Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer is a Serious Crime
We hear it on the news all the time: a police officer wounded or killed while on duty. While we’d like to think these men and women are simply doing a job and should be safe, sadly that isn’t always the case. However, there is retribution for these men and women that have been injured, and the penalties can be pretty steep.
If you have been charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, you can expect to go through the entire criminal process. The officer that you assaulted will be there not just as a witness to the crime, but as the victim as well.
Penalties for Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer
Maryland Criminal Code has multiple sections regarding assault. While in most situations assault in the second-degree would be considered a misdemeanor, when it comes to a law enforcement officer, it becomes a felony instead. The range of how severe the punishment is will depend on the type of physical injury and impairment the officer suffered. For felony assault on a law enforcement officer to apply, the officer must have received significant injury; otherwise, your lawyer will have the charge reduced to misdemeanor Second Degree assault.
With ordinary second-degree assault charges, the punishment would be a fine not to exceed $2,500 and time in prison of no more than 10 years. However, when the crime involves a law enforcement officer, the penalty increases. Assault on a law enforcement officer is punishable of a fine up to $5,000 and up to 10 years in prison, or a combination of both. In addition, you can be found guilty of a felony, making it even more imperative to have a Maryland criminal defense attorney on your side.
Felony convictions often come with their own set of consequences, such as more trouble obtaining housing, difficulties finding a job, and issues with obtaining financing, just to name a few. You will also have long-term ramifications simply for having a criminal record that includes assaulting a law enforcement officer.
Are You Eligible for Probation?
The answer to this question has a lot to do with what type of criminal history you already have. If your record is clean and you have never faced serious criminal charges before, you may be eligible for probation before judgment, or PBJ. If the court grants a PBJ then you may have the case expunged from your records three (3) years after the trial date. However, if you have a more significant record, you are likely to face jail time. An experienced criminal lawyer will be able to get you the best result, minimizing jail time and working to keep the offense off of your record.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing criminal charges for assault on a law enforcement officer, you are at risk of suffering significant penalties and punishment. An experienced Maryland criminal defense attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and work to get your penalties reduced if there is any way possible. Contact the Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A. today and schedule a consultation.
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