Being convicted on assault charges can have a severe negative impact on your life. Even if you were acting in self-defense, it could be difficult to prove this fact without an experienced lawyer advising and representing you.
If convicted of assault in Philadelphia, you could be responsible for paying hefty fines or be required to take anger management classes; you could also spend time in jail. Your conviction could make it difficult for you to find a job, to lease an apartment, or purchase a firearm. If you are divorced and have visitation rights with your children, those rights could be temporarily or permanently suspended.
In Philly area assault cases, there are some circumstances that can result in lesser charges, or in charges being dismissed completely. Working with the right lawyer is your best chance of identifying those circumstances and crafting an effective defense. At the Law Offices of Richard J. Fuschino, we have already defended countless Philadelphia area residents accused of assault, assault and battery, and aggravated assault, putting us in the perfect position to defend you in court. Call us right away at 215-515-8600 if you need a lawyer to represent you in an assault case, if you need DUI lawyers in Philadelphia, or if you need advice about any of the other criminal cases in our practice area.
What is Aggravated Assault?
While many states draw a distinction between assault and assault and battery, Pennsylvania does not. In simple terms, this means that making a threat of bodily harm and acting in a manner that puts someone in fear that you will physically attack them is legally the same whether or not you actually follow through on that threat. There are also several circumstances that can aggravate your charge, which generally carries a more severe sentence:
- Seriously injuring or attempting to injure an officer, agent, employee, or other specific people in the performance of their official job duties. This includes police officers, firefighters, EMTs, school employees, and others
- Causing bodily injury or attempting to injure someone with a deadly weapon or some types of non-lethal weapons
- Causing bodily injury or attempting to cause injury to a person under 6 years of age by someone over the age of 18
- Causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury to a person under 13 years of age by someone over the age of 18
Serious bodily injury is defined as an injury that causes significant, permanent disfigurement that causes a lasting loss or impairment of bodily function, or that poses a risk of death. If convicted, these crimes carry lengthy maximum sentences of 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the circumstances. That’s why it is so important to find an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia who will know the best way to defend you.
The Benefits of Hiring Experienced Assault Lawyers for Your Case
A Philadelphia lawyer from the Law Offices of Richard J. Fuschino Jr. can represent you in any of the following incidents:
- Road rage
- Bar fights
- Domestic violence
- Fights in a parking lot
- Disputes with a neighbor
- Confrontations at a sporting event
- Fights at a private party
Arguing that you acted in self-defense is one common strategy used in these types of cases. Was alcohol involved? Did you sustain injuries? Did you start the initial argument? These circumstances and others may affect your charging and sentencing. With a Philadelphia lawyer on your side, you will have an effective ally to advocate for your rights when you are being questioned by the police and during your trial. We can also represent you as Philadelphia expungement lawyers and in a range of other criminal law matters.
Have You Been Charged with Assault? Our Attorneys Can Help
Richard J. Fuschino’s experience as a prosecutor gives him unique insights into any criminal defense case in the Philadelphia area. If you are innocent and acted in self-defense, a lawyer from our firm will help you gather the evidence you need to clear your name. In cases where a conviction is likely, having an attorney on your side will make it easier to negotiate with prosecutors for a plea bargain or to have certain charges dismissed for a lighter sentence. Call us today if you are accused of attacking another person or if you need sexual harassment lawyers in Philadelphia.