Charged With Assault? Work With A Trusted Scranton Defense Attorney.

If you have been charged with a serious crime such as assault, you face a stressful and frightening ordeal. Any type of criminal charge can be overwhelming, especially when you have been made aware of the possible consequences of a conviction.

If you or your loved one is facing a stressful issue, it is time to contact a Scranton criminal defense lawyer to defend you. This type of case can be very complex and confusing, especially if you consider how many accounts of the incident there might be. At Thompson Law, attorney William D. Thompson is prepared to offer you an effective legal defense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault In Pennsylvania

It is common for people who are facing assault charges and their loved ones to have many questions, including how much jail time they could get for assault in Pennsylvania. Some of other common questions include:

What Is The Difference Between Aggravated Assault And Simple Assault In Pennsylvania?

When it comes to assault charges, understanding the disparity between aggravated assault and simple assault in Pennsylvania is crucial. Simple assault refers to a misdemeanor offense that involves causing minor bodily harm or threatening to cause someone bodily harm.

On the other hand, aggravated assault is a more severe charge, and the courts classify it as a felony. It occurs when someone recklessly, knowingly or intentionally causes severe bodily injury to another person.

However, the identity of the alleged victim in an assault case also factors into the way you may be charged. Certain people, such as government workers, judges, teachers and first responders, are in a special class that can cause what might otherwise be a simple assault to be charged as aggravated assault.

What Is The Minimum Sentence For Aggravated Assault In Pennsylvania?

For those facing charges related to aggravated assault in Pennsylvania, the minimum sentence varies based on the circumstances surrounding the incident. These may include:

  • The level of harm inflicted
  • The presence of weapons
  • The relationship between the parties involved
  • Whether the alleged victim is in a protected class
  • Whether you have any prior criminal record

If you are convicted of aggravated assault in the first degree, you can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. However, most people will be charged with aggravated assault in the second degree, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison upon conviction.

With so much at stake, it is essential to have a capable defense attorney by your side, like Mr. Thompson.

Looking For A Competent Attorney In Pennsylvania?

Although they are often used together, assault and battery are not the same things. You can be charged with both crimes or just one depending on the incident which allegedly occurred. The specific details of how the crime was allegedly committed directly affect the consequences you could be facing if you are found guilty.

If you are convicted for an assault charge, you could face the following types of consequences:

  • A significant fine
  • Time in county jail
  • Loss of privileges
  • Permanent criminal record

It is important to understand that time is of the essence and the sooner you take legal action, the better. For example, if you were found attacking another individual in self-defense and were arrested and charged, it may be difficult to find witnesses who are willing to testify. A skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer like Mr. Thompson can take the time to gather all of the necessary evidence to build a defense strategy for your case.

The firm is available 24/7 to answer your questions, and you can take advantage of an appointment after hours, including evenings and weekends. To discuss the details of your situation with an experienced lawyer, please contact the firm online or call 570-846-2819.