What Are the Consequences of an Assault Conviction in Philadelphia?
Assault is a very serious offense, and depending on the circumstances surrounding the assault, someone may face significant penalties if convicted. The four different types of assault are as follows: simple assault, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and battery. When you’re charged with assault, you undoubtedly worry about what may occur if you are convicted. The criminal justice system might be harsh at times, and penalties for assault convictions in Philadelphia may include jail time, significant fines, and other consequences that might severely alter your life. It’s important to consult a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys if you are facing an assault conviction.
What is the process of being convicted of assault?
This is a complicated and typically lengthy procedure that includes several separate parts, including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.
First, someone who has been accused of committing an assault will likely be arrested by law enforcement officials and charged with a crime. The case will then be heard in court, where the defendant can plead either guilty or not guilty and may have a PA criminal defense attorney representing him/her. If found guilty, the person may face penalties such as jail time, fines, probation, or community service.
An assault conviction will typically result in a person serving their sentence in a correctional facility. In some states, they may be compelled to register as a sex offender after they’ve served their time. They will also almost certainly have a criminal history that will follow them for the rest of their lives, making it difficult to find work or housing.
What is an assault conviction?
A conviction for assault may result in significant fines, time in prison, and a criminal record. This can have far-reaching implications for an individual’s career prospects and other areas of their life.
If you are facing assault charges, it is important to work with someone privy to Criminal Law State College PA, and who has experience handling these types of cases. Criminal defense associates will be able to review the facts of your case and help you build the strongest defense possible. Contact a qualified Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case.
What are the Consequences of an Assault Conviction?
Some of the most common consequences of a conviction for an assault charge are outlined below:
Jail time: Assault convictions can result in jail sentences ranging from a few days to several years, depending on the severity of the charge. In Pennsylvania, simple assault is classified as a misdemeanor offense, while aggravated assault is a felony.
Fines: In addition to any jail time, you may be sentenced to, you will also be required to pay fines. Fines for assault convictions can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, again depending on the severity of the charge.
Probation: Probation is often imposed instead of jail time, and maybe ordered in addition to other penalties. Probation typically lasts for one year, during which time you will be required to comply with certain conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer and avoiding further criminal activity.
Restitution: If you are convicted of assault, you may also be required to pay restitution to the victim. This can include reimbursement for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result of the assault.
Loss of rights: An assault conviction can also lead to the loss of certain rights, such as the right to possess firearms or vote. In some cases, you may also be required to undergo counseling or treatment as part of your sentence.
How an attorney can help
As you can see, the consequences of an assault conviction can be quite serious. If you have been charged with assault, it is important to seek an experienced state college criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney will understand the charges against you and fight to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process.
If you are facing charges of assault at State College, the experienced legal team at Engle Kauffman and VanHorn Criminal Law can help. With many years of combined experience, our dedicated criminal defense attorney PA can protect your rights and guide you through every step of the process. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.