Assault and Battery Lawyer Prince Georges County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Assault and battery in Prince George’s County is prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strong defense for these charges. Our assault and battery lawyer Prince Georges County team, led by former prosecutor Kristen Fisher, understands local court procedures. We offer 24/7 consultations at (888) 437-7747.
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 primary statute is Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201. Charges range from second-degree assault (a misdemeanor) to first-degree assault (a felony). The specific facts of the incident, the alleged victim, and the defendant’s intent determine the charge level and potential penalties.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Prince George’s County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s assault laws, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. Court information for Prince George’s County, including location and hours, can be found on the Maryland Courts website for the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County.
Prince George’s County Court Process for Assault Charges
In Prince George’s County, misdemeanor assault cases are handled at the District Court at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro. Felony first-degree assault cases proceed to the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County prosecutes these cases. A key local disposition is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), which can avoid a formal conviction on your record if certain conditions are met.
- Initial Appearance & Bail: After arrest, you will see a District Court commissioner who sets bail or releases you on personal recognizance.
- Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney will review evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the prosecutor for a dismissal, reduction, or favorable plea agreement like PBJ.
- Trial or Disposition: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to a bench trial in District Court or a jury trial in Circuit Court for felonies.
Potential Penalties for Assault and Battery in Maryland
In Prince George’s County, assault and battery penalties depend on the degree of the charge, with second-degree assault carrying up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a $2,500 fine.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | Probation, permanent criminal record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | Felony record, loss of firearm rights |
| Assault on Law Enforcement | Felony | Up to 10 years (mandatory min. often applies) | Up to $5,000 | Enhanced penalties |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, and we have documented over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. In Prince George’s County, we actively defend clients against assault and battery charges.
Case Results
While specific Prince George’s County assault case results are confidential, our firm’s approach is demonstrated by our broader record. Firm-wide, we have achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. These results include dismissals (Nolle Prosequi), reductions, and favorable plea agreements like Probation Before Judgment (PBJ). Our assault and battery defense lawyer Prince George’s County team, including Mr. Sris who brings decades of strategic experience, works to secure the best possible outcome in each case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Assault and Battery Defense
Our Maryland office in Rockville serves clients facing charges at the Prince George’s County District Court in Upper Marlboro, accessible via I-495, I-95, and Route 301. If you need an assault and battery lawyer near Prince George’s County, contact us. We serve communities including Upper Marlboro, Bowie, College Park, Laurel, Hyattsville, Greenbelt, Largo, Fort Washington, Lanham, Clinton, Capitol Heights, Oxon Hill, and Suitland.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
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.
Assault and Battery Defense FAQs in Prince George’s County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Prince George’s 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, including second-degree assault, at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my assault charge dismissed in Prince George’s County, Maryland?
It depends. An experienced assault charge dismissed lawyer Prince George’s County can argue for dismissal based on lack of evidence, self-defense, or witness credibility issues. Prosecutors may agree to a Nolle Prosequi (drop charges) or place the case on the Stet docket. Success depends on the specific facts and a strong legal defense.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor assault charge in Prince George’s County?
Yes. Maryland misdemeanor assault carries penalties up to 10 years in prison. An attorney at the District Court of MD for Prince George’s County can negotiate for PBJ (no conviction) or seek dismissal. The potential consequences make legal representation critical.
What happens after an assault arrest in Prince George’s County?
After arrest: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner for bail, (2) bail review within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment to enter a plea, (4) pre-trial negotiations and motions, (5) trial if no resolution. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court; felonies go to Circuit Court.
What’s the difference between assault and battery in Maryland?
In Maryland, “assault” generally includes both the threat of harm (assault) and the actual harmful or offensive contact (battery). The terms are often used together in charging documents. The severity is graded as first or second-degree based on factors like intent and injury.
Related Legal Information
For more information, visit our Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Montgomery County and Howard County. In Prince George’s County, we handle related matters such as DUI/DWI defense and family law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.