Self-Defense Versus Assault in Maryland

We don’t typically walk around in our day-to-day lives expecting to get into a physical altercation of some sort, but the same is true for pretty much anything negative we may face. Humans aren’t known for their mind-reading abilities. But what we lack in telepathy, we make up for in resourcefulness and self-preservation, right? Someone…

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You’re Not in the MMA: Understanding Maryland’s Assault Laws

Many people use the terms assault and battery interchangeably, e.g., first comes the assault and then sometimes the battery. Assault refers to the threat of violence, not the violence itself, while battery involves offensive physical contact or bodily harm. Although many states distinguish between assault and battery, Maryland does not. As a result, threatening violence…

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Let’s Talk About Victim Impact Statements

It isn’t difficult to be accused of, charged with, and convicted for a crime such as assault. There are a lot of actions can be considered assault of one sort or another. The different types of assault have different sentences. No matter the crime, a myriad of factors can affect the sentence, but one of…

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The Weed Test Is Coming, and We Have Some Concerns

With recreational cannabis soon becoming legal in Maryland, many people who want a new way to relax, relieve anxiety, or simply enjoy life in a different way are excited. The drug has already been legalized in other states, improving the economy and lowering the rate of arrests concerning cannabis possession. But that isn’t going to…

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Maryland Appeals Court Got It Wrong with Its Recent Assault Case

As a defense attorney in Maryland, I understand the serious nature of assault charges and the potential impact they can have on individuals’ lives. Each case is unique, and it is crucial to approach them with careful consideration and a thorough understanding of the law. Recent events, such as the controversial decision by the Maryland…

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The Role of Witness Statements in a First-Degree Assault Case

Let’s start with the obvious: assault in the first degree is a serious, potentially life-ruining charge. Not only can it land you in hot legal water, but the charge alone can destroy your reputation. A conviction? Forget it. And it’s not hard to get charged, either. According to Maryland Code 3-202, you can be charged…

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Of COURSE Maryland Has Traffic Ticket Quotas

Police officers should give traffic tickets based on whether drivers actually violate the law, and not because the officers are ordered to have a quota of tickets. Writing traffic tickets should not be a way to fund police departments or local governments. Law enforcement should be independent from any government funding to ensure the integrity…

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Touched a Neck in a Fight? First Degree Assault Charges for You

Can you be charged with a first-degree felony in Maryland just for placing your arm around the neck of a spouse, date, relative, friend, or anyone? The answer is maybe. If the placement is considered “pressure” and you intended to place your arm where you did, and the placement impedes the normal breathing or blood…

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