Assault/Harassment Defense in York, PA

An allegation of assault or harassment can change your life in an instant. Beyond the threat of jail time, these charges often carry a social stigma that can impact your employment, your housing, and your family relationships. In many cases, these charges arise from heated arguments, misunderstandings, or situations where you were simply defending yourself.

As your lawyer, I provide a strong, strategic defense for clients in York and surrounding counties. I ensure that my clients are heard and that their side of the story is presented effectively to the court.

Types of Charges I Defend

Pennsylvania law categorizes assault based on the severity of the injury and the intent of the person involved:

  • Simple Assault: Typically a misdemeanor, this involves intentionally or recklessly causing bodily injury to another. It can also include putting someone in fear of immediate harm (physical menace).

  • Aggravated Assault: A serious felony involving "serious bodily injury" or the use of a deadly weapon. This charge often applies if the alleged victim is a protected official, such as a police officer or teacher.

  • Harassment: Usually a summary offense or misdemeanor, harassment involves the intent to annoy or alarm another through physical contact, following them in public, or repeated communications.

  • Terroristic Threats: A high-level misdemeanor or felony involving a threat to commit a crime of violence with the intent to terrorize another.

  • Stalking: A pattern of conduct intended to place another person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress.

Common Defense Strategies

Assault cases are rarely black and white. I look for every possible defense to have your charges reduced or dismissed, including:

  • Self-Defense: In Pennsylvania, you have the right to use reasonable force to protect yourself from imminent harm.

  • Defense of Others: Similar to self-defense, you may be justified in acting to protect another person from an attacker.

  • Mutual Consent: If the incident was a "scuffle" entered into by mutual consent, the grading of a simple assault charge can often be significantly reduced.

  • Lack of Intent: Proving that the injury was an accident and not the result of intentional or reckless behavior.

  • False Accusations: In domestic or personal disputes, it is not uncommon for accusations to be exaggerated or fabricated. When appropriate, I meticulously cross-examine witnesses to find inconsistencies in their stories.