Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault Attorney

Representing Clients Throughout Western Pennsylvania

If you are facing assault charges in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in the western Pennsylvania region, it is in your best interests to retain the services of a highly-qualified criminal defense lawyer. Blaine Jones Law, LLC has aggressively represented more than 10,000 clients and has experience in skillfully defending clients in more than 50 trials. To defend against assault charges, you will need the knowledgeable and passionate representation that a Pittsburgh assault attorney from our firm can provide. Have you been charged with Simple Assault or Aggravated Assault on the South Side, The Strip District, in Pittsburgh, in Allegheny County, Beaver County, Washington County, Butler County or anywhere in Western PA. Call the best Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault Lawyer in the City of Pittsburgh. Our Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Law Firm provides an outstanding team of experienced Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault lawyers in the City of Pittsburgh.

Assault Cases and Consequences

Under Pennsylvania law, assault consists of intentionally or knowingly causing physical harm to another person or attempting to do so, which puts the other person in fear of immediate bodily harm. You don't have to physically make contact with the other person to be charged with assault. By merely threatening to harm them, for instance, by brandishing an object which could be used as a weapon, you can be arrested for assault. Assault is categorized as either simple assault or aggravated assault. If convicted, you would face a prison sentence and could be fined.

Simple Assault

Simple assault involves purposefully or recklessly inflicting injury, or even using a deadly weapon in a negligent fashion. The charge will be one of a first degree misdemeanor if the assault is by an adult over 21 on a child under 12. You could face up to five years in prison if convicted. Simple assault is usually a second degree misdemeanor, however, and can be a third degree misdemeanor offense if two individuals mutually consent to engage in assault on one another. Even then, a conviction of a third degree misdemeanor is still punishable by up to 1 year in prison.

Aggravated Assault

As much more serious accusation, aggravated assault is charged as a felony, with penalties of up to 10 or 20 years in prison, depending on the circumstances. You may be charged for this if it is believed you attempted to inflict or actually inflicted serious physical harm against another. Aggravated assault is treated as a first degree felony if someone attempts to inflict or does cause serious physical harm that exhibits extreme indifference for human life. This is especially heightened if the assault is on an officer, such as an on-duty police officer or fire fighter. The potential punishment for a first degree felony is up to two decades in prison. A lesser charge of aggravated assault is still a second degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Even physical menace, which involves threatening serious bodily harm, can still be aggravated assault.

Hard-hitting Defense You Need from a Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Assault Lawyer

When you are forced to counter such life-altering prospects as a lengthy prison sentence, you need the strongest defense possible. If you have been charged with any form of assault, you should have the benefit of a skilled attorney on your side who can develop an effective defense strategy on your behalf. The Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney from Blaine Jones, Law, LLC has the practical experience, dedication, and legal abilities you need to fight assault charges.

Our firm is dedicated to helping you resolve your criminal case in the most expeditious and efficient manner possible. We will make every effort to minimize the negative effects of the charges you face, fight aggressively on your behalf every step of the way, and strive to ensure that your legal rights are zealously protected through the legal process. 

We can work to defend your freedom and safeguard your future. If you have been charged with simple or aggravated assault anywhere in the Western Pennsylvania area, contact a Pittsburgh Criminal Defense assault lawyer at our firm today.