Skilled Defense Against Assault And Domestic Violence Charges in Baltimore, Maryland
For most people, facing assault or domestic violence charges can come as a major surprise. Oftentimes, you have no clue what’s happening until the police put the cuffs on you. The realities of the system are that any civilian can press charges against another person for assault or domestic violence just by swearing out a criminal charging document.
That’s where criminal defense attorney Bradley Shepherd comes in.
Your Experienced Baltimore Defense Attorney
At Charm City Defense, attorney Bradley Shepherd defends against a wide range of criminal charges, including assault and domestic violence. He knows the law and has a track record of acquittals, dismissals and plea bargains. As a skilled advocate, he will stop at nothing to investigate the charges against you and ensure your constitutional rights remain protected.
Understanding Assault Charges In Maryland: 1st Versus 2nd Degree
Many Maryland assault cases involve little to no physical evidence, yet the State continues to prosecute them. These charges can impact your life and career regardless of the facts. The severity of your case depends on the degree charged:
- 1st degree assault (Felony): Carries up to 25 years in prison. This involves the use of a firearm or the intent to cause “Serious Bodily Injury,” which causes permanent disfigurement or a substantial risk of death.
- 2nd degree assault (Misdemeanor): Carries up to ten years in prison. This covers offensive physical contact or attempting to frighten someone with immediate harm. It becomes a felony if the alleged victim is a law enforcement officer on duty.
- Domestically related designations: “Domestic violence” is a designation added to an assault charge. This finding can lead to the loss of firearm rights and the issuance of a Protective Order.
These classifications carry high stakes, and the consequences often begin before you appear in court.
Protective Orders And Civil Hearings
An allegation can immediately jeopardize your home, family access and professional reputation. It is important to distinguish between the Peace/Protective Order process (civil court) and the assault charge (criminal court). While these are separate legal tracks, testimony from a civil hearing can be used against you in your criminal case. We address both matters to protect your interests.
Why We Win: Aggressive Trial Defense Strategy
Assault and domestic violence cases often rely on “he said, she said” testimony. In these instances, the outcome depends on witness credibility. At Charm City Defense, we challenge the prosecution’s case by:
- Challenging credibility: We identify inconsistent statements or motives to lie, such as gaining an advantage in a custody or divorce battle.
- Self-defense and justification: We apply Maryland law regarding the duty to retreat and the “Castle Doctrine” to determine if your actions were legally justified.
- Evidence review: We analyze video footage, 911 recordings and medical reports to find contradictions in the State’s evidence.
By applying this level of scrutiny to the evidence, we help you build a robust defense.
Don’t Delay. Contact Charm City Defense In Baltimore Today.
The State of Maryland moves quickly to pursue convictions. A delay in your defense could affect your freedom and your future. Contact criminal defense attorney Bradley Shepherd in Timonium to talk about your case. Call 443-998-9450 or email us for a free consultation.