Bucks County Assault Lawyer
If you are facing prosecution for this accusation, an experienced Bucks County assault lawyer can work towards keeping that accusation from becoming a conviction. Something as simple as losing your temper can lead to serious assault charges. Which is why if this has happened to you, it is important to remember that you have options. Support is available in the form of an experienced assault lawyer in Bucks County who understands how to effectively mount a defense in your favor.
Benefits of An Assault Attorney
When serious penalties are on the line, working with an assault attorney in Bucks County can help you explore legal options that you may not have known were available to you. Because our lawyers understand the Bucks County court system and have a great deal of local knowledge, we can thoroughly investigate your case and help you create a customized defense strategy.
It may be tempting to defend yourself or to opt for the services of a public defender. However, a Bucks County assault lawyer with the resources of a private law firm can ensure that your case is given the priority and attention that it deserves, making certain that you are not lost in or exploited by the criminal justice system.
Aggravating Factors
It is important to note that when a public servant is injured or attacked, the courts will most likely treat the case more severely than they otherwise would for a layperson. This is because such a person falls into the category of a protected class, which allows them special consideration under the law. Such member of the protected class include but are not limited to:
- Police officers
- Medical professionals
- Firefighters
- Judges
- Lawyers–public defenders and prosecutors alike
The courts always look more sternly on cases where the events in question were carried out against individuals who were unable to protect themselves, such as those with mental or physical disabilities. The same applies to cases involving the assault of small children and the elderly.
When it comes to harshness in prosecution and sentencing, it is under the more usual man-on-man, woman-on-man, man-on-woman, woman-on-woman circumstances that the greatest likelihood of leniency lies.
Hate Crimes
When it comes to assaults that can be classified as hate crimes, they too tend to be viewed and prosecuted more harshly, and the state will devote more time and resources to pursuing a conviction. It is extremely difficult to defend a case where an individual has assaulted another individual because of a hate crime, or specifically because of a person’s disability or inability to fight back. Therefore, it is very important that an individual charged with such a crime should reach out and obtain the services of an experienced Bucks County assault lawyer at the earliest possible time.
Diversion Programs and Alternative Sentencing Options
Diversionary programs for assaultive behavior are somewhat limited compared to their availability for some other types of criminal charges.
However, under the right circumstances, even serious assaults can be diverted into the first-time offenders’ program also known as ARD, often with much harsher stipulations as part of the requirements for the program.
Diversion program requirements can include the following:
- Anger management classes
- Drug and alcohol classes
- Community service
- Counseling in general
Any conditions that the court, the prosecutor, or the defense feels are required can be imposed. Even restitution for injuries and damage caused can be ordered by the court.
Should an individual want to explore these types of diversionary programs for assault charges, they or their attorney must make this aware to the prosecutors prior to the preliminary hearing. Otherwise, in Bucks County, they may not be eligible for any such programs.
Contact a Bucks County Assault Lawyer Today
The sooner you contact a hard-working Bucks County assault lawyer the sooner they can start building a strong case for you. You have the right to a lawyer and the right to a fair trial, both of which an assault lawyer in Bucks County can protect as you navigate the legal system. For more information on your charge contact a Bucks County assault lawyer today.
