Aggravated Assault Safe and Protected, Powerfully Represented

Charges Dropped Embezzlement
Not Guilty Child Pornography
Not Guilty DUI
Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Assault
Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
Acquittal Impeachment Trial
Not Guilty Murder Case
Not Guilty Rape case
Not Guilty College student rape case
Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
Charges Dropped Arson
Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
Charges Dropped Embezzlement
Not Guilty Double Homicide
Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Theft

Philadelphia Aggravated Assault Lawyer

Aggravated Assault Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Safeguarding Freedom From Severe Felony Allegations Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Assault charges in Pennsylvania are classified as either simple assault or aggravated assault. By far the more serious of the two types is aggravated assault, for which you could be sentenced to serve up to 20 years in prison if you are convicted. The respected Philadelphia aggravated assault attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin have earned a notable reputation as the toughest, most aggressive legal advocates in Philadelphia.

Find Out What Your Case is Worth

We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.

Michael is superb! Great attorney, great team, great job.
“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”

- Ninel B.
Having been represented on different subjects Mike has provided the same outstanding results!
“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”

- Sewall M. Jr.
The team is definitely a dream team straight outta Philadelphia Center City!
“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”

- RB
Guided me through the process for a success.
“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”

- Frank A.
They take full control of your case allowing you to have peace of mind while they win.
“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”

- Quiana
You should not go anywhere else.
“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”

- Bennie H.
They handled every aspect of my case with integrity and pride.
“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”

- Former Client
They make my concerns their concerns.
“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”

- Leslie L.

Savvy Legal Counsel When the Stakes are High

A misdemeanor simple assault can be escalated to a felony aggravated assault charge very easily by prosecutors depending upon the facts of a particular situation. The aggravated assault law provides prosecutors with a long list of situations that can put you in jeopardy of going to prison. Among the situations that could be felony assaults include any of the following:

Causing, or attempting to cause, serious bodily injury to another person while exhibiting indifference to human life
Using noxious gases or an incapacitating device on public officials while they were acting in their official capacity
Threatening to do bodily harm to public officials acting within the scope of their official duties
Causing, or attempting to cause, harm to a school employee or official
Causing, or attempting to cause, bodily injury to someone with the use of a deadly weapon
Causing, or attempting to cause, bodily injury to a public official acting within the scope of his or her official duties
Attempting to cause, or causing, serious bodily injury to a public transportation official or public transportation employee while the person is on duty

An incapacitating device as referred to in the statute includes a Taser, stun gun or other such device. Noxious gases include pepper spray, tear gas and Mace.

Skilled Legal Counsel Fighting Against the Harsh Penalties of a Conviction

Aggravated assault is either a second degree felony or a first degree felony depending upon the facts of a particular case. The possible sentences a court may impose include:

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon: This is a second degree felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Aggravated assault involving indifference to human life: This is a first degree felony punishable by a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Aggravated assault against a public transportation employee: This is punishable by up to 20 years in prison as a first degree felony.

The other situations constituting aggravated assault under the statute are second degree felonies. Because of the seriousness of the charges it is not uncommon for prosecutors to ask judges to impose the maximum possible sentence.

Innovative Defense Strategies to Fight the Allegations Made Against You

Our top-notch Philadelphia criminal defense team works with you to craft a defense strategy tailored to the facts and circumstances unique to your case. Self-defense might be a defense in situations in which the victim provoked the initial confrontation. Improper police practices in collecting evidence or obtaining a statement from you might be available as a defense.

Contact Our Savvy Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorneys if You Are Facing Aggravated Assault Charges

At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our client-focused Philadelphia aggravated assault defense attorneys put their skills and knowledge to work fighting against the allegations prosecutors make against you. Our defense attorneys never lose sight of the fact that aggravated assault charges are only allegations which prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

Call us at (215) 610-3440 today to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our defense team. You can also contact us by using the convenient online form.

The Person Who Sees The Whole Picture Meet Michael T. van der Veen

From local business owners, to the President of the United States, we fight for everyone's best interest. As founder of the firm, Michael T. van der Veen effortlessly combines accessibility, experience, negotiation, collaboration, and compassion to achieve results. He is the rare trial attorney who excels in both civil litigation and criminal defense. Known for his unwavering commitment to serving as the voice of the victim and advocate for the accused, he has established his reputation by winning multimillion-dollar jury verdicts in State and Federal Courts, as well as winning major criminal trials across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aggravated Assault Charges in Philadelphia, PA

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!

Aggravated assault applies when prosecutors believe that serious bodily injury was caused or attempted, or when the alleged conduct involved certain protected individuals such as police officers, teachers, public transportation workers, or other public officials. It can also apply when a deadly weapon is used, or when the accused allegedly acted with extreme indifference to human life. Because the statute includes many scenarios, even incidents that begin as minor altercations can be escalated to aggravated assault charges.
Penalties depend on whether the charge is classified as a first degree or second degree felony. A second degree aggravated assault conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison. A first degree aggravated assault conviction can result in up to 20 years of imprisonment. If the victim is a public transportation employee or certain public officials, prosecutors often pursue the maximum penalty. Fines, probation, and long term consequences for employment and civil rights may also apply.
Common defenses include self defense, defense of others, and lack of intent to cause serious bodily injury. Evidence could also be suppressed if police violated your constitutional rights during arrest, interrogation, or evidence collection. Witness credibility issues, video inconsistencies, or proof that the alleged victim instigated the confrontation may also weaken the prosecution’s case. An experienced aggravated assault defense attorney will examine every detail to build a strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Aggravated assault is a serious felony with severe penalties. Prosecutors often attempt to secure maximum sentences and may escalate charges quickly. Early legal representation helps protect your rights during questioning, ensures evidence is properly preserved, and strengthens your defense strategy from the outset. An attorney can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge improper procedures, and present defenses that may lead to reduced charges, dismissal, or a more favorable outcome.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin

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From pro bono advocacy to charitable and community involvement, our attorneys are deeply invested in the people and causes they serve, because real justice includes giving back.
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We stand as the voice of the injured and a strong advocate for the accused. We don’t just see a case, we see the people and futures at stake, and we fight accordingly.
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Results

Our attorneys are nationally recognized, featured in major media, and trusted with the complex, high-stakes cases, because when the outcome matters most, experience matters more.

Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

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