Northern Lancaster County Regional Police ended up in the middle of a heated argument between a Manheim couple over a portable heater. During the altercation, Janell Leigh White, 41, allegedly threw a Yeti bottle at her husband, striking him in the face. Their dispute further escalated when White allegedly assaulted her husband with a wreath decoration, causing multiple cuts. Police charged her with simple assault and domestic violence. White's mug shot suggests it was all fun and games. But domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in Pennsylvania. A conviction can result in jail time and costly fines.  

If police have charged you with domestic violence, your future is at stake. You need to take action immediately to build a strong case in your defense. For that, you need an experienced defense lawyer. You need the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team. Contact the Criminal Defense Team at LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form, and let us be your voice. 

Simple Assault and Domestic Violence 

Under Pennsylvania law, a simple assault is when someone: 

• Attempts to cause harm or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person, 
• Negligently causes bodily injury to another person with a deadly weapon, or 
• Attempts to put another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury through physical menace. 

Domestic assault is simple assault that occurs within a domestic violence incident. Law enforcement in Pennsylvania has the authority to make an arrest in a domestic violence situation when: 

• A person at the scene is injured, 
• Someone has violated a protection from abuse (PFA) order, or  
• The officer has a reasonable suspicion that a domestic violence incident has occurred. 

Harsh Penalties for Domestic Assault 

Simple assault is typically a second-degree misdemeanor offense, which carries two years of jail time and up to $5,000 in fines. When domestic violence is involved, penalties may increase. These accusations may also carry over into other areas of the law, like family law and muddy custody or divorce arrangements.  

How LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team Can Build a Strong Defense for You 

Police are often quick to make charges of domestic assault. They arrive on the scene, survey the situation, and make a judgment call on what they initially perceive. Often, these cases come down to what is in the police report rather than the defense's word. An experienced defense lawyer will ensure that your side of the story is heard and that the sequence of events is known in court.  

Domestic assault charges can turn your life upside down, taking precedence over any standing custody or divorce arrangements. You could lose your right to own firearms and other weapons as well. When you are charged with domestic violence, so much is on the line. You deserve to be heard. Contact the Criminal Defense Team at LLF Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form, and let us be your voice.