Serving Harrisburg, PA Since 2019
Harrisburg Aggravated Assault Attorney
Charged with Aggravated Assault?
Aggravated assault is a serious felony charge in Harrisburg, carrying penalties that can permanently alter your future. Under 18 Pa.C.S. 2702, aggravated assault is charged when a person attempts to cause or recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to human life, uses a deadly weapon, or assaults a protected-class individual. Pennsylvania defines serious bodily injury as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of a bodily organ or member. Because intent and injury severity are both elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt, those are exactly where an effective defense focuses.
Protected-victim provisions cover law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, and children. When the alleged victim falls into one of these categories, the charge carries longer prison terms and higher fines. Charges can arise even without physical contact if the prosecution can establish attempt and intent, which is why understanding the statute in detail matters from day one.
A skilled Harrisburg aggravated assault attorney is ready to fight for your rights. Call (717) 429-0411 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
Penalties for Aggravated Assault in Pennsylvania
Penalties vary depending on the specific subsection charged and the circumstances of the offense. Aggravated assault is always a felony, graded as either first-degree or second-degree. Which grading applies depends on the alleged victim’s identity, whether a deadly weapon was used, the severity of the injury, and whether the prosecution can establish that the defendant acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly. These are the elements that drive both the charge and the defense strategy.
Aggravated Assault as a Felony of the First Degree
This applies to offenses under subsection (a)(1) (serious bodily injury manifesting extreme indifference to human life), (a)(2) (serious bodily injury to protected professionals), and (a)(9) (serious bodily injury to a child under 13 by an adult).
- Maximum Sentence: Up to 20 years in state prison.
- Maximum Fine: Up to $25,000.
Aggravated Assault as a Felony of the Second Degree
This applies to offenses under subsections (a)(3) (bodily injury to protected professionals), (a)(4) (bodily injury with a deadly weapon), (a)(5) (bodily injury to a teaching staff member or school employee), (a)(6) (physical menace to protected professionals), (a)(7) (use of tear gas or electric incapacitation device against protected professionals), and (a)(8) (bodily injury to a child under six by an adult).
- Maximum Sentence: Up to 10 years in state prison.
- Maximum Fine: Up to $25,000.
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He constantly gave me updates as he fought and negotiated with every member of the district court: including the assistant DA, lead DA, judge, and even my arresting officer.- Marc
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It’s a well known fact that you get what you pay for, but a loss of license, loss of job, and jail time would have cost me a lot more.- Curt
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"I was confronted with a DUI for taking prescription meds 2 days before."
Shawn is a very personable and intelligent attorney. I was confronted with a DUI for taking perscription meds 2 days before. It seemed ludicrous but it was being pushed to the limit. In the end after 18mo a not guilty verdict was handed down. I originally questioned hiring an attorney of his caliber but I am fortunate that I had.
- Dexter -
"Wonderful and upfront. Prompt and very very personable"
Shawn was my lawyer for a DUI case, in which I was charged with a General Impairment DUI after a car accident that was precipitated by bald tires, not alcohol. I had been drinking, but my BAC was under legal limit. I was still charged with a "General Impairment" DUI. There were a lot of issues, and Shawn helped me with every one of them. My charges were brought down to summary offenses. Wonderful and upfront. Prompt and very very personable. I was very happy with Shawn. He works very hard for you!
- Zach
Why Choose The Dorward Law Firm for Your Defense
At The Dorward Law Firm, we defend your rights and build tailored strategies for each client we represent. Lead attorney Shawn Dorward brings over a decade of criminal defense experience handling cases in Harrisburg and throughout Dauphin County. He is admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, all Pennsylvania State Courts, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.
Shawn is a member of the National College for DUI Defense, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His Regents Choice Award from the National College for DUI Defense reflects a commitment to forensic rigor and evidence-based defense. That same methodical discipline in dissecting prosecution proof carries directly into aggravated assault cases, where intent and injury characterization are the elements most open to challenge. We also maintain access to expert witnesses and strong relationships within the Harrisburg legal community that inform every phase of our representation.
What to Expect When You Work with Us
From your first consultation through resolution, we keep you informed and involved. We help you understand your options at every stage and build a defense strategy around the specific facts of your case, not a generic template.
Our approach includes:
- In-Depth Case Analysis: We examine every aspect of your case, from evidence gathering to witness interviews.
- Expert Witness Access: Our established relationships with expert witnesses and the local legal community support a well-informed, thorough defense.
- Personalized Legal Strategy: Your aggravated assault charge has its own facts, context, and defenses. We build your strategy accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Aggravated Assault Charges Be Reduced?
Possibly. A defense attorney may negotiate for reduced charges or a lesser offense, particularly if the evidence is weak, the injury was minimal, or the accused has no prior criminal record.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Charged?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Don’t speak with law enforcement or anyone else about your case before you do. Gather any relevant evidence and attend all court dates. Early representation is important to protecting your rights.
Does Aggravated Assault Always Involve a Weapon?
No. While many charges involve weapons, aggravated assault can also be charged based on serious injury alone when the prosecution can establish intent to cause harm.
Can Self-Defense Be Used in an Aggravated Assault Case?
Yes. If you were defending yourself or someone else from immediate harm, self-defense may be a valid argument. We’ll assess whether the circumstances support that defense and how to present it effectively.
Are First-Time Offenders Treated Differently?
They can be. First-time offenders may have more options available, including negotiated charge reductions or probation. Courts may also weigh rehabilitation over incarceration, particularly when no serious injury occurred.
What Is the Difference Between Simple and Aggravated Assault?
Simple assault typically involves minor injuries or threats and is charged as a misdemeanor. Aggravated assault involves serious injuries, deadly weapons, or assaults on protected individuals such as police officers, and is classified as a felony under Pennsylvania law.
Ready to Defend Your Future? Contact Us Today
An aggravated assault charge doesn’t have to define what comes next. We offer free consultations, payment plans, and defense strategies built around your specific situation, with the goal of protecting your rights and working toward the best possible outcome.
Call us at (717) 429-0411 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
The Dorward Law Firm is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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We are specifically trained in DUI defense. Visit our bio to learn more!
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We offer payment plans for your convenience.
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Over 10 years of legal experience defending the accused.
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We make ourselves available whenever you need us.