A charge for aggravated assault in Philadelphia is a charge for a serious, violent crime that comes with stiff penalties and life-altering felony sanctions. If convicted for aggravated assault, you will be labeled a violent felon, a designation that will follow you for the rest of your life.
With penalties and consequences as far-reaching as these, it is important to have a strong, customized defense against your Philadelphia aggravated assault charges. A skilled and knowledgeable Philadelphia violent crime defense attorney can fight to protect your rights and work to protect your future from the severe repercussions that come with a conviction for felony aggravated assault in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Aggravated Assault Defense Lawyer
A conviction for aggravated assault in Pennsylvania will designate you as a violent felon and change your life forever. If you have been charged with aggravated assault in Philadelphia, the LLF Law Firm can provide a comprehensive, customized defense solution for your case that proactively seeks case reduction or dismissal while fighting the prosecution's strategy point-for-point.
The LLF Law Firm has years of legal experience in various aspects of the field, and therefore has extensive knowledge of how your Philadelphia aggravated assault case may advance through the Pennsylvania criminal process. To find out what the LLF Law Firm can do for your Philadelphia aggravated assault case, call (888) 535-3686 today and set up your free initial case consultation.
Information About Aggravated Assault Charges in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Definition of Aggravated Assault
While simple assault in Pennsylvania is generally attempting to cause injury or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury, aggravated assault involves either serious bodily injury or simple assault against certain parties.
Serious bodily injury is defined in Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2301 as a bodily injury that causes serious, permanent disfigurement, a protracted loss of impairment of any bodily function, or a serious risk of death. Aggravated assault is governed by Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2702, which defines aggravated assault as knowingly or recklessly attempting to cause or successfully causing serious bodily injury to another under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.
It is also aggravated assault under this statute to knowingly or recklessly attempt to cause or do cause bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon. Additionally, it is aggravated assault to intentionally or knowingly attempt to cause or successfully cause fear of imminent serious bodily injury, actual bodily injury or actual serious bodily injury to any of the following officers, agents, employees, or other persons while in their line of duty:
- Police Officers
- Firefighters
- Probation or parole officers
- Sherriff or deputy sheriffs
- Correctional officers or employees
- Judges
- District attorneys
- Public defenders
- Law enforcement officials
- Emergency medical personnel
- Constables
- Teachers or school district employees
- Private detectives
- Child Protective Services employees
- EPA employees
- Public utility employees
- Wildlife conservation officers
The act of using tear gas, other noxious gases, a taser, or other electronic incapacitation devices against any of these parties is also considered an aggravated assault charge. A violation of any of these sections for aggravated assault in Philadelphia is a serious offense with lifelong consequences upon conviction.
The services of an experienced Philadelphia violent crime defense attorney are highly recommended to fight against these charges. When considering a defense attorney as a part of your strategy, it is best to contact him as soon as possible after your arrest.
Penalties for Philadelphia Aggravated Assault
In Pennsylvania, all aggravated assault crimes are felonies. This means that on top of the presumptive sentencing you are given, you will also face other consequences. In addition to the social stigma that comes with having a violent crime on your record, all felonies in Pennsylvania come with sanctions like the inability to pursue certain educational and professional opportunities, the ineligibility for certain government aid, and the loss of certain civil rights like the right to vote or possess firearms.
Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly attempting to cause or actually causing serious bodily injury to another, including the officers, agents, and employees listed above, is a first-degree felony in Pennsylvania. First-degree felony aggravated assault comes with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The following offenses are second-degree felony aggravated assault, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine:
- A reckless, intentional, or knowing attempt at or successful cause of bodily injury to the aforementioned officers, agents, employees, or other persons while in the performance of their duties
- An intentional and knowing attempt at or successful cause of bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon
- An intentional and knowing attempt at or successful cause of bodily injury to a teacher, school staff member, school board member, or other school district employee acting in the scope of his or her employment
- An attempt to put any of the aforementioned officers, agents, employees, or other persons acting in their duties in fear of imminent serious bodily injury through physical menace
- Using tear gas, a taser, or any other noxious gases or electronic incapacitation devices against any aforementioned officers, agents, employees, or other persons acting in the scope of their employment
A conviction for either second-degree felony aggravated assault or first-degree felony aggravated assault in Philadelphia will seriously impact the rest of your life. A qualified Philadelphia assault defense attorney can fight to protect your rights and your future from such consequences.
Finding the Best Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney in Philadelphia
If you have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault in Philadelphia or the surrounding areas in Pennsylvania, contact experienced violent crime defense attorneys, the LLF Law Firm. They will build you a strong, customized, and comprehensive defense that works toward the most favorable outcome in your case, such as a reduction or dismissal of charges. Your first consultation with LLF Law Firm is free, so call (888) 535-3686 today and schedule yours.
