Assault charges in Pennsylvania come with severe penalties and can impact your life indefinitely. An assault conviction can limit your job choices and housing options and cause social stigma.
A Butler assault lawyer at Benjamin Levine Law could help you understand the charges against you, explore your potential defenses, and provide you with the legal representation you need. Call today to schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The legal definition of assault is an attempt to harm someone else, and it does not require physical contact. In some states, physical contact with someone is battery. However, in Pennsylvania, any unwanted physical contact with intent to injure is assault.
Sometimes the difference between a misdemeanor, Simple Assault, and felony, Aggravated Assault is nuanced and open to interpretation. Therefore, a skilled attorney who handles Butler assault cases could help defendants understand the charges against them.
The two most common scenarios in which a defendant finds them self facing a simple assault charge are as follows.
The first instance is when one attempts to cause the injury of another person whether or not injury actually occurs. The second instance is causing bodily injury to another whether or not one actually has the intent to injure. That is to say, recklessly causing bodily injury to another person even if it was not your intent to cause such injury can support a charge of simple assault.
Simple assault is a misdemeanor offense, but that does not mean the penalties are inconsequential. Even the least serious charge can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and one year in jail. First-degree simple assault can carry a fine of up to $10,000 and a sentence of up to five years in jail.
The degree of the charges depends on various factors, including the age of the assaulted person. For example, a simple assault of a minor usually results in a first-degree charge, regardless of the nature of the crime.
Despite the name, dealing with a simple assault charge is rarely straightforward. The punishments and fines can be substantial, and the potential consequences can follow people for the rest of their lives. An assault defense lawyer in Butler could help by negotiating a plea deal, taking a case to trial, or exploring other potential remedies.
While simple assault is a misdemeanor, aggravated assault is a felony. A person who causes or attempts to cause serious bodily injury may face these charges. It is essential to understand what serious bodily injury is. Any injury that could result in permanent damage, like an impairment, disfigurement, or even death, is serious.
Simple assault against someone in a protected class elevates the charge from simple to aggravated. Police officers, teachers, and children under the age of six are examples of protected classes. Children aged 12 and under are also protected but in a different category than those under 6.
An aggravated assault can be a first- or second-degree felony. If charged as a first-degree felony, the penalty could be a $25,000 fine and up to 20 years in prison. An assault lawyer in Butler could help their client understand their charges and potential penalties.
Each case involving criminal charges is unique and the services of a Butler assault lawyer can be critical. Our legal team could tailor a defense specific to your needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.
When you need thorough, professional legal guidance, we encourage you to set up a consultation to learn how our attorneys could assist you.