Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Assault

A Female in-law entered our house uninvited demanding to know why my wife has been avoiding her phone calls.She got pretty verbal and my wife ask her to leave,she continued her verbal assault so my wife stepped towards her to show her the door.The in-law raised her fist so my wife in self defense shoved her out the door.Both filed assault charges but the in-law scratched herself up before calling the police.(she has done that before in other case's)My wife also filed trespassing,fourth degree burglary, second degree assault and now has a final protective order for one year against her. The in-law did not show up in court for the three peace orders she filed that weekend.Now the court date for assault is set,I feel it will be Nolle Prosequi or dismissed.

My wife thinks we need a lawyer and I can agree somewhat, but I feel this will be treated with a slap on the wrist.We would like to have some legal action against her because she has done this stuff in the past and its time she be stopped. I have been quoted $2,000.00 for lawyer fee's but if she no show's or it is dismissed this money was not well spent for something we could accomplish on our own. Thanks for any advise offered.


Asked on 1/19/07, 6:23 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Assault

A fee charged by a lawyer is based on his expierence and the difficulty of the case. The fee is not less if the victim does not show up, as the lawyer has given you his time in preparing for the case and going to court with you on the trial date. Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to shop for a lawyer. Feel free to give me a call.

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Answered on 1/22/07, 4:19 pm
Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

Re: Assault

This case should not cost $2,000. I do think, however, that you should seriously consider hiring an attorney. I would be happy to consult with you, and to handle the case for a reasonable fee.

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Answered on 1/20/07, 5:44 pm


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