Assault Safe and Protected with Powerful Representation

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

Philadelphia Assault Lawyer

Assault Crime Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Delivering Advocacy for Assault Charge Defense Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania

Assault charges leave you facing a lifetime of consequences. A conviction can threaten your rights, reputation, and freedom, which is why you should never take these charges lightly. With so much at stake in an assault case, you need to make every effort to defend your rights, reputation, and freedom with the services of a Philadelphia assault lawyer.

At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our Philadelphia assault defense lawyers take these cases seriously because we understand what a conviction can mean. We have more than a dozen seasoned criminal defense attorneys prepared to provide you with sharp legal insight and a custom-tailored defense to help you achieve the most favorable outcome in your case. We have represented clients throughout the Philadelphia area for years against misdemeanor and felony assault charges, and we have developed a reputation for success in these cases.

Part of what makes our law firm so successful is our ability to dismantle the prosecution's case while also supporting our clients with continued and committed legal representation. Instead of facing your charges alone, let a criminal assault attorney in Philadelphia, PA, aggressively defend you inside and outside of court.

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.

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.
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.
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
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
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
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.

Different Types of Assault Charges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law defines “assault” in different ways. Actions that can qualify as an assault charge range from making threats to physical attacks. Common types of assault charges include:

Simple Assault

In most cases, these charges qualify as a second-degree misdemeanor, resulting from actions such as:

Trying to cause someone bodily harm
Deliberately harming someone
Accidentally hurting someone with a deadly weapon
Threatening to harm someone

A conviction for simple assault can include consequences of up to two years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.

Aggravated Assault

These felony offenses often include actions like:

Trying to cause serious bodily harm
Harming a protected individual, such as a teacher, police officer, or paramedic
Using a deadly weapon during the assault

A conviction for these crimes can result in a first or second-degree felony, and leave you in prison for up to 20 years.

Common Situations that can Lead to Assault Charges in Philadelphia

Many people who receive assault charges had no intention of breaking the law in the first place. In our experience, many of these charges come from:

Fights in any of the bars in Philadelphia
Domestic disputes among Philadelphia families
Self-defense actions or efforts to protect another Philadelphia citizen from harm, often misinterpreted by Philadelphia police
Road rage incidents between Philadelphia drivers
Altercations in Philadelphia workplaces
Confrontations while intoxicated
False accusations by spouses, ex-partners, or other friends and family
Misidentification by a witness or a Philadelphia police officer

Our Philadelphia assault lawyers know how to get to the truth of a situation by identifying any inconsistencies in the story and determining what really happened. Our thorough investigations in these cases have helped countless clients get their charges dropped, reduced, or dismissed.

The Penalties for Assault Charges in Philadelphia, PA

The consequences of any conviction depend on the details of the crime. In most cases, a conviction for your assault charges could result in:

Time in prison or jail
Fines
Probation
Anger management or other programs
A conviction on your permanent record
Professional consequences, such as job loss or suspension of a professional license
Loss of your right to own a gun
Complications with child custody arrangements
Trouble with immigration for non-citizens

Any one of these consequences can have a serious impact on your future. Our lawyers recognize what a conviction can cost you, and we are prepared to do everything possible to protect you from these penalties.

Viable Legal Defenses an Assault Crime Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, May Employ

Our Philadelphia assault lawyers do not offer the same boilerplate representation to every client we represent. Instead, we will review the details of your case and explore opportunities to defend you, including:

Arguing that you acted in self-defense
Showing that you were acting in the defense of someone else
Establishing that any harm caused was accidental or misinterpreted
Proving you were falsely accused
Demonstrating that the physical altercation was mutual
Establishing a lack of sufficient evidence

While getting your charges dismissed or dropped is often a faster method of resolving a criminal defense case, we always prepare for litigation using any of these or other possible defense methods.

How to Defend Yourself Against Assault Charges

If you suspect the police are about to charge you with assault, or you have already been charged, follow these steps to protect your best interests:

Do not talk to the police without legal representation present
Do not interact with the supposed victim
Thoroughly document any evidence that could support your version of events
Immediately reach out to our law firm for continued legal support

Even in cases where the victim does not want to press charges, the state still has the option to prosecute you. The sooner you reach out to our Philadelphia assault lawyers, the stronger our defense can be for you.

Why Choose a Physical Assault Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA, at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin?

Our team of Philadelphia assault lawyers stands out from the competition for our extensive experience, history of handling high-profile cases, and national recognition.

We take the time to look at all of the information in the cases we take, and not just what is in the police report. This way, we can effectively represent you and develop an aggressive and thorough defense that has your best interests at heart.

Speak With One of Our Philadelphia Assault Lawyers Today

If you are facing assault charges, do not attempt to represent yourself. Instead of taking chances with your future, reach out to an assault crime attorney in Philadelphia, PA, for guidance through every step of your defense case.

Schedule your free initial consultation by calling us at (215) 610-3440 or reach out online to start your pursuit of the optimal outcome in your assault defense case.

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 Assault Crime Defense 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!

Simple assault charges are usually for minor injuries or threats, while aggravated assault mostly pertains to serious injuries or the use of weapons.
Yes, physical contact is not a requirement for simple assault charges. Using threatening behavior to cause fear of immediate harm does qualify as assault.
Not every conviction results in jail time, but it can still have lasting consequences. We are prepared to defend you against your criminal charges.
Only the prosecutor is able to drop your charges, no matter how the victim feels. However, the victim taking your side can improve your case.
Every case is unique, and so are the costs of what it takes to properly defend a client. In your initial consultation with us, we will review your situation and give you an honest and upfront expectation of what our legal services could cost.

in their own words

Clients share their experiences and results firsthand

"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
"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
"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
"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

the complete coverage advantage

Full-Spectrum
Law

From criminal defense to personal injury and beyond, clients gain seamless, strategic support from a full-service law firm built to handle every legal challenge under one roof.
Values-Driven
Practice

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.
Human-Centered
Advocacy

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.
High-Caliber
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

Trial Lawyers Excelling in the Areas of Law Most Critical to You and Your Family

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