Assaults are serious criminal charges in Maryland and elsewhere. Moreover, if you and the alleged assault victim live together under the same the roof, you could also be charged with domestic violence, which can carry additional penalties.

Assault charges are fact-specific. If you have been charged with an assault crime in Maryland, time is of the essence, and you need experienced legal counsel on your side who can safeguard all of your legal and constitutional rights. The criminal defense lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC, may assist you with formulating good legal defenses to your assault charge, obtaining a dismissal of your assault charge in court, or obtaining a favorable plea deal with the prosecution.

GROUNDS FOR ASSAULT IN MARYLAND
Under Maryland law, to be charged with assault, a defendant need not actually touch or make physical contact with the alleged victim. The defendant only needs to place the victim in imminent fear of a physical assault or imminent bodily harm.]

The Maryland Criminal Code defines several types of assault, depending upon the nature and extent of the circumstances surrounding the incident and the level of harm posed to the alleged victim.
  • Second-degree assault – Second-degree assault, also known as common assault, involves threats of (or actual) offensive physical contact directed toward the alleged victim.
  • First-degree assault – A first-degree assault involves threats of (or actual) serious physical injury, including an assault with a deadly weapon, directed toward the alleged victim.

Maryland law defines an “offensive physical contact” as contact that a reasonable person would find offensive, while “serious physical injury” refers to an injury that creates a “substantial risk of death” or causes “permanent or protracted serious disfigurement or functional loss or impairment of a body part or organ.”

Variations on these assault charges, such as against a police officer, correctional officer, or prison inmate, carry additional penalties.

DEFENSES TO MARYLAND ASSAULT CHARGES
Maryland law provides various legal defenses to assault charges incurred in the state. A knowledgeable Maryland criminal defense lawyer may help you formulate a good legal defense to your assault charge. Some common defenses to assault charges in Maryland include:
  • Alibis
  • Mistakes of fact
  • Lack of criminal intent
  • Coercion by someone else
  • Duress by a law enforcement officer
  • Self-defense (such as using force or a threat of force against someone else for self-protection or self-preservation)
  • Defense of another
  • Falsification of story by the alleged victim (usually in child custody cases)

CONTACT A MARYLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER TODAY FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION


Maryland assault convictions come with harsh penalties, and too much is at stake for you to “go it alone.” Instead, you need experienced legal representation in your corner throughout your case. To schedule a free case evaluation or case evaluation with a Maryland criminal defense lawyer at Alpert Schreyer, LLC, please call us at (866) 444-6363 or contact us online.

ABOUT DIANNE FREED
IF I’M ARRESTED FOR DUI IN MARYLAND, WILL I HAVE TO USE AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE?


Maryland has one of the most aggressive ignition interlock programs in the nation. The program began in 1989, and is fully automated and monitored by the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration. Maryland has the sixth-largest number of ignition interlock systems installed, a staggering statistic given that Maryland ranks 19th in population.

Since October 1, 2016, drivers are required to participate in Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program for the following convictions:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Driving while impaired (DWI) while transporting a minor younger than age 16
  • Driving while intoxicated with an initial breathalyzer test refusal
  • Homicide or life-threatening injury by motor vehicle while DUI or DWI

In addition to first-time convictions, interlock devices may be ordered for subsequent convictions. For instance, upon the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, you may elect to participate in the Ignition Interlock System Program. Duration of enrollment depends upon circumstances, but state law states that you will enroll in the Ignition Interlock Program for:

  • 180 days if you submitted to a test indicating an alcohol concentration of at least 0.08 percent but less than 0.15 percent
  • One year if you submitted to a test indicating an alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or more
  • One year if you refused to submit to the test

Maryland district courts, administrative law judges, or the Motor Vehicle Administration also may refer drivers to the program. A Maryland district court, the Office of Administrative Hearings, or the state Medical Advisory Board usually determines whether a driver is eligible for or must participate in the program and for how long.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES

When faced with drunken driving charges, whether driving under the influence of driving while intoxicated, defendants may face the possibility of mandatory use of an ignition interlock system. For most people, this is new territory, and they have no idea what an ignition interlock system entails. What is an ignition interlock system?

  • An ignition interlock system is essentially a breathalyzer connected to the ignition system of your car.
  • It is designed to keep anyone under the influence of alcohol from driving the vehicle.
  • The driver must provide a breath sample by blowing into the interlock device before starting the vehicle.
  • If the breath sample submitted is below a pre-set state limit, the driver can start the vehicle. If the breath alcohol concentration is above the pre-set limit, the vehicle will not start.

The system does not affect the operation of the vehicle except to prevent its operation if the driver fails a breath test. When removed, the vehicle is returned to its original condition.

Interlock ignition system costs vary, but are roughly $70 to $150 to install and $60 to $90 per month for monitoring and calibration.

