Philadelphia Aggravated Assault Attorney

Aggravated assault is more serious than simple assault because it involves serious bodily harm or attacks on protected persons. You can expect substantial prison time and steep fines if convicted. Then, even long after you did your time and paid your fine, society still doesn't forgive -- you can expect difficulty finding a good job or safe housing and problems securing a personal, mortgage, or school loans, among other things. That's why fighting the charge is so important to the quality of your life you expect to live after the criminal matter is over.

LLF Law Firm understands how a conviction of aggravated assault can destroy a person's life. In a moment of rage or recklessness, you can face years of regret. With more than 15 years committed to defending persons accused of assault crimes in the Philadelphia area, they understand  how the system works and how to negotiate and argue in a way that benefits his clients. Contact LLF Law Firm today to learn more about his comprehensive approach to an aggravated assault defense.

What is aggravated assault in Philadelphia?

According to 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2702, an aggravated assault occurs when a person:

  • intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly attempts or causes serious bodily injury to:
    • another person under circumstances indicating an extreme indifference to the value of human life;
    • certain persons listed in § 2702(c) who are engaged in public transportation and on duty, e.g., police officer, firefighter, county adult probation, parole officer, public defender, attorney general, law enforcement official, psychiatric aide, among others;
    • a child under the age of 13 (if the alleged offender is 18 years or older); or
  • intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly attempts or causes bodily injury to:
    • certain persons listed in § 2702(c) who are performing their duties, e.g., police officer, firefighter, county adult probation, parole officer, public defender, attorney general, law enforcement official, psychiatric aide, among others;
    • another person while using a deadly weapon;
    • a teaching staff member, school board member, or another employee of any elementary or secondary publicly-funded educational institution, among others;
    • a child less than six years of age (if the alleged offender is 18 years or older); or
  • uses tear gas, noxious gas, an electric device, or electronic incapacitation device against an officer, employee, or other person listed in § 2702(c) while the latter is engaged in employment; or
  • attempts to place any officer or employee listed in § 2702(c) while performing his or her work in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.

All elements of the crime must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt by the Commonwealth. That includes, when necessary, proof that you had the requisite intent, knowledge, or recklessness to attempt to cause or cause bodily injury. LLF Law Firm will challenge the Commonwealth at each step.

What is the punishment if convicted of aggravated assault in Philadelphia?

Aggravated assault penalties are determined by the crime's grade. When an attempt is made to cause serious bodily injury or when serious bodily injury results from the assault, the offense is graded as a felony of the first degree. All other aggravated assault crimes are typically graded as a felony of the second degree. 

The first-degree felony carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. The second-degree felony carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Philadelphia Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with aggravated assault, a conviction can mean serious prison time and fines. LLF Law Firm will listen to what you have to say, develop a strong defense for you, and help you make the best decisions for you and your future.  

Contact the LLF Law Firm today either online or at 888-535-3686 to set up a consultation.

Contact Us Today!

The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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