Assaulting a law enforcement officer is one of the most serious assault charges you can face in Maryland. These cases often arise from escalated or chaotic encounters, where emotions run high and actions are misinterpreted. But once that charge is filed, the penalties become very real—and so does the risk to your future.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we aggressively defend clients accused of assaulting police officers in Annapolis and throughout Anne Arundel County. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Christian Hartman understands how these cases are built—and how quickly a routine stop or heated exchange can spiral into a felony arrest. We use that insight to challenge the state’s version of events and ensure your rights are protected from day one.

If you’ve been arrested for assaulting a law enforcement officer in Maryland, you need experienced, battle-tested representation now, not later.

What Is Assault of a Police Officer in Maryland?

Under Maryland Criminal Law § 3-203, second-degree assault becomes a felony when the alleged victim is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other protected official performing their official duties.

To be charged, the prosecution must prove that:

  • The defendant intended to cause offensive contact or harm
  • The victim was a law enforcement officer or a similar official
  • The officer was engaged in official duties at the time of the incident
  • The defendant knew or reasonably should have known the person was an officer

Importantly, no serious injury needs to occur. Charges can result from:

  • Struggling during an arrest
  • Shoving an officer
  • Swinging an arm while being handcuffed
  • Spitting or throwing a drink
  • Words or gestures perceived as threatening

Even minor contact can be treated as a felony if the officer claims it was intentional and aggressive in nature.

Penalties for Assaulting a Police Officer in Maryland

Unlike ordinary second-degree assault—which is a misdemeanor—assaulting a police officer is charged as a felony under Maryland law.

If convicted, you could face:

  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • Up to $5,000 in fines
  • A permanent felony record
  • Disqualification from certain jobs, licenses, or firearm ownership
  • Severe consequences for immigration status (for non-citizens)

The impact on your reputation, career, and future is significant. These charges often follow public arrests, media exposure, and pressure from law enforcement unions, which can influence how harshly they’re prosecuted.

Defending Against Assault on a Police Officer Charges

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand that not every encounter with police goes according to plan. Officers may act with excessive force, make rash assumptions, or file charges to justify questionable behavior during an arrest.

Common defenses include:

  • Self-defense or reflexive reaction during excessive or unlawful force
  • Lack of intent to harm or threaten
  • Accidental contact during chaotic or confusing interactions
  • Mistaken identity or poor visibility
  • The officer was not lawfully performing duties

We obtain and analyze:

  • Bodycam and dashcam footage
  • Witness testimony
  • Medical and arrest records
  • Officer conduct history, if relevant

Attorney Christian Hartman’s background as a prosecutor gives him an edge in identifying overreach, exaggeration, and procedural errors. He’s not afraid to push back against law enforcement when the facts demand it—and he’ll hold the state to its burden of proof at every step.

Why These Cases Require Aggressive Legal Defense

Assault of a police officer is politically charged, emotionally intense, and often treated as “open and shut” by law enforcement. But in our experience, the reality is rarely that simple.

These cases demand a defense that is:

  • Fast-moving, to gather evidence before it’s lost or destroyed
  • Strategic, to manage both courtroom and public-facing risks
  • Unyielding in the face of institutional pressure to convict

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we don’t back down when the odds seem stacked—we build your defense from the ground up and pursue every legal and procedural opportunity to reduce or dismiss the charge.

Why Choose Hartman Attorneys at Law?

  • Former Prosecutor Insight: Attorney Christian Hartman brings firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors charge and try police assault cases.
  • Direct Access to Your Lawyer: No case managers or go-betweens—you’ll speak directly with your attorney.
  • Local Experience in Annapolis: We regularly defend clients in Anne Arundel County courts and are familiar with the key players involved.
  • 24/7 Availability: Arrests don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we.
  • Tailored, Aggressive Defense: We don’t treat you like a file—we treat your case like our top priority.

Arrested for Assaulting a Police Officer in Annapolis? Call Now.

Don’t let a misunderstanding with law enforcement turn into a felony conviction. Whether you were trying to protect yourself, acting out of fear, or simply caught up in a moment that escalated too quickly, you deserve a strong legal defense.

Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law now for a confidential consultation. We’ll move fast to protect your rights, your record, and your future.

