Aggravated Assault Remains Philadelphia’s Most Common Violent Crime
While Philadelphia has seen encouraging declines in homicides and other violent crimes in 2025, aggravated assault continues to make up the largest share of violent offenses citywide. Shootings, hit-and-runs, unprovoked attacks, and other aggravated assault charges carry severe penalties. Those found guilty of such charges can face years in prison and a permanent felony record that follows them for life.
If you’re facing aggravated assault charges in Philadelphia, the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm can help. Call (888) 535-3686 or contact us today for a confidential consultation.
What Constitutes Aggravated Assault in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, aggravated assault is defined as an assault that causes serious bodily injury or involves the use of a deadly weapon. “Serious bodily injury” means an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes permanent impairment or disfigurement, or results in the loss of a bodily function. A “deadly weapon” can be a firearm, another weapon, or even a vehicle that is used in a manner likely to cause death or serious harm.
Recent Philadelphia cases illustrate how diverse aggravated assault charges can be. On Thanksgiving Day, Shamir Miller allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian at 36th and Market Streets in University City while driving recklessly, then continued driving and crashed into another vehicle before fleeing on foot. Miller was charged with murder, homicide by vehicle, and aggravated assault. The use of a vehicle as a weapon in this manner elevates what might otherwise be a traffic offense into a serious violent crime.
In November, Brayan Alexis Garcia-Garcia was charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attacking a 22-year-old man unprovoked in Old City during Halloween weekend, leaving the victim with a broken jaw requiring surgery and three plates permanently implanted in his face.
In yet another case, Taesean Grant, 20, was charged with aggravated assault after allegedly shooting a 16-year-old boy in the back during an altercation in West Philadelphia.
The Serious Consequences of Aggravated Assault Convictions
Aggravated assault in Pennsylvania is typically a second-degree felony carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. When the assault involves attempts to cause or causes serious bodily injury to specific victims like police officers, teachers, or emergency responders, the charge can escalate to a first-degree felony with even harsher penalties.
Beyond prison time, an aggravated assault conviction creates a permanent criminal record that brands you as a violent felon. It can affect your employment opportunities, housing applications, professional licensing, gun ownership rights, and educational prospects. Even if you avoid prison time, the conviction itself will follow you for life.
Defending Against Aggravated Assault Charges
Aggravated assault charges are serious, but they are defendable. The prosecution must prove every element of their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm challenges the evidence, cross-examines witnesses, and identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We understand what’s at stake when you’re facing felony assault charges, and we handle aggravated assault cases with aggressive advocacy and thorough preparation.
Contact the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm at (888) 535-3686 or get in touch online today. Don’t face these charges alone—get experienced legal representation fighting for your rights and your future.