Assault Crimes

Assault crimes may not seem like a big deal unless somebody gets hurt. Let me tell you, that is not true at all. Assault charges are always a big deal, and they are especially serious when someone does get hurt. Not only can you face significant jail time, fines and criminal penalties, but you may be responsible for thousands of dollars in medical bills and restitution. Assault charges must be handled delicately and aggressively by your Pittsburgh Criminal Defense attorney.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault is a complicated and very serious charge. Just the act of attempting to injure someone can result in an aggravated assault. Aggravated assault is often charged when a person attacks someone with a gun, knife or other weapon. But it can ALSO be charged with a simple punch, kick or slap. That is because if your punch or slap results in serious injury, you will get slapped with an aggravated assault. Just one, single punch can lead to an aggravated assault charge. This charge is a felony, and for even first-time offenders, you will likely face an extended period of jail time. Do not take these charges lightly. They are no light matter and a skilled criminal defense attorney is needed to defend a case of aggravated assault.

Aggravated assault is also charged if a person attacks or hits a law enforcement officer. These cases are very sticky, as the police tend to push hard for convictions. Fortunately, at Joe Pometto Law we have had success settling these cases and defending them, even when the police are motivated to convict.

Simple Assault

Simple assault is the smaller brother of aggravated assault. But it is still a very serious matter. If injuries resulted from the simple assault you can face jail time, fines and restitution for costs incurred by the victim. Simple assault is a misdemeanor and it can result even if the victim is never actually touched. Sometimes simple assaults can be resolved at a lower court level, but sometimes they cannot. Many times simple assault cases go to trial and the difference can turn on the testimony of just the individuals involved in the fight. A classic “he-said, she-said” scenario. A skilled attorney can deftly defend you from a simple assault using a variety of tactics. Self-defense may be one way of defending a simple assault case in court. Furthermore, sometimes non-aggressive movements are wrongly interpreted as an attempt to hurt or injure someone. Joe Pometto Law is prepared to defend these cases in every way possible.

Often, a simple assault can be resolved through settlement. It may just be a matter of the accused taking an anger management course and completing community service hours. Joe Pometto Law has worked out dozens of simple assault cases in such a manner. However, we will not do so without the consent of our client. If our client wants to fight, we will fight. We have Pittsburgh criminal attorneys standing by, prepared to try cases whenever it is necessary to defend our client’s rights. Go For Joe – a local Western PA Law Firm.

SOME CRIMINAL LAW CASE RESULTS FROM OUR FIRM:

8/24/2022
Washington County: Atty. Pometto
Felony Firearm Possession – NOT GUILTY AFTER JURY TRIAL

7/6/2022
Allegheny County: Atty. Pometto
DUI Second Offense – NOT GUILTY AFTER JUDGE TRIAL