How An Assault Lawyer Will Help Fight Your Assault Charge

In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, someone can be charged with assault for intentionally injuring another person, or for attempting to injure another person. The potential penalties for assault are much more severe than other crimes like theft or burglary. If you are charged with assault, an Assault Lawyer can help defend you from the consequences of a conviction.

An experienced Bucks County Assault Lawyer can help you build a defense against the charge. They may be able to argue that you were acting in self-defense, or that the other person was the one who started the altercation. If there is evidence that you were not the aggressor, your lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced or even dropped.

What Is An Assault?

Bucks County Assault Lawyer Assault is a term used to describe a threat or an attempt to physically touch a person against their will, regardless of whether that contact actually occurs. In civil matters, an assault only occurs when the victim is aware of the threatened touching and is concerned that the act will occur imminently. If a person is afraid that someone may carry out that threat at some other time in the future, it is not considered an assault.

An assault is often combined with a battery. If a person is threatened with an offensive physical contact, and then the contact actually occurs, then that person has suffered a battery. However, assault and battery are two different terms: assault constitutes only the threat of a battery.

If a person is criminally charged with assault, the prosecution must prove that the defendant had the intent to injure or touch the victim against their will. This can be difficult to do, especially if the defendant has a good defense.

Different Types of Assault in Bucks County

Assault can be classified based on the severity of the offense and the harm that is caused to the victim. The two main assault crimes in Pennsylvania are simple assault and aggravated assault. Sexual assault is also a type of assault, although in Pennsylvania it is categorized as a sexual offense rather than an assault offense.

Simple Assault: Several different actions may constitute simple assault, but the most common is the attempt to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another.

Aggravated Assault: When a person commits an assault in a way that shows extreme indifference to the value of human life, they can be charged with aggravated assault. An assault with a deadly weapon also constitutes an aggravated assault. Since this crime carries more serious penalties than simple assault, it is important for those charged with this crime to find a knowledgeable aggravated assault lawyer.

Sexual Assault:  Like many other states, Pennsylvania’s sexual assault statute defines the crime as intercourse without the consent of the victim. However, while other states criminalize other unwanted sexual contact under a sexual battery statute, Pennsylvania refers to these acts as indecent assault, which can vary in severity depending on the circumstances.

When Do You Need Assistance From a Sexual Assault Lawyer?

A sexual assault lawyer will help you if you have been accused of sexual assault. They will help to gather evidence that will strengthen your case. The presence of a legal expert on your side can be a supporting pillar for you during this tough time.

On the other hand, a rape victim may hire an attorney to help them file a civil lawsuit against their attacker. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal charges that may be filed, and the burden of proof in these sexual assault cases is lower. This means that even if the attacker is not convicted of rape in criminal court, the victim can still sue them in civil court and potentially win damages.

Penalties Imposed For An Assault That An Assault Lawyer Can Deal With

The penalties imposed for an assault vary based on the type of assault. Some of the most common penalties imposed on the accused are as follows:

  • Simple Assault: This crime is a misdemeanor of the second degree. The penalties for this offense include a fine of up to $5,000 and up to two years in prison. 
  • Aggravated Assault: An aggravated assault is a felony of the first degree. The penalties for this crime include a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 20 years in prison. 
  • Sexual Assault: The penalties for sexual assault depend on the age of the victim. If the victim is 16 years old or older, the crime is a felony of the second degree. The penalties for this offense include a fine of up to $25,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

How Can An Assault Lawyer Help You?

Having a lawyer can mean the difference between being convicted for an aggravated assault or a simple assault. It is important to have an aggressive lawyer who will fight for you and try to get the charges dismissed or reduced. If you are arrested or charged with an assault in Bucks County, seek help from one of the skilled Bucks County Criminal Attorneys. Attorneys like Lidia Alperovich have the experience and understanding to deal with such cases.

Assault is a serious crime and can result in significant penalties. If you have been charged with assault, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights. To avoid facing any severe consequences in an assault case, connect with one of the experienced lawyers for assault charges.

At the Law Offices of Lidia Alperovich, LLC, we will seek out potential important witnesses, locate invaluable information the police overlooked, and structure a compelling argument on your behalf. Lidia Alperovich is an assault crime attorney who will work hard to get the best possible outcome for your case. She has successfully defended many clients charged with a variety of assault crimes and can provide you with the experienced legal assistance that you need.