Assault and battery in Howard County, Maryland, is prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article, with penalties ranging from up to 10 years for second-degree assault to 25 years for first-degree assault. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County, including documented results in assault and domestic violence cases. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment.
Assault and Battery Lawyer in Howard County, Maryland
Under Maryland law, assault and battery are defined under the Md. Code, Criminal Law Article. Assault involves an attempt to cause harmful or offensive contact, or the threat of such contact, while battery involves actual physical contact. In Howard County, these charges are prosecuted at the District Court of MD for Howard County for misdemeanors and at the Howard County Circuit Court for felonies. A conviction can result in significant jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to defend clients facing assault and battery charges.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Howard County | Maryland General Assembly
For the official Maryland statutes governing assault and battery, see: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201 (Maryland General Assembly — official site). For court procedures in Howard County, visit: District Court of MD for Howard County (Maryland Courts — official site).
In the District Court of MD for Howard County, prosecutors routinely seek maximum penalties for assault and battery cases, especially those involving domestic violence allegations. We have observed that early intervention before charges are formally filed can significantly improve outcomes.
- Do not speak to police without a lawyer present.
- Contact an assault and battery defense lawyer Howard County immediately.
- Preserve all evidence, including text messages and witness information.
- Attend all scheduled court hearings to avoid a bench warrant.
- Consider negotiating for PBJ or dismissal through your attorney.
- Explore expungement options after case resolution.
In Howard County, assault and battery charges carry penalties ranging from up to 10 years for second-degree assault to 25 years for first-degree assault, depending on the classification and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second-Degree Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $2,500 | None | Permanent criminal record |
| First-Degree Assault | Felony | Up to 25 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Permanent criminal record, loss of gun rights |
| Assault with a Deadly Weapon | Felony | Up to 10 years | Up to $5,000 | None | Permanent criminal record |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has handled numerous assault and battery cases in Howard County, leveraging deep familiarity with local court procedures and prosecutorial practices.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Howard County, including documented results in assault and domestic violence cases. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with over 93% favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Our location in Rockville, MD is approximately 20 miles from the District Court of MD for Howard County, with access via I-95 and Route 29. Serving the communities of Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Clarksville, Highland, Savage, Jessup, and Laurel (partial). 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
(888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assault and Battery in Howard County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Howard County, Maryland?
PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged (3-year waiting period).
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Howard County, Maryland?
Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Howard County are expunged through the court where the case was heard (District Court of MD for Howard County).
What happens after a criminal arrest in Howard County, Maryland?
After arrest in Howard County: (1) initial appearance before a District Court commissioner who sets bail, (2) bail review hearing within 24 hours if detained, (3) arraignment, (4) trial. Misdemeanors are tried at District Court of MD for Howard County (3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043). Felonies go to Howard County Circuit Court.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor in Howard County, Maryland?
Many Maryland misdemeanors carry significant penalties — second-degree assault: up to 10 years; theft $100-$1,500: up to 6 months. An attorney at District Court of MD for Howard County can negotiate PBJ (no conviction on record) or dismissal.
How does a Maryland lawyer defend against assault and battery charges in Howard County?
Defense strategies for assault and battery in Howard County may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under Md. Code, Criminal Law Article to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing assault and battery charges in Howard County, Maryland?
If facing assault and battery charges in Howard County, contact a criminal attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under Maryland law require prompt action.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland — State hub page
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County — Sibling page
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — Sibling page
- Conspiracy to Commit an Offense lawyer Howard County — Cross-PA page
- Aiding and Abetting lawyer Howard County — Cross-PA page
Last verified: April 2026
By appointment only.