Blog

Wilkes-Barre Man Charged with Assaulting Youth with Baked Potato

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Nov 14, 2024 | 0 Comments

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.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Comments have been disabled.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu