What is the difference between simple assault and aggravated assault in Chester County?

If you are charged with either simple assault or aggravated assault in Chester County, it is important to understand the differences between these two serious charges. As violent crimes, both carry stiff criminal penalties that will go on your record. However, an aggravated assault charge is much more serious. With the right criminal defense, you may be able to fight your charges completely or plead to a simple, rather than aggravated assault. This will reduce the severity of the penalties you face greatly.

LLF's experienced Philadelphia Criminal Law Team is highly experienced in the area of criminal defense and is here to answer your questions, as well as represent you in your criminal case. You have the right to present a strong legal defense to protect your rights.

Chester County Violent Crime Defense Attorney

With more than a decade of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania justice system, our Criminal Law Team are qualified Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys 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 Chester County and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at LLF Law Firm. Our Criminal Law Team built our practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and we will fight for your rights and freedom. Call 888-535-3686 today to schedule your free consultation and discover what our Criminal Law Team can do to clear your name.

Simple Assault in Chester County

Pennsylvania law defines simple assault as when a person does any of the following:

  • Attempts to cause bodily injury to another
  • Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another
  • Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon
  • Attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury
  • Attempts to conceal a hypodermic needle on his or her person 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

Penalties

Most simple assaults qualify as second-degree misdemeanors, and carry the following penalties:

  • Up to 2 years in jail
  • Maximum fine of $5,000

If instead, an adult over the age of 21 assaults a child under age 12, it is a first-degree misdemeanor with the following potential penalties:

  • Up to 5 years in jail
  • Maximum fine of $10,000

Aggravated Assault in Chester County

An aggravated assault is a much more serious version of a simple assault, and occurs when any of the following occur during the assault:

  • serious bodily injury occurs
  • serious risk of death is possible
  • assault occurs against certain public officials or officers in the line of duty
  • protracted loss or impairment of any bodily function
  • permanent disfigurement is caused by the assault
  • the offender uses a deadly weapon

Penalties

A first degree aggravated assault carries the following possible penalties:

  • Max of 20 years in prison
  • Max fine of $25,000

A second degree aggravated assault carries the following possible penalties:

  • Max of 10 years in prison
  • Max fine of $25,000

A Chester County, PA Defense Attorney At Your Side

When you face simple assault or aggravated assault charges in Chester County you face very serious criminal charges. Our Criminal Law Team are experienced criminal defense attorneys who will protect your constitutional rights. If you are facing criminal charges, contact us today at 888-535-3686.

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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