ASSAULT CHARGES
People convicted of assault face high fines, prison time, and a permanent criminal record.
Due to the severe consequences of conviction, it is important that each assault charge is thoroughly investigated. Was it an act of self-defense? Who sustained injuries? Was alcohol involved? Who initiated the argument?
We will investigate each case and provide an explanation of his client’s actions. If guilt is not a question, we request our client performs community service and attends counseling in exchange for probation.
Generally speaking, these crimes are defined as follows:
Simple Assault: Causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another.
Aggravated Assault: Causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another.
Examples of fights and/or altercations that can result in assault charges:
- Road Rage Incidents
- Bar Fights
- Domestic Violence Incidents
- Fights in a Parking Lots
- Disputes between Neighbors
- Confrontations at Sporting Events
- Fights at Parties
Although the general definitions of Simple and Aggravated Assault may seem to be straightforward, many variations to the general definitions do exist. As a result, defending any Assault charges requires careful consideration of a number of issues… Who was the initial aggressor? Was the fight entered into mutually? What were the exact nature and extent of the injuries sustained? Was this an act of Self Defense?
Self Defense
According to Pennsylvania law, the use of force in self-protection (referred to as self defense) can be considered justified. Generally speaking, the use of force is acceptable by law when a person reasonably believes that the use of force is immediately necessary for the purpose of protecting himself against another person at that present time.
Often, people who witness a physical or verbal fight, fail to witness the events leading up to that fight or altercation. Simply put, if a person is seen throwing a punch, people assume that he or she is the person who started the fight.
Unfortunately, the police may only interview those people with an incomplete or biased view of the fight or the police may not interview anyone at all. As a result, people acting in self defense can be charged with assault.
That is why, at Mullaney & Mullaney, we insist on a careful investigation all of the facts and circumstances of your case. That means locating and interviewing all potential witnesses or reviewing video surveillance footage, etc. before deciding how to present our client’s version of events. Often, we can expose the faulty or self-serving testimony of others in the client’s defense.
If you’ve been charged with assault, remember that a guilty plea won’t solve the problem. To learn how we can help reduce or avoid the consequences of assault conviction, contact us today at (610) 584-4416 for a completely free consultation.