Assault Defense Attorney for Drexel Students
Facing allegations of assault is a serious issue that could affect a student’s personal and academic life. Not only would a student face criminal charges for starting a fight, but the university they attend may institute other disciplinary proceedings that can negatively impact their academic career. If you or a family member was arrested and charged with assault, consult with an experienced Philadelphia assault defense attorney for Drexel students.
The Law Offices of Lloyd Long recognize the complex legal issues that may arise when a student is charged with a serious crime like assault, and we are here to fight for you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171 or contact us online.
Pennsylvania Simple and Aggravated Assault Laws
In Pennsylvania, the crime of assault is separated into two categories: simple and aggravated. While it would be undesirable to be charged with either crime as a Drexel University student, an offense for aggravated assault will result in more severe penalties if a defendant is convicted. Understanding the elements for each type of assault can help a defendant understand the severity of their situation.
Simple Assault
Pennsylvania criminal law states that simple assault is an offense that is committed when a person “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” causes another person to suffer a bodily injury. However, simple assault is not limited to this definition. A person could also be charged with simple assault if they use a weapon to inflict harm upon another.
Other scenarios where a person could be charged with simple assault include:
- Physically intimidating another person and causing them to believe they are in imminent danger of being harmed
- Failing to inform a law enforcement officer of a hypodermic needle or other weapons that could injure the officer while they are conducting a search
The circumstances of a case will determine whether a person is charged with simple assault or aggravated assault. Simple assault is often charged in situations where a defendant did not cause serious harm to another person or when the defendant engaged in a mutual fight.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault differs from simple assault because the defendant in an aggravated assault case is being accused of injuring or attempting to severely injure another person. As mentioned, simple assault is often charged in scenarios where the victim was not seriously injured.
Aggravated assault may also be charged if law enforcement believes that a defendant exhibited extreme indifference to the value of another’s life. For example, if a defendant recklessly swings around a dangerous weapon in a crowd, this may be evidence of their extreme indifference.
Pennsylvania law also addresses incidences of aggravated assault carried out against the staff of an educational institution. Specifically, an individual is prohibited from attempting or causing an injury to a member of the teaching staff, school board members, student employees, and other similar parties.
To learn more about the criminal penalties for simple and aggravated assault for Drexel University students, continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia assault defense attorney today.
Criminal and Academic Penalties for Committing Assault on Drexel University Campus
If you were arrested and accused of committing assault, you should be aware of the penalties that may result if you are convicted. However, there are circumstances that could affect the sentence handed down by a judge.
If a defendant was engaged in a mutual fight with another student or party, this will affect the penalties for the crime. For example, simple assaults are typically graded as a second degree misdemeanor, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison and $5,000 in criminal fines. However, assault charges based on a mutual fight are usually graded as a third degree misdemeanor. Third degree misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and $2,500 in fines.
Aggravated assault is often graded as a first degree felony, which is the most serious type of offense outside of homicide. First degree felonies carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
Being convicted of either of these crimes would be a serious blow to any academic aspirations that a student previously held. Additionally, a student may also have to face a disciplinary hearing while also being involved in a criminal case. A disciplinary hearing that goes poorly could result in a student losing various privileges or could even result in expulsion. Due to these possibilities, it is important to work with an experienced attorney that can fight for you in criminal or academic proceedings.
Our Trusted Assault Defense Lawyer for Drexel Students is Ready to Work with You
If you are a student at Drexel University and you were charged with assault, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia assault defense lawyer for Drexel students. Criminal defense lawyer Lloyd Long possesses extensive experience litigating a variety of criminal cases, and he is prepared to use this knowledge to pursue a desirable outcome to your case. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your unique situation, contact the Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