Assault of a Police Officer

Assaulting a law enforcement officer is one of the most serious assault charges you can face in Maryland. These cases often arise from escalated or chaotic encounters, where emotions run high and actions are misinterpreted. But once that charge is filed, the penalties become very real—and so does the risk to your future.

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we aggressively defend clients accused of assaulting police officers in Annapolis and throughout Anne Arundel County. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Christian Hartman understands how these cases are built—and how quickly a routine stop or heated exchange can spiral into a felony arrest. We use that insight to challenge the state’s version of events and ensure your rights are protected from day one.

If you’ve been arrested for assaulting a law enforcement officer in Maryland, you need experienced, battle-tested representation now, not later.

What Is Assault of a Police Officer in Maryland?

Under Maryland Criminal Law § 3-203, second-degree assault becomes a felony when the alleged victim is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other protected official performing their official duties.

To be charged, the prosecution must prove that:

  • The defendant intended to cause offensive contact or harm
  • The victim was a law enforcement officer or a similar official
  • The officer was engaged in official duties at the time of the incident
  • The defendant knew or reasonably should have known the person was an officer

Importantly, no serious injury needs to occur. Charges can result from:

  • Struggling during an arrest
  • Shoving an officer
  • Swinging an arm while being handcuffed
  • Spitting or throwing a drink
  • Words or gestures perceived as threatening

Even minor contact can be treated as a felony if the officer claims it was intentional and aggressive in nature.

Penalties for Assaulting a Police Officer in Maryland

Unlike ordinary second-degree assault—which is a misdemeanor—assaulting a police officer is charged as a felony under Maryland law.

If convicted, you could face:

  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • Up to $5,000 in fines
  • A permanent felony record
  • Disqualification from certain jobs, licenses, or firearm ownership
  • Severe consequences for immigration status (for non-citizens)

The impact on your reputation, career, and future is significant. These charges often follow public arrests, media exposure, and pressure from law enforcement unions, which can influence how harshly they’re prosecuted.

Defending Against Assault on a Police Officer Charges

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we understand that not every encounter with police goes according to plan. Officers may act with excessive force, make rash assumptions, or file charges to justify questionable behavior during an arrest.

Common defenses include:

  • Self-defense or reflexive reaction during excessive or unlawful force
  • Lack of intent to harm or threaten
  • Accidental contact during chaotic or confusing interactions
  • Mistaken identity or poor visibility
  • The officer was not lawfully performing duties

We obtain and analyze:

  • Bodycam and dashcam footage
  • Witness testimony
  • Medical and arrest records
  • Officer conduct history, if relevant

Attorney Christian Hartman’s background as a prosecutor gives him an edge in identifying overreach, exaggeration, and procedural errors. He’s not afraid to push back against law enforcement when the facts demand it—and he’ll hold the state to its burden of proof at every step.

Why These Cases Require Aggressive Legal Defense

Assault of a police officer is politically charged, emotionally intense, and often treated as “open and shut” by law enforcement. But in our experience, the reality is rarely that simple.

These cases demand a defense that is:

  • Fast-moving, to gather evidence before it’s lost or destroyed
  • Strategic, to manage both courtroom and public-facing risks
  • Unyielding in the face of institutional pressure to convict

At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we don’t back down when the odds seem stacked—we build your defense from the ground up and pursue every legal and procedural opportunity to reduce or dismiss the charge.

Why Choose Hartman Attorneys at Law?

  • Former Prosecutor Insight: Attorney Christian Hartman brings firsthand knowledge of how prosecutors charge and try police assault cases.
  • Direct Access to Your Lawyer: No case managers or go-betweens—you’ll speak directly with your attorney.
  • Local Experience in Annapolis: We regularly defend clients in Anne Arundel County courts and are familiar with the key players involved.
  • 24/7 Availability: Arrests don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we.
  • Tailored, Aggressive Defense: We don’t treat you like a file—we treat your case like our top priority.

Arrested for Assaulting a Police Officer in Annapolis? Call Now.

Don’t let a misunderstanding with law enforcement turn into a felony conviction. Whether you were trying to protect yourself, acting out of fear, or simply caught up in a moment that escalated too quickly, you deserve a strong legal defense.

Contact Hartman Attorneys at Law now for a confidential consultation. We’ll move fast to protect your rights, your record, and your future.