In Montgomery County, PA, if you face charges of either simple assault or aggravated assault your rights are at risk. While aggravated assault is considerably more serious, both offenses are serious, violent crimes. The penalties you face can be reduced with the help of a strong legal defense from an experienced defense attorney.
Experienced Montgomery County attorney Joseph D. Lento is highly experienced in the area of law enforcement criminal defense and is here to answer your questions, as well as represent you in your criminal case. You do not have to face this difficult time by yourself.
Montgomery County Violent Crime Defense Attorney
With more than a decade of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania justice system, Joseph Lento is a qualified Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney with a comprehensive knowledge of how a criminal case operates from start to finish, and beyond.
If you have been charged with a violent crime in Montgomery County and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at Lento Law Firm. Joseph Lento built his practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and he will fight for your rights and freedom. Call (215) 535-5353 today to schedule your free consultation and discover what Joseph Lento can do to clear your name.
Simple Assault in Montgomery County
Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2701 defines simple assault as when any of the following occurs:
- Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another
- Attempts to cause bodily injury to another
- Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon
- Attempts to conceal a hypodermic needle for the purpose of harming a law enforcement officer or corrections employee
- Conceals a hypodermic needle on his or her person and intentionally or knowingly stabs a law enforcement officer, an employee of a correctional institution, or employee of a mental hospital during the course of an arrest or search of the person
Most simple assaults constitute second-degree misdemeanors and are punishable by a maximum of 2 years in jail, and up to $5,000 in fines. If a child under 12 is assaulted by an adult over age 21, it is now a first-degree misdemeanor and carries the potential for up to 5 years in jail and $10,000 in fines.
Aggravated Assault in Montgomery County
The more serious form of the offense is referred to as "aggravated assault" and occurs when:
- serious risk of death is present
- permanent disfigurement occurs
- the defendant used a deadly weapon
- serious bodily injury occurs
- protracted loss or impairment of any bodily function
- the assault happens against certain officers and public officials in the line of duty
Aggravated assault can be a second-degree felony, that warrants a maximum prison sentence of ten years and a fine of $25,000. Aggravated assault can instead be a first-degree felony with a potential maximum sentence of twenty years in prison and a max fine of $25,000.
A Montgomery County, PA Defense Attorney At Your Side
When you face simple assault or aggravated assault charges in Montgomery County you can fight to protect your rights. Joseph D. Lento is an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight for yours. If you are facing criminal charges, contact us today at 888-535-5386.
