Charged with assault in Glen Burnie or Anne Arundel County? Protect your future with skilled legal representation at Kunka Law.
???? Call (410) 787-0110 or fill out our free, confidential intake form for a no‑obligation consultation.
???? Statewide & Local Assault Trends
According to the Maryland State Police 2023 Uniform Crime Report, Anne Arundel County recorded:
- 185 aggravated assaults in 2023 (e.g. assaults causing serious injury or involving a weapon).
- In Maryland, aggravated assaults made up 72.9% of violent crime, nearly 6.5 incidents per 100,000 residents statewide in 2023.
Even single-digit assault charges can carry life-long consequences. If you’re facing any level of assault charge, prompt legal action is essential.
???? Understanding Maryland Assault Laws
Under Maryland Criminal Code § 3‑201, “assault” covers attempted threats, offensive touching, or injuries—including definitions that can escalate misdemeanors to felony-level offenses depending on intent and outcome. (Justia)
First-Degree Assault (Felony) – Md. Code § 3‑202
Occurs when a person:
- Intentionally causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury, or
- Commits assault by strangulation, or uses a firearm during the assault.
- This offense carries up to 25 years in prison.
Second-Degree Assault – Md. Code § 3‑203
- Simple assault (touching or threatening without causing serious injury)—a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a $2,500 fine.
- If committed against a law enforcement officer, firefighter, EMT, or probation agent, it’s charged as a felony, with penalties up to 10 years in prison or a $5,000 fine.
???? Why Assault Charges Demand an Experienced Trial Attorney
- Serious criminal exposure
Even misdemeanor assault convictions can impact employment, professional licensing, and immigration status. Felonies carry mandatory sentences and long-term stigma. - Complexity of Maryland law
You must understand distinctions like “serious physical injury”—e.g., broken bone vs. bruises—and legal defenses around consent, self-defense, or heat-of-argument. - Anne Arundel County courtroom expertise
We are familiar with the District Court in Glen Burnie, local prosecutors, and what it takes to secure dismissals or acquittals at trial. - Protection beyond case resolution
We assist with post‑conviction steps such as requests for expungement once eligible or probation modification.
???? The Kunkalaw Assault Defense Process
| Step | What You Get |
| 1. Free Consultation | Review of evidence, criminal history, and violation paperwork (usually criminal charge paperwork or affidavit). |
| 2. Early Case Investigation | Police report analysis, victim statements, surveillance review, and body-camera footage retrieval if possible. |
| 3. Bail & Release Assistance | We arrange bail hearing, negotiate personal recognizance, or attend on your behalf. |
| 4. Motion Practice | File motions to suppress unlawfully obtained statements, challenge probable cause, or exclude unverified injury reports. |
| 5. Plea Negotiation or Trial | Push for diversion, reduction to a no‑jail probation, or full dismissal; or litigate aggressively if warranted. |
| 6. Conviction Repair | Post‑trial assistance with expungement or probation modification, where applicable. |
???? What Glen Burnie Clients Say
Matt Kunka is an outstanding attorney. He provides exceptional customer service, listens attentively, and approaches every situation with a non-judgmental attitude. His professionalism, knowledge of the law, and prompt communication truly set him apart. Throughout my experience, he consistently kept me informed and updated, which made a significant difference. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal support—you’ll be in good hands.
Matt Kunka is an extremely competent, vigilant, persistent, knowledgeable, and kind attorney. Our son had some legal issues over COVID and it took over four years to resolve, resulting in the best outcome we could have hoped for. Matt was not only diligent and available this whole time, he went above and beyond to represent our son in the best possible way, providing support and hope along the way. We have sincerely thanked him many times for his outstanding service, and he is very humble, refusing extra compensation. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all he has done for our son and our family, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.
Matt is an incredibly hardworking and trustworthy lawyer. He’s made some of the most stressful and difficult times in my life worry free, explaining each step of the way and doing everything in his power to get you the results you want. Not only does he provide knowledgeable representation, but he’s cost effective and understanding of financial situations. I wouldn’t want anyone but Matt handling my court cases and my future.
I can’t thank Matt Kunka enough for his outstanding support and expertise in handling my cases. From the very beginning, he was professional, knowledgeable, and fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for me. Matt guided me through every step of the legal process, patiently answering my questions and providing clear, strategic advice. He made me feel like a top priority, ensuring that my voice was heard and my concerns addressed. His courtroom skills and keen attention to detail made a significant difference in my case, and I felt truly supported throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a skilled, dedicated, and compassionate criminal lawyer, I highly recommend Matt Kunka.
Matt is an amazing attorney! He puts his all into showcasing his client’s strengths and personal accomplishments to a judge. He made my family and I feel comforted during a very dark time where we felt like there was no coming back from a very unfortunate auto incident. Matt was always personable and would handle things in a very swift and prompt manner. We are so grateful for everything he has done for us, he is the best!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can an assault charge be expunged in Maryland?
Yes—violent misdemeanors (including second-degree assault) are typically eligible no earlier than 7 years after final sentence completion. Felony assault expungement may follow different waiting periods or may not be eligible.
Does Maryland recognize self-defense?
Yes—Maryland law allows the use of non‑deadly force if you reasonably believe it necessary to defend yourself from imminent harm. Jurisdictions interpret “reasonable” as what another neutral observer would agree with.
What happens to bail for assault?
Bail amounts vary. For second-degree assault, bail is often set under $5,000, and you may be released on personal recognizance with supervised probation; first‑degree allegations typically require higher bail.
Can a first-time offender avoid a criminal record?
Possibly—if the prosecutor offers pretrial diversion and the court agrees, you complete an educational or labor program, and the case is dismissed without a conviction.
What if there are other charges like weapons or assault, plus DWI?
We bundle the charges and negotiate from a strategic standpoint. Maryland law lets us argue that eligible penalties exclude overlapping counts—especially for misdemeanors.
✅ Don’t Let One Mistake Shape the Rest of Your Life
Maryland takes assault charges seriously—and so should you. Even an arrest record can affect your job, housing, custody, or professional license. Local attorneys with County-specific insight and trial experience give you the best chance to clear your name.
???? Call (410) 787-0110 – or message us here for a free, no-risk consult.
???? Online intake form – Expect a timely response
???? No upfront costs — you pay only if we deliver case dismissal, conviction reduction, or a favorable plea arrangement.
Proudly defending residents of Glen Burnie, Pasadena, Annapolis, and all of Anne Arundel County. Let us handle your defense while you focus on your future.