Aggravated Assault Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Aggravated assault in Prince George’s County is a serious felony under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-202, carrying up to 25 years in prison. An aggravated assault lawyer Prince Georges County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the State’s evidence and seek dismissal or reduction of charges.
Maryland Aggravated Assault Law & Penalties
In Maryland, aggravated assault (first-degree assault) is defined as causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury to another, or assault with a firearm. This is distinct from second-degree assault, which is a misdemeanor. The statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-202, classifies it as a felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a deep understanding of how these charges are built and prosecuted, particularly in the Fifth Judicial District covering Prince George’s County.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see the Maryland General Assembly website for § 3-202. Court procedures and locations are listed on the Maryland Courts directory for Prince George’s County.
Local Court Process for Aggravated Assault Charges
Aggravated assault cases in Prince George’s County begin with an initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail. Felony charges are then bound over to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for potential indictment and jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes these cases aggressively. A skilled assault and battery defense lawyer Prince George’s County can intervene early to contest probable cause at a preliminary hearing or argue for reduced bail.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: You will see a District Court commissioner within 24 hours of arrest at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, for bail determination.
- Preliminary Hearing: If charged by statement of charges, you have a right to a preliminary hearing in District Court to challenge probable cause.
- Grand Jury & Arraignment: The case proceeds to Circuit Court. The grand jury may issue an indictment, followed by an arraignment where you enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and engages in plea negotiations with the State’s Attorney’s office.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a jury trial or is resolved through a plea agreement, potentially to a lesser charge.
Potential Penalties for Aggravated Assault in Prince George’s County
In Prince George’s County, a conviction for aggravated assault carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $2,500 fine, with mandatory sentences if a firearm was used.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault (First-Degree) | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $2,500 | Firearm use triggers mandatory minimum sentences; permanent felony record; loss of firearm rights. |
| Assault with a Firearm | Felony | Mandatory minimum 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Same as above, with enhanced penalties under Maryland’s firearm laws. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Aggravated Assault Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who has firsthand insight into how the State builds its cases. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 documented case results. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, maintains a strategic role on complex cases, bringing his background as a former prosecutor and his multi-state litigation experience to bear.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our approach focuses on achieving the best possible outcome. We work to have an assault charge dismissed lawyer Prince George’s County clients trust by challenging evidence, witness credibility, and procedural errors. In other cases, we negotiate for reductions to misdemeanor assault or favorable dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Aggravated Assault Lawyer Near Prince George’s County
Our Maryland location serves clients facing charges at the Prince George’s County District and Circuit Courts in Upper Marlboro. We represent individuals from Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between aggravated assault and simple assault in Maryland?
Yes, there is a major difference. Aggravated assault (first-degree) involves intent to cause serious physical injury or the use of a firearm, making it a felony. Simple assault (second-degree) is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 10 years.
Can an aggravated assault charge be dropped in Prince George’s County?
It depends. The State’s Attorney can drop charges via a nolle prosequi. An attorney can argue for dismissal by challenging the evidence, showing self-defense, or proving a lack of probable cause at a preliminary hearing. Early intervention by an assault charge dismissed lawyer Prince George’s County is critical.
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 complete probation successfully, you avoid a formal conviction. It is available for many misdemeanors and some felonies at the judge’s discretion.
Do I need a lawyer for a first-time aggravated assault charge?
Yes. The potential penalties are too severe to face alone. An aggravated assault lawyer Prince Georges County can protect your rights, challenge the state’s case, and work toward a reduction or dismissal. The court process is complex, and prosecutors are experienced.
What are common defenses to aggravated assault?
Common defenses include self-defense, defense of others, lack of intent to cause serious injury, mistaken identity, and challenging the credibility of witnesses. An assault and battery defense lawyer Prince George’s County will investigate the facts to identify the strongest defense strategy for your case.
Internal Links: For more on Maryland criminal defense, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist with related issues like DUI charges in Prince George’s County. For defense in a neighboring area, consider our Montgomery County criminal lawyer.
Page Last verified: 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.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.