In 2018, there were at least 1,724 assault offenses that occurred in Chester County. Across Pennsylvania in 2016, there was a ratio of roughly 316 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents. The national average is 370 per 100,000 people; therefore, Pennsylvania's rate of violent crimes is approximately 14% below the national average.
Understanding Aggravated Assault (§ 2702)
- Attempts to cause bodily injury (harm) on another person, or knowingly or recklessly exhibits complete indifference for the safety of others
- Attempts to cause bodily harm on another person, or knowingly or recklessly exhibits complete indifference for the safety of the of “officers, agents, and employees” that are “acting in the scope of their employment” or “because of their employment” including:
- Those from the police department, fire department, correctional institutions, and sheriff's department
- County officials such as parole and probation officers, members of the district attorney's office, and the court systems
- Members of the state government and state agencies
- Members of the federal government and federal agencies
- Those associated with schools, the school board, or the Department of Education
- Attempts to cause bodily harm on someone knowingly or recklessly by usage of a lethal weapon
- Uses noxious gas or “electronic incapacitation device” on any of the aforementioned parties
- Adults who attempt to cause bodily harm to children
Key Definitions
To fully understand the state code relating to offenses of aggravated assault it is helpful to define some of the key terms used within the provisions. Bodily injury (or harm) is that which impairs physical condition or results in considerable pain. Serious bodily injuries have the potential to be fatal or result in a permanent deformity or impaired bodily organ. A lethal (deadly) weapon is defined as a firearm or device that could potentially cause severe bodily injury or death.
Sentencing in Pennsylvania
|
Offense |
Maximum Prison Time |
Maximum Fine |
|
Murder of First or Second Degree |
Life Sentence |
(Moratorium on Death) |
|
Felony: First Degree |
20 years |
$25,000 |
|
Felony: Second Degree |
10 years |
$25,000 |
|
Felony: Third Degree |
7 years |
$15,000 |
Charges of aggravated assault are classified as either first or second-degree felony offenses in Pennsylvania based on the circumstances. The sentencing guidelines in Pennsylvania have continued to evolve and are rather complex. There is a formula that guides the courts in sentencing; however, many of these factors are subjective and discretionary in nature.
Consequences of a Felony Conviction
Being convicted of a felony can have long-term consequences that may extend beyond merely the sentence and penalties imposed. Those with a felony record are likely to encounter difficulty in obtaining certain types of employment. For example, approximately 13 of the 29 licensing boards for professional positions impose a 10-year period of ineligibility for licensure for those convicted of certain felony offenses.
The state has made efforts such as the implementation of the “Fair-Chance” hiring practices. The problem is that these provisions largely only benefit offenders with criminal infractions of a “nonviolent nature.” This is further evidence of the importance of retaining highly effective legal defense counsel that will seek to challenge felony charges.
Chester County Criminal Defense Attorney
When facing a first or second-degree felony charge, you could potentially have penalties imposed that include prison time of 10 to 20 years. Based on these circumstances, you need experienced criminal defense attorneys that can deliver some positive results. Contact the LLF Law Firm to discuss your case at (888) 535-3638.
