Assault Defense Attorney for Temple Students
College can be a complicated period of time in a person’s life. This timeframe can become even more complicated and difficult if you are charged with committing some form of assault. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, an assault charge can result in serious penalties if a defendant is convicted. If you are a student at Temple University and you were arrested for assault, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia assault defense attorney today.
The Law Offices of Lloyd Long are dedicated to providing you with the legal representation that you need to defend against an assault charge. Our firm chooses to avoid taking a large volume of cases so that we can devote our resources to ensuring that every client’s case receives the attention it deserves. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your case, call The Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171, or contact us online.
Pennsylvania Assault Laws
Pennsylvania has two forms of assault that are often charged: aggravated assault and simple assault. As the name implies, aggravated assault is a more serious offense than simple assault and the penalties for the crime are more severe as well. However, being arrested for either offense can have a serious impact on your personal and academic life.
Aggravated assault occurs when a person causes or attempts to cause another person to suffer a serious bodily injury. You can be arrested for this offense whether you engaged in the assault intentionally or if you acted recklessly when committing the assault. Other circumstances that can trigger a violation of Pennsylvania’s aggravated assault law include:
- Assaulting a law enforcement officer
- Causing or attempting to attack another person with a deadly weapon (bat, knife, scissors)
- Attempting to cause bodily injury to a member of the school’s staff or board members, that also includes students employed by the school
This is not an exhaustive list. There are several other circumstances where an individual can be charged with aggravated assault.
Simple assault is when a defendant caused or attempted to inflict bodily injury to another person. This offense can be committed recklessly or intentionally. It is important to note that a defendant can be arrested for simple assault with a deadly weapon even if they only caused bodily injury to another by simply being negligent. A defendant can also be arrested for simple assault by causing another person to fear an imminent assault.
To learn more about aggravated and simple assault and the penalties for these crimes, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney.
Penalties for Assaulting Someone on Campus
The penalties for assault will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, if you become embroiled in a fight due to the actions of another person, this may play a role in determining your case.
The grading for an offense of aggravated assault typically varies from a first degree felony to a second degree felony. Outside of being charged with murder, first degree felonies and second degree felonies are the most serious types of crimes in Pennsylvania. A first degree felony carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and up to $25,000 in criminal fines. A second degree felony is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.
Under most circumstances, simple assault will be considered a second degree misdemeanor. The penalty for being convicted of a second degree misdemeanor is a maximum of two years in prison and up to $5,000 in criminal fines.
As mentioned, there are some defenses to charges of aggravated assault that a defendant may be able to utilize. For example, if you were acting in self-defense when you committed a simple assault, that may help you achieve a desirable result to your case. Another available defense is that you were provoked into a fight by the other party.
While it is understandable how some college activities can result in a fight with other individuals, the consequences of that fight can be severe. For example, if you have a scholarship or receive financial aid to attend Temple University or another nearby college, being arrested for assault can affect your eligibility for those programs. You could also face other forms of disciplinary actions. That is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately to help with your criminal case and other academic repercussions related to your case.
Our Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyers are Here for You
If you or a family member was arrested for committing assault on a student or were charged with resisting arrest at Temple and assaulted a police officer in the process, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer today. Criminal defense lawyer Lloyd Long has several years of experience that he is prepared to utilize to help you fight your case. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact The Law Offices of Lloyd Long at (215) 302-0171.
