Assault & Battery Lawyers in Harrisburg, PA

Experienced Defense Against Assault & Battery Charges in Harrisburg & Dauphin County

Assault and battery are two separate crimes that can be charged together or separately. While they are similar in that they both involve unwanted physical contact, they are different in that assault involves the threat of physical contact while battery involves actual physical contact. If you have been charged with assault or battery, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Harrisburg assault and battery attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options as you navigate the criminal justice system.

At The Dorward Law Firm, our goal is to protect you from criminal charges and help you pursue your goals after an assault or battery charge. Our team is prepared to take on aggressive prosecutors and fight for your rights.

Arrested for assault or battery? Call (717) 429-0411 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with our experienced Harrisburg assault & battery attorney.

Assault Laws in Pennsylvania

Assault is the threat of physical contact. It is a crime to threaten to physically harm someone else, even if you do not follow through on the threat. It is important to note that assault does not require actual contact with the victim.

Under Pennsylvania law, assault is defined as:

• Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person; or
• Intentionally places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury.

Assault charges can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case. Misdemeanor assault charges can carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Felony charges can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. If the assault involved a deadly weapon or occurred in a domestic violence situation, the charges can be upgraded to a felony.

What Is Battery in Pennsylvania?

Battery is defined as the unwanted physical contact with another person. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case. Misdemeanor battery charges can carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Felony battery charges can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. If the battery involved a deadly weapon or occurred in a domestic violence situation, the charges can be upgraded to a felony.

Under Pennsylvania law, battery is defined as:

• Intentionally or knowingly makes physical contact with another person in a harmful or offensive manner; or
• Intentionally or knowingly causes physical harm to another person.

Battery charges can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the case. Misdemeanor battery charges can carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Felony battery charges can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. If the battery involved a deadly weapon or occurred in a domestic violence situation, the charges can be upgraded to a felony.

Assault vs. Battery

Assault involves the threat of physical contact. It is a crime to threaten to physically harm someone else, even if you do not follow through on the threat. Battery, on the other hand, involves actual physical contact with another person.

What are the Penalties for Assault & Battery in Pennsylvania?

Assault and battery are both misdemeanors in Pennsylvania. If you are convicted of either crime, you may face significant fines and jail time. You may also be responsible for paying restitution to your victim for any medical bills or property damage.

The following are the possible penalties for misdemeanor assault and battery:

• Up to two years in jail
• Fines of up to $5,000
• Restitution for any damages
• Probation

If you are convicted of felony assault or battery, you could spend up to 10 years in prison and face fines of up to $25,000. You may also be ordered to pay restitution for any damages caused by the crime.

Contact Our Harrisburg Assault & Battery Attorney Today

If you are facing assault or battery charges, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At The Dorward Law Firm, our experienced Harrisburg assault and battery attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options as you navigate the criminal justice system. Contact us today to request a free consultation and let our attorneys fight for you. 

Call (717) 429-0411 or send us a message online to speak with an experienced Harrisburg assault & battery lawyer.