First-degree assault is a very serious charge in Maryland, carrying a possible penalty of up to 25 years imprisonment. In order to be charged with first-degree assault, the state must prove the following: That the crime meets all elements of second-degree assault, and the crime was committed with a firearm, or the intent of the assault was serious physical injury. Maryland defines serious physical injury as a scenario that presents a reasonable risk of death on the part of the alleged victim or results in serious injuries that disfigure the victim or impair some bodily function. If you have been charged with first-degree assault in Maryland, an experienced Maryland defense lawyer can help you understand your charges and how best to approach them.

Second-degree assault differs from first-degree assault in Maryland in that it is a less serious charge, but it still carries a hefty potential penalty that a Maryland defense lawyer can help you fight. The maximum penalty for second-degree assault is 10 years’ imprisonment. Under Section 3-203, any unwanted physical contact can be considered assault, even if it doesn’t ultimately cause injury. Assault that poses no risk of death or serious injury is normally charged as second-degree assault, however, there are some exceptions as discussed below.

Whenever you are involved in a car accident, it is important to call the police, wait for them to arrive and get a copy of the police report. Be sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver and get the names of any witnesses at the accident.Use your phone to take still images and videos, but only from a safe vantage point. Do not jeopardize your personal safety when moving about an accident scene. Do not try to move if the nature of your injuries don’t allow it.If you are injured in a Maryland car accident, there are several different ways you can go about recovering money. You can call your own insurance company and have them call the at-fault driver’s company. You can call the other driver’s insurance company directly and file a claim. If the other driver did not have insurance, you may want to consider filing a lawsuit against them. Do not accept a settlement for your injuries without first discussing it with a qualified, Rockville car accident lawyer, like attorney Hector Z. Oropeza.

What are the Insurance Requirements for Drivers in Maryland?

Before you can register a vehicle in the state of Maryland, you must be able to prove you have insurance. The Old Line state requires its drivers to carry $30,000 of bodily injury insurance for one person and $60,000 per accident. A driver must carry at least $15,000 for property damage insurance. You must also carry $2,500 for personal injury protection, although you may have the option of waving that fee if you select a limited PIP option.