Some defendants arrested for assault in Pennsylvania are confused as to why they were arrested for acting in self-defense. When a law enforcement officer arrives on the scene of the assault, either the events are still taking place and thus confusing or witnesses and participants give testimony, which is often conflicting.
An officer may also decide that arresting everyone involved is simply necessary for safety purposes and let the law sort everything else out later. No matter what the circumstances of your assault arrest in Philadelphia, it is a serious charge and the services of a qualified Pennsylvania violent crime defense attorney are highly recommended.
Philadelphia Simple Assault Defense Lawyer
A conviction for a violent offense like assault can have a serious impact on your future. If you have been for simple assault or another assault-related offense in Philadelphia, put the legal experience of skilled Pennsylvania defense lawyers behind your case. The LLF Law Firm has comprehensive knowledge of the legal challenges your Philadelphia assault case will face and will build a customized, comprehensive defense to fight against them.
To find out what LLF Law Firm can do for your Philadelphia simple assault charge, call (888) 535-3686 today and schedule your free initial case consultation.
Information About Simple Assault Charges in Philadelphia
Definition of Simple Assault in Pennsylvania
Most people think of assault just as causing injury to another person. However, in some states, assault is just the threat of bodily injury that a reasonable person would believe is imminent. Pennsylvania combines these factors of assault into a list of qualifying actions.
The law governing simple assault is Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2701, which states that it is an offense of assault when a person does one of the following:
- Attempts to cause bodily injury to another
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another
- Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon
- Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury
- Attempts to conceal a hypodermic needle on his or her person for the purpose of harming a law enforcement officer or corrections employee
- Conceals a hypodermic needle on his or her person and intentionally or knowingly stabs a law enforcement officer, employee of a correctional institution, or employee of a mental hospital during the course of an arrest or search of the person
Assault is considered a violent crime and having it on your record can seriously affect your future educational, professional, and even social opportunities. An experienced Philadelphia assault crime defense attorney can fight to protect your rights and your future from the penalties and the impact an assault conviction can have on your future.
Penalties for Philadelphia Simple Assault
Generally, simple assault in Pennsylvania is a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines. However, there are two specific circumstances that will change the classification of the offense. For assault committed in a fight which was entered through mutual consent of the parties, the offense is downgraded to a third-degree misdemeanor. A third-degree misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in jail and/or up to a $2,500 fine.
The offense of assault is upgraded to a first-degree misdemeanor if it is committed by an adult 21 years old or older on a child under 12 years old. First-degree misdemeanors in Pennsylvania have a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
It is important to remember that these fines do not include court costs, and that a judge may deviate from standard sentencing guidelines as well as impose sanctions like restitution or a restraining order. A skilled Philadelphia defense attorney can fight against all of these sanctions and penalties while working to get your assault case reduced or dismissed.
Finding the Best Philadelphia Simple Assault Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested and charged with simple assault of any kind in the Philadelphia area, begin defending your rights and future from conviction immediately by contacting the LLF Law Firm. The LLF Law Firm has extensive criminal justice experience and knows how to fight for the favorable outcome you need. When seeking the counsel of a defense attorney, it is best to do so as soon as possible after your arrest so your defense can begin right away. Your first consultation with the LLF Law Firm is free, so call (888) 535-3686 today and schedule yours.
