An Experienced Annapolis Simple Assault Defense Attorney Advocates for You

A trustworthy defense for Maryland simple assault defendants

Simple assault is not so simple when you are facing criminal charges. The potential consequences of a simple assault conviction are serious and require an effective defense. While all cases differ, there are numerous effective defenses to allegations of assault.

My name is Gill Andrew Cochran, and I am a skilled Annapolis simple assault defense attorney. I know how to successfully defend against assault charges in the Maryland courts. Turn to Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law to start building a comprehensive defense.

Understand Maryland assault laws

In most states, assault and battery are two different crimes. Assault is placing an individual in reasonable fear of bodily harm. Battery is unlawfully touching someone without consent. In Maryland, assault and battery are combined into one assault statute. What many refer to as “simple assault” falls under the classification of second-degree assault within Maryland law. To convict on this charge, the state must prove that the defendant did one of the following:

• Caused physical injury to another person. For simple assault, the resulting injuries need not be serious. In fact, a mild scratch could qualify as an injury under this statute.
• Placed an individual in fear of bodily harm. While the law does not require that the victim be placed in an extreme level of fear, it does require the potential fear to be imminent, or likely to occur in the immediate future.

A second-degree assault conviction can result in a penalty of up to 10 years’ incarceration and a maximum fine of $2,500.

Potential defenses to simple assault charges

Simple assault charges often arise from fights, where all parties voluntarily participated in mutual combat. Since law enforcement officials are rarely present to see who started the fight, they often charge everyone involved with assault. If this is what occurred in your case, an experienced Annapolis simple assault lawyer understands that you may have acted out of self-defense, or in response to being struck or threatened with bodily harm.

At Dew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I have successfully defended numerous assault charges, using a theory of self-defense or several other defense strategies, including challenging the legality of evidence in the case.

Trust your simple assault case to a lawyer with 18 years of experience in the Maryland courts

At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I am proud to have represented clients in Annapolis for more than 18 years. In that time, I have earned a reputation for integrity and received professional recognition by my peers. Let me put my experience to work for you. I strive to keep my services financially accessible to anyone who needs them. If you are facing simple assault charges, contact my office at 410-271-1892 or complete my contact form to schedule a consultation.

And remember: Keep Calm — and Call Drew.