Assault Lawyer in Lancaster, PA

Even mutual fights are grounds for filing assault charges in Pennsylvania. Although not all assault claims involve felony-level charges, they are still violent crimes that stay on your criminal record for years. Many assault charges also involve allegations of substantial provocation and self-defense, which experienced Lancaster assault defense lawyer Stephen W. Grosh will argue should mitigate or defeat simple and aggravated assault claims.

Assault can be charged as a first-degree felony in the Commonwealth.

Simple Assault Charges and Defenses

Simple assault is charged under Pa. C.S. § 2701 and can be a misdemeanor of the first, second, or third degree, depending on the facts. However, some misdemeanors in Pennsylvania are equivalent to federal felonies. You may be guilty of simple assault in the following cases:

• Recklessly or intentionally causing (or attempting to cause) bodily injury to another
• Negligently causing bodily injury to another using a deadly weapon
• Putting another in fear of imminent and serious bodily harm
• Concealing and assaulting a state law enforcement officer or medical professional with a hypodermic needle

Negligent conduct causing bodily harm, such as accidentally striking a cyclist on the road, is not generally grounds for assault charges in the Commonwealth. Experienced assault defense lawyers may argue that any bodily injury was caused negligently and not intentionally. Simple assault is typically a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. If the fight was relatively mutual, simply assault is a third-degree misdemeanor punishable by no more than 1 year in prison and a $2,500 fine. Penalties increase if the assault involves a child.

Reducing Pennsylvania Aggravated Assault Charges

Aggravated assault is punishable as a separate offense under Pa. C.S. § 2702. It occurs when the assault involves circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life, using a deadly weapon intentionally, or harming law enforcement, state, or school officials. You might also face aggravated assault charges in Lancaster for intentionally or recklessly causing bodily harm to a child under the age of 13.

Aggravated assault is a significant crime in Pennsylvania, carrying first- or second-degree felony charges. First-degree felonies are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines of $25,000, making them one of the most significant crimes in the Commonwealth. If you’ve been charged with aggravated assault in Lancaster, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will fight to get your charges dismissed or reduced to simple assault. This may be possible if the assault involved significant provocation, including verbal or physical threats and abuse or elements of self-defense.

Connect with a Dedicated Assault Charges Defense Lawyer in Lancaster, PA

Do not let assault charges change the course of your life, especially if your case involves significant provocation or domestic violence allegations. Contact experienced Lancaster assault and battery defense attorney Stephen W. Grosh immediately to achieve the best result in your case. Call (717) 208-4599 or connect with our criminal defense team online today.