Your Battery and Assault Defense Attorney in the York, PA, Area
If you’ve been accused of assault or battery, it’s natural to worry about your future. MPL Law Firm is here to help you move forward. We understand this can be a difficult time, and we work to protect your interests.
Aggravated Assault vs. Battery: Understanding the Types of Assault Charges in PA
In Pennsylvania, under Pennsylvania Statutes, Title 18, Chapter 27, Sections 2701-2702, assault may involve actual harm or merely the attempt or threat to harm another person, even without physical contact. There usually needs to be the ability to carry out the threat or an imminent threat, though exact requirements can be complex and fact-dependent.
Assault can include:
- Uttering threats.
- Making threatening gestures.
- Brandishing a weapon.
- Bar fights.
- Causing injury by being reckless with a weapon.
- Fights at sporting events or other public events.
- Pushing, shoving and other physical violence.
There are different classifications of assault charges depending on the circumstances.
Simple Assault in PA
Any attempt to cause harm or injure someone else can be an assault charge, if it does not include the specific elements that make it aggravated assault. Anything from physical contact to verbally threatening someone can be classified as simple assault.
Simple assault is often a second-degree misdemeanor and can lead to up to $5000 in fines and a maximum of two years in prison. In cases where the target is under 12 years of age, the accused may be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and face up to five years in prison. Even two people who willingly fight can face a third-degree misdemeanor. Actual penalties can vary, depending on plea bargains, prior criminal convictions and other factors.
Aggravated Assault in PA
Aggravated assault usually involves an incident that causes or attempts to cause serious injury or when a weapon is part of the attack. Individuals also face aggravated assault charges if their victims are:
- Law enforcement personnel
- Nurses
- Emergency medical technicians
- Firefighters
- Teachers
- District attorneys
- Judges
If any of these elements are a factor, a person may face charges of aggravated assault, which are felonies in our state with sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
When to Consult a Lawyer
Assault charges carry serious consequences, including potentially years of jail time and damage to your reputation and career. Someone may face charges because of situations involving mutual fighting, self-defense, mental health struggles or even simple mistakes.
If you are charged or anticipating charges, contact a criminal defense attorney. Your lawyer will protect your rights during the police investigation and in court, gather evidence and develop a defense strategy to minimize penalties.
Why Trust MPL Law With Your Criminal Defense?
Our attorneys have more than 40 years of criminal defense experience, and clients come to us because of our reputation or because they have been unhappy with their experiences at other firms. Even if other firms have turned you away, we invite you to contact us.
We defend clients facing all types of assault accusations, including first-time offenses and complex felony cases. Our team has experience representing adults, juveniles and professionals.
We stand apart from other firms by building close working relationships with our clients. Our team understands that facing fines or prison time for assault and battery can be one of the most challenging, vulnerable moments of your life. When you place your trust in our law firm, we respond by listening, seeking the best possible results in your case and being honest about your situation. We use our years of experience to seek innovative solutions and consider your goals for your future when developing strategies.
Contact Us for a Confidential Case Consultation
If you are facing assault charges in York or anywhere in Pennsylvania, contact us at MPL Law for a consultation as soon as possible. Early representation gives you more options. You can also reach us by calling 717-845-1524 to schedule your consultation in our York office or virtually. We’re available for urgent cases and flexible in scheduling appointments.
When you contact MPL Law, we’ll review your situation, explain your options and guide you through each step of the legal process. From arraignment (where you are formally charged) to bail hearings, court appearances, your plea, and trial, our team will explain what to expect and help you prepare for your next steps.