinct from second-degree assault, which is a misdemeanor. The statute governing this offense is Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-202. The classification and potential penalties are severe, reflecting the gravity of the charge.

Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Somerset County | Maryland General Assembly

Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of how these charges are constructed and prosecuted, which is critical for building an effective defense strategy.

Official Legal Resources

Local Court Process for Assault Charges in Somerset County

All misdemeanor assault trials and initial appearances for felony aggravated assault occur at the District Court of MD for Somerset County in Princess Anne. The State’s Attorney for Somerset County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is the availability of Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for some assault charges, which can avoid a formal conviction on your record. For felony aggravated assault, the case will proceed to Somerset County Circuit Court for a jury trial.

Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing occurs within 24 hours if you are detained.
Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will file motions to suppress evidence and negotiate with the State’s Attorney for a favorable resolution, such as dismissal or reduction of charges.
Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to a bench trial in District Court (misdemeanor) or a jury trial in Circuit Court (felony).
Sentencing or PBJ: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence. If eligible, the judge may grant PBJ, placing you on probation instead of entering a conviction.
Post-Trial Options: This includes filing an appeal or, after a waiting period, petitioning for expungement of your record.

Potential Penalties for Assault Charges

In Somerset County, aggravated assault is a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison, while second-degree assault is a misdemeanor with a maximum of 10 years.

Offense	Classification	Incarceration	Fine	License Impact	Additional Consequences
Aggravated Assault (with firearm)	Felony	Up to 25 years	Up to $5,000	Possible loss of firearm rights	Firearm prohibition, permanent felony record
Second-Degree Assault	Misdemeanor	Up to 10 years	Up to $2,500	None directly	Criminal record, possible protective order

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Somerset County Assault Defense

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to each case. Our approach is grounded in a former prosecutor’s insight into how the State builds its cases, allowing us to anticipate strategies and identify weaknesses. We are committed to providing a vigorous defense for every client facing serious charges in Somerset County.

Kristen M. Fisher, Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)

Kristen Fisher is a former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland who prosecuted diverse criminal cases in both District and Circuit Courts. This firsthand experience provides significant insight into case construction and courtroom dynamics. She is admitted to practice in Maryland and Virginia and joined Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 2010. Ms. Fisher dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation, representing clients in Maryland State and Federal Courts.

Case Results & Client Outcomes

While specific results are confidential, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our commitment to favorable outcomes. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team, including managing attorney Mr. Sris, works collaboratively to seek the best possible result, whether that is having an assault charge dismissed, reduced, or securing an alternative disposition like PBJ.

Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Aggravated Assault Lawyer Near Somerset County, MD

Our Maryland location serves clients at Somerset County courts. We provide representation for individuals in Princess Anne, Crisfield, Westover, Marion Station, and Deal Island.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between assault and aggravated assault in Maryland?

Yes. Second-degree assault is a misdemeanor involving offensive physical contact or threat of imminent harm. Aggravated assault is a felony that involves an intent to cause serious physical injury or the use of a firearm or dangerous weapon, carrying much harsher penalties under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article.

Can an assault charge be dismissed in Somerset County?

It depends. An assault charge dismissed lawyer Somerset County can seek dismissal by challenging the evidence, proving self-defense, or showing a lack of probable cause. Prosecutors may agree to a nolle prosequi (drop charges) or place the case on the stet docket, especially for first-time offenders or when evidence is weak.

What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for an assault charge?

PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a formal conviction on your record. PBJ is available for many misdemeanors at the District Court of MD for Somerset County and can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.

Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge in Somerset County?

Yes. Even second-degree assault carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Somerset County can negotiate for PBJ (avoiding a conviction) or seek a dismissal. The potential consequences make legal representation critical.

What happens after an arrest for assault in Somerset County?

After arrest, you have an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. A bail review hearing follows within 24 hours if detained. Your case then proceeds to arraignment and either pre-trial negotiations or a trial. Misdemeanors are tried in District Court; felonies like aggravated assault go to Somerset County Circuit Court.

Internal Resources

Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your aggravated assault charge in Somerset County.

Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.

Aggravated Assault Lawyer Somerset County | SRIS, P.C.