Assault and Battery Lawyer in Anne Arundel County, MD — What Are Your Defense Options?
Assault and battery in Anne Arundel County is a serious offense under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201, carrying penalties up to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense representation at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Maryland Assault and Battery Law
Maryland law defines assault and battery as causing offensive physical contact or placing someone in fear of imminent bodily harm. The severity of the charge depends on the circumstances and the alleged victim. First-degree assault, a felony, involves intent to cause serious physical injury or the use of a firearm. Second-degree assault is typically a misdemeanor but still carries significant penalties. Understanding the specific statute cited in your charging documents is the first step in building a defense.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s assault laws, refer to the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and local rules for Anne Arundel County can be found on the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
Local Court Process for Assault Charges
In Anne Arundel County, all misdemeanor assault and battery trials begin at the District Court at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. Felony first-degree assault charges start there but move to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for jury trial. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases. Prosecutors here frequently seek convictions, but dispositions like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which avoids a formal conviction, are possible with strong advocacy.
- 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 are formally charged and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and negotiates with the prosecutor for dismissal, reduction, or a favorable disposition.
- 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).
Potential Penalties for Assault and Battery
In Anne Arundel County, assault and battery penalties range from probation and fines to decades in prison, depending on the degree and circumstances of the offense.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Probation, permanent criminal record, loss of professional licenses. |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | Lengthy probation, felony record, severe impact on employment and housing. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to aggressive, client-focused representation. We have a deep understanding of the local courts, having achieved numerous favorable outcomes for clients facing assault and battery charges in Maryland.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in Anne Arundel County — firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our approach focuses on thorough investigation, challenging the prosecution’s evidence, and exploring all avenues for an assault charge dismissed lawyer Anne Arundel County can pursue, including pre-trial motions to suppress and negotiations for alternative dispositions like PBJ.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Assault and Battery Defense Near Annapolis
Our Maryland office represents clients at Anne Arundel County courts. We serve clients in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. For a strong defense, you need an assault and battery lawyer near Anne Arundel County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
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 is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Anne Arundel County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors at the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my assault record expunged in Anne Arundel County?
It depends. Expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, and PBJ (after 3 years). For assault convictions, expungement may be possible under the Justice Reinvestment Act if it was a non-violent offense. Cases are expunged through the Anne Arundel County court where the case was heard.
What happens after an assault arrest in Anne Arundel County?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) pre-trial proceedings and trial. Misdemeanor assaults are tried at the District Court in Annapolis. Felony assaults go to Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge?
Yes. Second-degree assault carries up to 10 years in prison. An experienced assault and battery defense lawyer Anne Arundel County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction) or dismissal, protecting your record and future.
What is the difference between assault and battery in Maryland?
Assault is placing someone in fear of imminent harmful or offensive contact. Battery is the actual unwanted physical contact. In practice, the charges are often combined, and Maryland statutes use “assault” to cover both concepts, with degrees based on severity and intent.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Prince George’s County. If you are facing other charges, we provide representation for DUI and family law matters in Anne Arundel County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.