The criminal defense lawyers at Kope and Associates have experience in handling assault charges throughout Central Pennsylvania. Assault charges run the gamut from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Having an experienced lawyer by your side can mean the difference between a long jail sentence and probation with no jail time or even an acquittal.
Under Pennsylvania assault laws, a person is guilty of assault if they intentionally or knowingly cause bodily harm to another, or attempt to do so, thus putting another in fear of injury. This can be broadly interpreted to include brandishing an object as a weapon or coming close to hitting someone with a car. Assault is normally broken into two categories: Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault.
Simple Assault
Simple assault is a misdemeanor offense charged when someone attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another, negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon, or attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of eminent serious bodily injury.
Aggravated Assault
The charge of aggravated assault is a felony offense and is charged when someone attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes serious bodily injury; attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes injury to a to a gang member, probation gang member or other court related official or attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon.
Conclusion/Defense
Defending a violent crime case involves a great deal of investigation and creative thought. Frequently there are legitimate defenses to these charges that have to be brought to light. Perhaps the person charged was simply acting in self-defense. Perhaps the person did not have the intent to commit the crime charges. Perhaps there are other, mitigating factors that warrant reducing the charges and the ultimate penalty. Sometimes gathering and analyzing certain evidence can result in the reduction of charges. A defense attorney must carefully think through and investigate all possible angles in violent-crime cases to ensure the best possible result for the client.
At Kope and Associates, the criminal defense lawyers will carefully examine all of the circumstances and actions that led up to the alleged crime. They will look at every possible avenue to develop the strongest possible defense for their clients. Their objective is always to win the case and to protect the rights and freedom of the client.
If you have been charged with an assault in Harrisburg, York, or surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, please contact Kope and Associates as soon as possible for a free consultation. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.