Facing assault charges is a serious matter, and not one you should try to navigate on your own without an experienced defense attorney here to guide and support you.

Simple assault can be charged as a third-, second-, or first-degree misdemeanor, depending on the specific situation. Aggravated assault results in more serious charges, such as second- or first-degree felonies. You could face jail time for any assault conviction, as well as fines and reputational consequences. For help identifying, building, and presenting a strong defense against assault charges, turn to our attorneys.

Call the assault defense lawyers of the Liberty Law Team at (215) 709-7431 for a free, confidential case evaluation.

How Does Pennsylvania Define Simple Assault?

Pennsylvania defines simple assault as attempting to cause, or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing, bodily injury to someone else. Negligently causing bodily injury to someone else using a deadly weapon is also considered simple assault and may be charged accordingly.

When is Simple Assault Charged as a Third-Degree Misdemeanor in Haverford, PA?

For physical altercations entered into with mutual consent from all parties, a defendant might face a third-degree misdemeanor charge for simple assault. Defendants might not get any jail time for a third-degree misdemeanor conviction, especially if it is your first offense.

Still, a maximum sentence of up to 1 year in jail is a possibility.

When is Simple Assault Charged as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor in Haverford, PA?

For a first-time arrest for simple assault in Pennsylvania, you may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.

Depending on the case, our assault defense lawyers may be able to get the prosecution to reduce the charges so that you plead guilty to a third-degree misdemeanor rather than a second-degree offense and face lesser consequences.

When is Simple Assault Charged as a First-Degree Misdemeanor in Haverford, PA?

For simple assault committed against a child under 12 years by someone over 18, the charge is a first-degree misdemeanor. First-degree misdemeanors are the most serious misdemeanor charges you can face before you face felony charges in Pennsylvania.

Do Does Pennsylvania Define Aggravated Assault?

In general, Pennsylvania defines aggravated assault as attempting to or intentionally or recklessly causing serious bodily injury. Aggravated assault is charged differently than simple assault. Instead of a misdemeanor offense, you could face a felony charge.

When is Aggravated Assault Charged as a Second-Degree Felony in Haverford, PA?

Attempting to or knowingly causing bodily injury with a deadly weapon is charged as a second-degree felony in Haverford, as is attempting to or intentionally causing bodily injury to public officers, school staff, and other protected employees.

When is Aggravated Assault Charged as a First-Degree Felony in Haverford, PA?

Attempting to or intentionally causing bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon is charged as a first-degree felony in Pennsylvania. Defendants who are over 18 might face the same charge for attempting to or intentionally causing bodily injury to a child under 13 years old.

What Are the Different Consequences of a Conviction for Simple Assault in Haverford, PA?

Defendants should never underestimate the consequences that might come with an assault conviction, as any criminal conviction could negatively affect their lives moving forward.

Third-Degree Misdemeanor Conviction

If you are charged with a third-degree misdemeanor for simple assault, the maximum penalty you could face is up to 1 year in county jail and fines of up to $2,500.

Instead of, or in addition to, jail time, you might be placed on probation and required to complete community service or anger management classes.

Second-Degree Misdemeanor

For a second-degree misdemeanor charge for simple assault, the maximum penalty is up to 2 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.

First-Degree Misdemeanor

If you are convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor for simple assault in Haverford, you could face up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

What Are the Different Consequences of a Conviction of Aggravated Assault in Haverford, PA?

There are far more severe penalties for those convicted of charges for aggravated assault in Pennsylvania.

Second-Degree Felony

For second-degree felony aggravated assault charges, the penalties are far more severe. For a second-degree felony conviction, you could receive up to a 10-year prison sentence at a state correctional facility and have to pay up to $25,000 in fines.

If you get a felony conviction for aggravated assault in Pennsylvania, you also lose your right to own a firearm even after your release from prison.

First-Degree Felony

Apart from murder, first-degree felonies are the most heavily penalized criminal offenses in Pennsylvania. Convictions can carry prison sentences of up to 20 years and may include fines of up to $25,000.

How Can You Defend Yourself Against Assault Charges in Haverford, PA?

Get the defense you need against assault charges when you take your case to our lawyers in Haverford.

Self-Defense

One of the most common defenses against assault charges is that the defendant acted in self-defense. You have the right to respond with proportional force against someone who is attacking you, and officers might misunderstand the situation when they first arrive at the scene, especially for domestic violence-related assault charges.

Tell us whether you were acting in self-defense and if any other witnesses can testify to the fact that the alleged victim initiated the encounter.

We may also argue that you were acting in defense of others to avoid a criminal conviction.

Lack of Intent

For aggravated assault charges specifically, prosecutors have to prove that a defendant intended to cause serious bodily injury with their actions. Proving intent can be difficult, especially when our lawyers demonstrate that you lacked any intent to harm another person and should not be convicted of charges for aggravated assault.

Mistaken Identity

Tell our lawyers if you were somewhere else entirely when an alleged physical altercation took place. If we can confirm and prove your alibi, we may be able to show that yours is a case of mistaken identity and that you were not one of the individuals involved in a recent physical altercation.

Insufficient Evidence

In criminal cases, the prosecution must overcome a high burden of proof. To do this, they need evidence, which, if they lack it, could benefit your case considerably.

Defend Yourself Against Assault Charges in Haverford, PA

For a free case discussion with the Liberty Law Team, call our assault defense lawyers at (215) 709-7431.