Dismissal of Simple Assault and Harassment Charges
It’s a lazy Saturday evening, and you’re enjoying the time with your friends at a local bar in Pittsburgh. All of a sudden, someone pulls up next to you and starts abusing you. You try to avoid it, but can’t keep your cool and exchange a few heated words.
But the thing doesn’t stop there. The stranger suddenly throws a punch at you, and the whole thing turns into a fist fight. And later, you find yourself facing charges of simple assault or harassment. What will you do?
First, understand the difference between the charges. Simple assault means you intended to cause bodily injury to another person. Harassment, on the other hand, means to intentionally annoy or alarm someone through your conduct. The key distinction between these two charges lies in the intent behind the action and the potential for physical harm. And only an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you navigate this confusing maze and help dismiss the charges.
Penalties for Harassment
Harassment charges in Pennsylvania fall under Section 2709 of the Pennsylvania Code. It’s seen as a less severe charge than assault. However, a harassment charge still carries significant consequences.
The penalties due to harassment depend on the specific circumstances of the act. If it involves acts like physical contact or stalking, it’s classified as a ‘Summary Offense’. This involves imprisonment of 90 days and a fine of up to $300.
However, if the harassment involves threatening communication, anonymous communication, or cyber harassment of a child, that’s a different scenario. In that case, the charges get categorized as a misdemeanor of the third degree. A third-degree misdemeanor can result in imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to $2,500.
Hence, a harassment conviction might seem harmless. But it can affect your reputation and future opportunities. Therefore, it’s necessary to have an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side.
Penalties for Simple Assault
Simple assault charges are outlined in Section 2701 of the Pennsylvania Code. It is regarded as a more serious offense than harassment. Charges are levied focusing on physical harm or the threat of it.
More often than not, a simple assault case is classified as a ‘misdemeanor of the second degree’. Such a charge calls for the following penalties-
- Up to two years of imprisonment.
- A fine of up to $5,000.
If the assault was a mutually consented “fight or scuffle,” the charge might drop to a ‘misdemeanor of the third degree’. This calls for
- A maximum of one year of imprisonment.
- A $2,500 fine.
However, if the alleged victim is a child aged under 12 years, and the accused happens to be 18 or older, the case becomes a ‘misdemeanor of the first degree’. This results in
- Up to five years of imprisonment.
- A $10,000 fine.
As you can see, the stakes are pretty high. Hence, hiring a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer is essential to come up with a good defense strategy.
Contact Sean Logue Law Group and Earna Clean Slate
Simple assault or harassment charges are associated with a lot of hassle. However, the good news is that dismissal is possible only if you have an effective defense strategy. At Sean Logue Law Group, our expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyers understand the nuances of such cases and can fight tirelessly for you.
Here’s how our team can help you achieve a clean slate-
A thorough investigation
Our skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyers thoroughly examine every single detail of your case. This includes police reports to witness statements as well. They will try to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and leverage that to proceed with a dismissal.
Crafting a solid defense strategy
A plea bargain isn’t the best option in such cases. Because it makes you look like the guilty party. Our team can help you build a robust defense and challenge every aspect of the accusation to protect your rights in court.
Expungement
Even if a dismissal isn’t possible, a knowledgeable Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can definitely guide you through the process of expungement. This can help you have a clean record in the long run.So, don’t let some false accusations and charges derail your life. Call us at 844.PITT.DUI today and schedule a free consultation!