7 Men Sentenced In Ocean City Assaults

All seven suspects in last summer’s assaults in Ocean City have pled guilty. Over the past several months, they pled guilty to second-degree assault in Worcester County Circuit Court for the two assaults.

Police were able to identify the suspects using cell phone video and city watch cameras. The seven people charged were:

  • Kabreon Nichols, 19
  • Xavier Jamal Spencer, 20
  • Orlando Manship Nichols Jr., 21
  • Daveione K Cephas, 21
  • Marquis Trajon Demby, 23
  • Cortez Murray, 24
  • Marcus Dashawn Butler, 28

All were sentenced to 10 years in prison. All are from Cambridge, Maryland, except for Murray, who is from Easton, Maryland, and Demby, who is from Lincoln, Delaware.

Two people were assaulted on the boardwalk on the evening of June 9, 2020. They were stabbed with a knife that was later found. The same group of men were responsible in both incidents.

What is Second-Degree Assault?

First-degree assault involves intentionally causing serious physical injury to someone with the use of a firearm. Any other type of offensive touching is generally classified under second-degree assault, which means it can be broad.

First-degree assault is typically a felony, while second-degree assault is a misdemeanor. Despite this, it is still a serious crime that is punished harshly. A person convicted of second-degree assault can face up to 10 years in prison as well as a fine of $2,500. If the victim is a law enforcement officer performing their official duties, the assault is charged as a felony. The fine is increased to $5,000.

The main element of assault is intentional touching. If you accidentally bump into something and they injure themselves, that is not assault. If someone accidentally bumps into you and you get mad and shove them, you could be convicted of assault because your action was intentional.

Developing a Defense

If you have been accused of assault, you need a strong defense. The most common defense for assault is self-defense or defense of a third party. For example, if you felt someone was attempting to harm you or a loved one, and you punched them, you could say you were just trying to defend yourself.

However, the force has to be proportional to the action. If someone pushed you and you turned around and stabbed them 20 times, that would be excessive force and you would likely be convicted of assault.

You could also reduce your assault charges by developing an alibi, arguing a lack of criminal intent, or accepting a plea bargain. In some cases, you can plead guilty to a lesser charge and receive reduced penalties. Your lawyer can help.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Assault is a serious crime, especially if there are weapons involved. Using a knife on someone is never acceptable except possibly in cases of self-defense.

Assault comes with stiff penalties, but you can fight these charges with the right legal help. The Columbia assault lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can help you get the best possible outcome. Schedule a consultation by calling (410) 774-5987 or filling out the online form. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

baltimore.cbslocal.com/2021/06/08/7-sentenced-in-2020-ocean-city-maryland-boardwalk-assaults/

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