Simple Assault in Pennsylvania – Laws & Penalties
If you have been accused of assault you already know that it can be a stressful situation, especially when you feel like no one is listening to your side of the story.
The punishments and penalties you face can be extremely harsh for a crime committed during the heat of the moment or while intoxicated. Not to mention a conviction will be a mark on your permanent record and can potentially harm your future. Penalties for aggravated assault are even more severe.
People are falsely accused of crimes every day and it is important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction. You are innocent until proven guilty.
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A SIMPLE ASSAULT CHARGE DOES NOT
MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
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At Shrager Defense Attorneys we know that good people make mistakes and that your liberties and freedom can disappear in the blink of an eye. That is why we are here to help you understand your rights and how to defend them.
Our Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyers will work aggressively to fight for your rights. We will closely investigate your simple assault case and speak with any possible witnesses to work toward getting the best possible outcome for your case.
We are experienced assault attorneys who defend clients charged with any of the following assault crimes:
• Simple Assault (Also sometimes called Assault and Battery)
• Disorderly Conduct
• Domestic Violence
• Vehicular Assault
• Assault of a Minor
• Aggravated Assault
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon
The Difference Between Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault
If an assault is not considered Aggravated Assault, it is a Simple Assault. Please read more information regarding aggravated assault in Pennsylvania, which is a first degree felony.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO COMMIT SIMPLE ASSAULT?
The definition of simple assault in Pennsylvania is: to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cause bodily injury to another person. It could also mean negligently causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon. If a person uses physical menace to cause fear of imminent serious bodily injury, this is also simple assault.
If you have been charged with Simple Assault, you will typically face a second degree misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum $5,000 fine.
Simple assault could mean simply pushing someone, even if that person seemed to be threatening to you at the time. Even if the assault occurs during a mutual fight or rumble, it is still considered a third degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison.
SIMPLE ASSAULT AGAINST A MINOR
If you commit assault against a minor (under 12 years of age) and you are over 21 years of age, you face up to five years in prison. This is considered a first degree misdemeanor.
SIMPLE ASSAULT AGAINST A LAW OFFICER
Assault directed toward a law officer can be a first degree felony and is actually punishable as an Aggravated Assault. First degree felonies in Pennsylvania are punishable by up to twenty years in prison.
RESTITUTION FOR VICTIM OF SIMPLE ASSAULT
If the victim is proved injured, the court may force you (upon conviction) to pay for the injuries sustained by the victim. This is at the discretion of the court and depends to a large extent on the type of injury.
_______________________________________________
A SIMPLE ASSAULT CHARGE DOES NOT
MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY FOR A
FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
________________________________________________
DEFENSES FOR A SIMPLE ASSAULT IN PENNSYLVANIA
Calling an attorney is not an admission of guilt; it is the first step in properly defending your rights and your future. An experienced attorney will help you fight for your rights by thoroughly reviewing your case, listening to your side of the story and understanding the complete scenario of the alleged crime.
A skilled violent crimes attorney will investigate all pieces of evidence and talk with all possible witnesses to help strengthen your case and prove that your actions were unintentional or that you unknowingly committed the crime or that the accuser was not really injured.
SELF-DEFENSE AGAINST SIMPLE ASSAULT CHARGES
While self-defense is a legitimate defense in a Pennsylvania court, your attorney will need to prove that you acted in self-defense. That is why it is important to hire an experienced and aggressive attorney to handle your case. A skilled attorney will look for all evidence to prove that your actions were legal and just or unintended.
When your future and the future of your family is at stake, it only makes sense to take every possible action to fight for your rights. Talk to a compassionate attorney, like David J. Shrager, about your case — all consultations are free.
AN ALIBI DEFENSE AGAINST SIMPLE ASSAULT CHARGES
If you were falsely accused and were not at the scene of the alleged crime, you can use an alibi defense to disprove the allegations. Using an alibi means that you will need a reliable and trustworthy witness to testify that you were not at the scene of the crime.
LACK OF EVIDENCE DEFENSE AGAINST SIMPLE ASSAULT CHARGES
In order for you to be convicted of simple assault, the prosecutor must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can question and challenge witnesses in order to create doubt in a juror’s mind.
In addition, your attorney can plea bargain for a lessor sentence if there is no other possible way to prove your innocence or if you have already admitted guilt.
A skilled attorney will pull every stop to fight for your rights. Call or text Attorney David J. Shrager today for a free consultation – 412-969-2540.
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Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.
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