A man in Wilkes-Barre is facing assault charges after a domestic incident involving an 11-year-old boy. Lawrence Nathaniel Bowman, 49, was arrested after allegedly throwing the boy to the floor and striking him following an argument over perceived disrespect. Police say Bowman threw a baked potato at the boy, hitting him in the eye. The boy's mother reportedly intervened before the situation escalated further. Bowman was charged with simple assault and harassment. After being arraigned, he was released on $10,000 unsecured bail and was scheduled for a preliminary hearing. If you're facing assault charges due to a domestic dispute, you need a strong defense team. Contact the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help defend your case.

Understanding Simple Assault and Harassment in Pennsylvania  

In Pennsylvania, simple assault is defined under 18 Pa C.S.A. § 2701 and involves causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another person. The assault can occur through intentional, reckless, or negligent actions, including the use of a deadly weapon. When this crime takes place within a domestic setting—such as between family members, spouses, or cohabitants—it is often referred to as domestic assault.

Domestic assault can result in increased penalties due to its classification as domestic violence. The most common charges include:  

• Second-degree misdemeanor (up to 2 years in jail and fines up to $5,000) for most simple assault cases.  
• First-degree misdemeanor (up to 5 years in jail and fines up to $10,000) if the victim is under 12 years old and the defendant is over 18.

Harassment, on the other hand, involves engaging in a course of conduct that causes emotional distress or fear. This can include physical actions, verbal threats, or even repeated communication like phone calls or texts. When harassment occurs in a domestic context, it too is treated more seriously and may result in a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order that limits contact between the accused and the victim.

The penalties for harassment vary depending on the severity of the offense. In Pennsylvania, harassment can be charged as a summary offense or as a third-degree misdemeanor. Summary offenses carry fines up to $300 and a maximum jail sentence of 90 days. A third-degree misdemeanor conviction can result in up to a year in jail and fines of up to $2,500.

Protect Your Future with a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer

Domestic violence and harassment charges can significantly impact your life, including potential jail time, fines, and loss of custody or visitation rights if you have children. If you're facing charges for simple assault or harassment, it's critical to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team can help protect your rights, build a strong defense, and guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today at 888.535.3686 or through our online form to schedule a consultation and start your defense.