Maryland Criminal Defense · Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Statewide
Maryland Criminal Defense · Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Statewide
A first-degree assault charge carries up to 25 years in prison. Whether the charge stems from a fight, an allegation involving a firearm, or a disputed account of events — the outcome of this case will shape the rest of your life. You need experience from day one.
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Under Criminal Law § 3-202, first-degree assault occurs when a person intentionally causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury to another — or commits assault using a firearm. That’s the legal standard. In practice, these charges arise from a wide range of situations: bar fights, domestic disputes, road rage incidents, conflicts between neighbours, and allegations involving weapons.
Maryland Criminal Law — § 3-202A person may not intentionally cause or attempt to cause serious physical injury to another. A person may not commit assault with a firearm. Violation is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years.
The phrase “serious physical injury” is key — and contested. The law defines it as physical injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes permanent or protracted disfigurement, or results in loss or impairment of a body part or organ. Whether an injury meets that threshold is often a central argument in the defense.
First-degree assault charges are frequently filed in situations where the facts are disputed, where tempers escalated unexpectedly, or where one person’s account is being taken at face value. They’re also filed aggressively when a firearm is present — even if no one was actually harmed. A few common scenarios:
In many first-degree assault cases, the most critical work happens before trial — through evidence review, witness interviews, and motions practice. The sooner you have experienced counsel involved, the more options you have. Time matters.
Second-degree assault is a broader catch-all — it covers unwanted physical contact, threats, and harmful touching without the requirement of serious injury. First-degree assault requires either a firearm or an injury (or attempted injury) that is severe in nature.
In practice, prosecutors sometimes charge first-degree assault based on allegations that may actually only support second-degree. Part of effective defense is challenging whether the evidence truly meets the higher threshold — and arguing for reduction if it does not.
Twenty-five years is the statutory maximum, but that ceiling shapes every plea negotiation and sentencing argument in the case. Even if incarceration is avoided, a felony assault conviction means:
These are not abstract risks — they are real outcomes that clients face every day. Allan Rombro understands what’s at stake, and builds a defense that addresses the full picture.
Allan Rombro has defended serious felony assault cases throughout his 35+ year career. He approaches each case methodically: reviewing all police reports and discovery materials, evaluating the credibility of witnesses, examining physical evidence, and identifying any constitutional violations in how the investigation was conducted.
Where the evidence supports it, he pursues dismissal or acquittal. Where a negotiated resolution serves the client better, he uses his relationships with prosecutors and his knowledge of each court to achieve the best available outcome. Every case is different — the strategy is always built around the specific facts.
Have a question not answered here? Email Allan Rombro directly for a free, confidential consultation — available 24 hours.
First-degree assault in Maryland is defined under Criminal Law § 3-202. It applies when a person intentionally causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury to another, or commits any assault using a firearm. It is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
First-degree assault requires either serious physical injury (or attempted serious injury) or the use of a firearm. Second-degree assault is broader and covers any intentional harmful or offensive contact — without the serious injury threshold. First-degree is always a felony and carries up to 25 years. Second-degree can be a misdemeanor or felony and carries up to 10 years.
Yes. Charges can be dismissed based on insufficient evidence, self-defense, constitutional violations, or credibility issues with witnesses. A charge can also sometimes be negotiated down to second-degree assault — which can mean avoiding a felony conviction entirely. The specific path depends on the facts of your case.
Under Maryland law, assaulting someone with a firearm — even if no physical injury results — qualifies as first-degree assault. Prosecutors frequently charge first-degree based solely on the presence of a firearm. This makes early legal intervention essential: how the incident is framed from the beginning significantly affects the outcome.
Without question. First-degree assault is one of the most serious non-homicide charges in Maryland’s criminal code. A conviction carries up to 25 years in prison and a permanent felony record. The quality of your legal representation directly affects what happens to you. Call Allan Rombro at 410-580-9500 for a free, confidential consultation.
The sooner you act, the stronger your defense. Free consultation, available 24 hours.
Speak directly with Allan Rombro. Available 24 hours.
🔒 Confidential & no obligation. Your information is never shared.