What are some defenses to an assault charge?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may have several potential defenses to an assault charge. You might raise an alibi defense to prove that you were not the perpetrator or otherwise challenge the victim’s or other witnesses’ identification. You might also raise a consent/mutual combat defense to argue that you and the alleged victim were both the perpetrators of a fight. Finally, one of the most common defenses to an assault charge includes self-defense/defense of others, in which you assert that you were attempting to defend yourself or someone else from an assault or attempted assault by the alleged victim.

Do I need a lawyer if I want to plead guilty to an assault charge?

You should always consult with an assault defense attorney in Kingston, PA, before deciding how you want to address an assault charge. Even if you want to plead guilty to obtain a favorable sentence, an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to try to secure the least severe sentence possible. Your lawyer can also review the facts and evidence in your case to identify potential defenses or legal strategies that might help you obtain a reduction or dismissal of your charges or an acquittal at trial.

Pennsylvania Assault Lawyer | Assault Defense Attorney Kingston, PA

Assault Defense Attorney in Kingston, PA, Advocates for the Rights of Clients Facing Assault Charges in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Columbia County, and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania

Have you been arrested and charged with assault in Pennsylvania? As a violent crime, prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions and significant penalties for assault charges. Turn to a seasoned Pennsylvania assault lawyer from Muckler Law, LLC, to advocate for your freedom and future. Since 2009, Attorney Matthew Muckler has fought to protect the interests of clients facing criminal charges in Lackawanna and Luzerne County and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has a proven record of results in criminal cases, reflecting his skill and willingness to take cases all the way to trial if necessary. As a former assistant district attorney, Matthew Muckler leverages his deep insight into how prosecutors pursue cases to craft tailored legal strategies aimed at securing favorable outcomes for his clients.

An assault charge is a serious matter. You need experienced legal representation to protect your legal rights and reputation. Turn to an assault defense attorney in Kingston, PA, for help. Contact Muckler Law, LLC, for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options for resolving your charges.

Pennsylvania Assault Laws

The Pennsylvania assault statute defines multiple types of offenses that fall within the general category of “assault.” These offenses include:

Simple assault: The crime of simple assault is defined as attempting to cause or intentionally/knowingly/recklessly causing bodily injury, negligently injuring someone with a deadly weapon, or using physical menace to put someone in fear of imminent serious injury
Aggravated assault: The crime of aggravated assault occurs when a person attempts to cause or intentionally/knowingly/recklessly causes serious injury under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, intentionally or knowingly causing injury with a deadly weapon, or attempting to cause or knowingly/intentionally causing injury to a protected person in the course of their duties.
Recklessly endangering another person (REAP): The crime of REAP occurs when a person engages in reckless conduct that places or may place someone else in danger of death or serious injury.
Terroristic threats: A person commits terroristic threats when they directly or indirectly threaten to commit a crime of violence with the intent to terrorize another, cause an evacuation, or otherwise cause serious public inconvenience or terror
Reckless discharge of a firearm: Intentionally or recklessly discharging a firearm from any location into an occupied structure.
Harassment: A person commits harassment when they strike or otherwise subject someone to physical contact or threatens to do so, follows someone in a public place, engages in a course of conduct with no legitimate purposes, makes lewd or threatening communications, or communicates in an annoying or inconvenient matter, with the purpose to harass, annoy, or alarm another person
Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct that demonstrates an intent to place another person in fear of injury or to cause that person substantial emotional distress
Neglect of care-dependent person: When a caregiver intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes harm or death by not providing necessary care, or by improperly using restraints or medications. The offense also includes endangering the dependent person's welfare by failing to meet their basic needs for health, safety, or well-being.
Unauthorized administration of intoxicant: A person is guilty of a third-degree felony if they administer drugs or other intoxicants to someone without their knowledge, with the intent to commit certain sexual offenses.
Strangulation: A person commits the crime of strangulation when they intentionally or knowingly impede someone’s breathing or blood circulation by applying pressure to the throat or neck or blocking their nose and mouth

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How Can a Pennsylvania Assault Lawyer from Muckler Law, LLC, Help You Face an Assault Charge?

Assault crimes are among some of the most serious criminal offenses under Pennsylvania law. A conviction for an assault offense can carry severe penalties, including years of incarceration and substantial fines. A criminal record can also adversely impact your ability to pursue housing, educational, and employment opportunities. You need experienced legal representation to help you protect your freedom and future by pursuing a favorable resolution to your assault charges. Turn to an assault defense attorney in Kingston, PA, from Muckler Law, LLC, for comprehensive legal representation that includes:

Thorough, independent investigation of your charges to obtain all available evidence, rather than simply relying on evidence turned over by the prosecution
Close communication with you throughout the process to keep you updated on your case’s status, answer your questions, and explain your charges and legal options
Evaluating potential defenses and case strategies aimed at securing the best possible outcome for your charges
Vigorously testing the prosecution’s case, including moving to exclude evidence or statements obtained in violation of your rights
Moving to reduce or dismiss your charges if the state lacks the evidence to bring you to trial
Presenting a compelling defense on your behalf if you choose to fight your charges at trial

Contact Us for a Confidential Case Evaluation to Learn More About Your Legal Options from an Assault Defense Attorney in Kingston, PA

Don’t leave your freedom and future to chance if you’ve been arrested and charged with assault in Kingston. Contact Muckler Law, LLC, today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable Pennsylvania assault lawyer.

Pennsylvania Assault Lawyer