Aggravated assault carries some of the harshest penalties in Pennsylvania’s criminal code, and the difference between a felony conviction and a dismissed case often comes down to the quality of your legal representation.
Pennsylvania prosecutors charge aggravated assault when they believe a person caused, or attempted to cause, serious bodily injury to another individual. The law defines serious bodily injury as harm that creates a substantial risk of death, or that results in permanent disfigurement or the loss or impairment of a body part or organ. This standard sets aggravated assault apart from simple assault, and it’s why the penalties attached to a conviction are so much more severe.
Prosecutors in Centre County and throughout our service area also pursue aggravated assault charges when a deadly weapon was allegedly used, even if the resulting injury was less severe than the statute typically requires. The same is true when the alleged victim is a police officer, teacher, probation officer, or other public servant acting within the scope of their duties. These cases show up often around Penn State’s campus and downtown State College, where bar altercations, dorm disputes, and off-campus parties can escalate quickly and draw serious criminal charges.
As a felony defense attorney handling these cases daily, our founding attorney understands how quickly an argument or a moment of poor judgment can turn into a life-altering felony prosecution. Getting an experienced criminal defense attorney involved early can make a real difference in how the case unfolds.
Pennsylvania grades aggravated assault based on the circumstances of the alleged offense, the identity of the alleged victim, and whether a weapon was involved. As your felony assault attorney, we walk you through exactly what you’re facing and what the Commonwealth must prove.
As your aggravated assault defense attorney, we start by examining whether the Commonwealth can even prove the underlying elements of the charge. In many cases, the alleged injury does not rise to the legal definition of serious bodily injury, and we push to have the charge reduced to simple assault or dismissed outright.
Self-defense is one of the most powerful tools available in these prosecutions. If our client acted to protect themselves or another person from harm, Pennsylvania law allows for a complete defense that results in a not guilty finding. We have presented self-defense arguments to prosecutors before trial that led to charges being dropped or reduced, and we have taken these same arguments in front of a jury when the Commonwealth refused to budge.
When neither an outright denial nor self-defense fits the facts, we shift focus to the severity and cause of the injury, along with the intent behind our client’s actions. As a criminal trial lawyer who prepares every case as if it will go to trial, we build a defense around the specific facts, not a generic playbook.
Facing a felony charge with permanent consequences means you need a deadly weapon assault attorney and serious bodily injury defense attorney who will fight for you at every stage, not just negotiate a plea and move on.
Aggravated Assault Defense: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between aggravated assault and simple assault in Pennsylvania?
Can self-defense really get an aggravated assault charge dismissed?
Does a deadly weapon automatically mean a more serious charge?
What happens if I'm convicted of aggravated assault as a college student?
A felony assault charge moves fast, and early decisions can shape the rest of your case. Contact our office at 611 University Dr Suite 213, State College, PA 16801 for a direct conversation about your charges and your options.
