Getting arrested for assault or disorderly conduct is no small matter. It doesn't take much to be accused of disorderly conduct, too. What you might consider a harmless prank or lawful protest could actually get you charged with a third- or second-degree misdemeanor in the state of Pennsylvania.

Assault and Disorderly Conduct at the U.S. State Capitol

Since January 6, 2021, more than 1,100 individuals have been arrested in 50 states across the country in connection with breaching the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The charges for these arrests vary—some are charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The most common charge, however, is disorderly conduct.

Two of the most recent arrests related to the January 6 incident took place in Roanoke, Virginia. The men arrested were Petery Willey and Ethan Mauck. Both men were seen in open-source videos and photos entering the restricted grounds of the Capitol and attempting to remove or destroy barricades placed by police officers. Although the men were arrested in Virginia, the case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section. It's also being investigated by the FBI.

The Consequences of Assault or Disorderly Conduct Charges in Pennsylvania

If you get charged with and convicted of assault or disorderly conduct, you may face serious consequences. A simple assault in Pennsylvania is usually classified as a second-degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to two years in prison. If the assault was involved in a mutual fight, it's a third-degree misdemeanor and gets up to one year in prison.

Disorderly conduct is a summary offense, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. If you're found to cause harm or serious inconvenience with your disorderly conduct, it becomes a third-degree misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

What to Do if You're Charged With Assault or Disorderly Conduct

Getting charged with simple assault or disorderly conduct isn't something you should take lightly. If this happens to you, you should contact a criminal defense attorney right away. Attorneys like the team at the LLF Law Firm can help you protect your rights as your case proceeds and work for the best possible outcome for you. We can assist with gathering evidence, witness testimony, and researching your case—and we'll be by your side at all hearings and trials.

If you get charged with assault or disorderly conduct, call the Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out our contact form, and we'll reach out to you.