Serious Crimes Demand a Serious Defense
- Were you charged with aggravated assault after a fight with a police officer, teacher or firefighter?
- Have you been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon related to a DUI accident in which a driver or passenger was seriously injured?
Aggravated assault is a felony crime in Pennsylvania, with serious penalties if you are found guilty. Your future and your freedom are too important to throw away without a fight. Don't plead guilty to a serious crime, without first speaking to an accessible and experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Call 610-239-8870 or contact me today for a free, confidential case evaluation. I look forward to discussing your options for defense against aggravated assault charges in the Norristown area.
I am Basil D. Beck III. As an experienced defense lawyer, I will review the police report, listen to your side of the story and review all facts leading up to your arrest for aggravated assault. I will give you an honest appraisal of your chances in court and recommend how you should proceed.
Types of Aggravated Assault Charges in Pennsylvania
There are number of factors that can cause the police or prosecutors to charge you with aggravated assault instead of simple assault. Aggravated assault (or felony assault) is usually a second-degree felony charge, with a possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
Aggravated assault can be charged as a first-degree felony (with a possible 20-year prison term) if:
- The assault causes serious injury to police officer, fire fighter, teacher, or other government official
- The assault results in serious bodily injury and was committed with "extreme indifference to human life"
Assault with a deadly weapon is a type of aggravated assault. A deadly weapon can be a gun, knife, bat, car, truck or other object used to injure another person. Generally, the sentences are greater if a firearm or other weapon was used during the assault. If you have been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon after a drunk driving accident, I can defend you against both the DUI and the assault charges.
Developing Effective Defense Strategies In Assault Cases
While there are no guarantees in criminal defense law, understanding your rights and the legal options available to you can improve your chances in the criminal courts. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I provide vigorous defense against aggravated assault charges.
I know how to effectively negotiate with a prosecutor, how to identify questionable police conduct, how to cross examine witnesses, challenge suspicious testimony, and prevent you from making certain kinds of mistakes.
Minimizing the Consequences of an Assault Charge
When evidence and guilt is not in question, extenuating circumstances may convince the court to reduce the charges from aggravated assault to simple assault or another lesser charge. Other circumstances can make alternative sentencing or a reduced sentence possible. As your assault defense lawyer, I work with prosecutors in exploring alternative sentencing options when a plea of "guilty" may be in your best interest. In certain cases where provocation, a medical condition, or alcohol is involved, it may be possible to avoid jail or a heavy fine in exchange for a promise to get counseling, provide community service, and agree to probation.
To schedule a free, confidential consultation regarding your aggravated assault or DUI charges, contact my office today. I will return your call or e-mail as soon as possible.