IF YOU WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI IN MARYLAND, CONTACT THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS OF ALPERT SCHREYER

If you were arrested for DUI or DWI in Maryland and may be required to use an ignition interlock device, consult a criminal defense attorney to determine what your rights are under the particular circumstances of your arrest.
HAVE YOU BEEN ACCUSED OF SHOPLIFTING IN MARYLAND?



The offense of shoplifting may seem minor—after all, many kids shoplift on a “dare” or as a prank. However, whether someone steals a candy bar or a costly diamond necklace, the law in Maryland takes shoplifting very seriously.

Shoplifting is a relatively common criminal charge, especially during and after the holiday season. If you’ve been accused of shoplifting in Maryland, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer handling your case as soon as possible.

SHOPLIFTING CHARGES AND PENALTIES

In order to convict you of shoplifting under Maryland law, the prosecutor needs to prove the following were true:

You intended to deprive a store owner of property

You concealed or used the property in a manner that was likely to deprive the owner or that actually did deprive the owner of the property

This means that you can be convicted of shoplifting even if you had not even left the store, so long as you had hidden merchandise and the prosecutor can prove your intent to take the merchandise without paying.

The maximum possible penalties for shoplifting in Maryland depend on the value of the property in question as follows:
  • $100 or less – Misdemeanor charge, $500 fine, and/or 90 days in jail
  • $100 to $1,000 – Misdemeanor charge, $500 fine, and/or 18 months in prison
  • $1,000 to $10,000 – Felony charge, $10,000 fine, 10 years in prison
  • $10,000 to $100,000 – Felony charge, $15,000 fine, 15 years in prison
  • More than $100,000 – Felony charge, $25,000 fine, 25 years in prison

 DEFENDING AGAINST SHOPLIFTING CHARGES


The good news is that an experienced defense lawyer can defend against shoplifting charges in many different ways. For example, one defense is that you did not have the requisite intent to shoplift. For example, if you accidentally placed an item in your purse so you could use your hands to answer a call or tend to a child, your attorney could argue that you never intended to take the item without paying.

Even if there is plenty of evidence that you shoplifted, your attorney can seek to have your charges reduced by challenging the value of the of the items taken. For first-time offenders, an attorney may qualify you for a diversion program or probation before judgment that can avoid a conviction on your record and end up with the dismissal of your charges. Even if a diversion program isn’t an option in your case, your lawyer can argue for probation instead of jail time and other reductions in your sentence in a plea bargain.

CALL A MARYLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Like any type of criminal allegation, shoplifting charges should always be taken seriously. The penalties can increase for multiple convictions, so you want to avoid any convictions whenever possible. The criminal defense lawyers at Alpert Schreyer, LLC regularly defend against theft-related charges. If you would like to discuss your charges with a member of our legal team, please contact us online or call our office at (866) 444-6363 today.

The Law Offices of Alpert Schreyer have an established reputation as one of the top rated DUI/DWI and criminal defense law firms in the State of Maryland. Partners Andrew Alpert and Michael Schreyer, each bring specific knowledge and advanced training to every case in order to create a well-rounded defense team known for their commitment to their clients and proficiency in the courtroom.

Attorney Andrew Alpert is a founding partner and former prosecutor with more than 25 years of experience and advanced training in Maryland DUI laws which allows him to confidently and effectively defend clients facing alcohol-related traffic charges. He has achieved success for thousands of clients, including high-profile vehicular manslaughter and repeat offender DUI/DWI cases.

Over the years, Attorney Alpert, along with his experienced legal team, have helped Maryland DUI/DWI and criminal defense clients face their charges with the insight, knowledge and the aggressive defense strategies necessary to preserve their rights and well being. Success in court does not only mean an end to prosecution, it means that heavy fines and long-term imprisonment that could harm defendants and their family for years to come can be avoided.

Clients who come to Alpert Schreyer can rest assured that they will receive highly skilled representation that has been tested through years of experience and continued success. The firm has a proven track record of representing clients facing serious criminal charges including but not limited to: drug crimes, drunk driving, theft, homicide, weapons charges, and manslaughter. We know firsthand the serious toll that a criminal conviction can bring. But we also know how to fight for the best outcome for our clients and will work to make sure you are defended from penalties that could alter your entire life.

While no two cases are alike, the skilled and insightful representation of the legal team of attorneys at Alpert Schreyer will be tailored to suit the unique needs of clients and the challenges they face.

At Alpert Schreyer we handle your case in an entirely different way. Instead of searching for the easy way out, we prepare ourselves to fight for your rights. Andrew Alpert has been fighting for his clients for over 25 years and has fought thousands of cases. He has attended extensive scientific and legal training and uses that knowledge to fight for you. From the moment you speak with us, you will understand the difference that knowledge and experience make.

PRACTICE AREAS:
DUI Attorneys Waldorf MD
Waldorf MD Criminal Defense Lawyers
Drug Crimes Law Waldorf MD

CONTACT:
Alpert Schreyer, LLC
8 Post Office Road
Waldorf, Maryland 20602
Phone: (301) 932-9997
Fax: (844) 632-7274


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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