Simple Assault

When it comes to simple assault, the consequences can include hefty fines and serious jail time. That’s why it’s crucial to invest your resources and energy into mounting a strong defense against these charges.

Things to Know About Simple Assault

• Understanding the Classification: Simple assault is classified as a misdemeanor and serves to safeguard individuals from physical attacks. It specifically covers crimes committed against other people and not against property.

• Elements of Simple Assault: You can face charges of simple assault if you intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause harm to another person. For example, engaging in a physical altercation and punching someone during an argument would be considered a simple assault.

• Expanded Boundaries: Engaging in any action with the intent to cause harm, even if it doesn’t result in injury, can still lead to a simple assault charge. For instance, attempting to stab someone with a knife, regardless of success, falls under the umbrella of simple assault.

• Negligence with Deadly Weapon: Committing simple assault also extends to situations where you are negligent with a deadly weapon, causing injury to another person.

• Threats and Intimidation: Any form of threatening behavior that suggests the intent to cause injury constitutes simple assault.

• Concealed Needle Incidents: Hiding or purposefully sticking a hypodermic needle into the arresting officer, jail worker, detention facility worker, or county hospital worker can result in a simple assault charge.

It’s important to note that being charged with simple assault doesn’t necessarily mean you caused an injury to someone. In some cases, you might be charged with menacing instead. Additionally, false accusations fueled by personal grudges may not hold up in court, but you’ll still have an arrest on your record, and the charges will need to be addressed.

By understanding the intricacies of simple assault, you can better navigate the legal process and advocate for a favorable outcome in your case.

What Are Misdemeanor Degrees and What Do They Mean?

• Understanding the implications of misdemeanor degrees is crucial for legal clarity. Specifically, when it comes to simple assault, different degrees carry varying consequences. For instance, if you are over 21 and the alleged victim is under 12, your charge might escalate to a first-degree misdemeanor.

• In situations where fighting occurs with mutual consent, you may face a third-degree misdemeanor charge. 

• It’s important to note that in Pennsylvania, particularly in Pittsburgh, penalties for these charges range from one to five years of imprisonment, depending on the degree of the offense.

What Do I Do If I Am Charged With Simple Assault?

If you find yourself charged with simple assault, securing the guidance of a Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer is highly recommended. Sharing all the relevant details with your attorney allows for a comprehensive analysis of your case. Your legal representative will examine several critical factors, including:

• Assessing the intent behind your actions: Were they accidental or carried out with explicit knowledge, recklessness, or intention to cause harm?
• Investigating evidence to substantiate your intentions, recklessness, or knowledge of potential harm caused.
• Evaluating the extent of injuries sustained by the alleged victim.

In Pennsylvania, there exists a clause in the law that permits the argument of self-defense. This means that if the weapon you used was not more significant than the one used against you, you may argue self-defense. For example, using a knife in response to someone intending to harm you physically with their fists does not typically constitute self-defense.

Given the importance of considering all potential avenues for legal support, it is essential to disclose every pertinent detail that may strengthen your case. Your Pittsburgh DUI lawyer will diligently seek evidence supporting the legality or unintended nature of your actions.

Ensure to provide your Pittsburgh DUI attorney with a list of witnesses present during the incident. Thoroughly survey the crime scene as well; if surveillance cameras were installed in the area, there may be valuable visuals that could either bolster or undermine your case. Be sure to inform your attorney about any potentially relevant footage.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me?

Before you step into the courtroom for your first hearing, facing a prosecutor who is determined to win the case against you, it’s crucial to have an experienced and unwavering Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer by your side. They will guide you in deciding the best course of action and tirelessly work to establish your innocence.

If you are facing charges of simple assault, reach out to the Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyers at Logue Law Group today at 844.PITT.DUI or contact us online.

Want to Learn More About Simple Assault in Pennsylvania?

Curious to learn more about simple assault in Pennsylvania? Check out the definition and description of simple assault in the Pennsylvania Criminal Code under Title 18, Chapter 27.