The act of assault is when a person behaves in such a way that they intentionally give someone else a feeling of apprehension that harmful or offensive contact is imminent. It is carried out by threats of bodily harm, coupled with an apparent, present ability to actually cause the harm. Since assault is both a crime and a tort, an accusation of assault may result in both criminal and civil liability.
Sometimes a “simple assault” can turn into an “aggravated assault” depending on the circumstances. The Pennsylvania Code §2702 states that a person is guilty of aggravated assault if he or she:
- attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or
- causes such injury intentionally, knowingly or recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, or
- attempts to cause or intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon.
There are a number of other circumstances that will lead to a finding of aggravated assault. Depending on the circumstances, if you are accused of a violent crime such as aggravated assault, you could be facing felony charges in the first or second degree.
Contact Attorney Wayne Punshon
My name is Wayne Punshon. I offer more than 32 years of experience to people in the Delaware Valley who have been charged with a crime. Before opening my private practice 10 years ago, I served the state of Pennsylvania as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting cases for 6 years in Dauphin County (Harrisburg) and 16 years in Delaware County. I know the different ways that prosecutors prepare and present violent crime cases, and what value they give to different types of evidence.
I provide a free initial review of your case to every client. To arrange a private meeting, contact my office online or call me at 610-565-8412.
