Simple assault

PITTSBURGH SIMPLE ASSAULT ATTORNEY

A person is guilty of simple assault if they—

• Attempt to cause, or cause (intentionally, knowingly or recklessly), bodily injury to another;
• Negligently cause bodily injury with a deadly weapon;
• Attempt by physical menace to put another in fear of serious bodily injury; or
• Conceal or attempt to conceal a hypodermic needle and “intentionally or knowingly” penetrate a (1) law enforcement officer or (2) officer/employee of a correctional institution, detention facility, or mental hospital, “during the course of an arrest or search.”

Simple assault may be categorized as a first-, second-, or third-degree misdemeanor.

It’s a first-degree misdemeanor if an adult assaults a person 12 or younger.

It’s a third-degree misdemeanor if the assault occurred “in a fight or scuffle entered into by mutual consent.”

Under all other circumstances, however, simple assault is generally a second-degree misdemeanor.

If you or a loved one is charged with simple assault, call Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney, Ryan H. James, who has tried and argued these cases with successful results.  Attorney James can be personally reached at 412-977-1827, or by e-mail at ryan@rhjameslaw.com