Pennsylvania residents who are facing aggravated assault charges should know what they’re up against. Unlike what’s sometimes referred to as “simple” assault, aggravated assault is considered to be a more serious crime and will usually come with harsher penalties.

According to the Legal Dictionary, aggravated assault is any action in which an attempt to cause bodily harm is made with a dangerous or deadly weapon. Like assault, the list of actions is quite extensive and can include everything from attempted murder to sexual assault, robbery, and more. 

The primary difference between these two types of assault is the weapon involved. Examples of deadly or dangerous weapons can include knives, guns, or blunt objects like baseball bats or hammers. Less conventional weapons can also count, like axes or swords.

Aggravated assault can include attempts at causing bodily harm, as well as cases in which a person successfully harms another individual. In the definition, only the legitimate threat of harm needs to be present for something to be considered assault. However, this doesn’t mean you would be let off with a lighter penalty if convicted. Even if no bodily harm has been done to a victim, assault charges can still result in jail time, fines, and other legal trouble.

If you have been accused of aggravated assault, you may be able to use an experienced attorney to help you navigate your case. Knowing the legal ins and outs of a system is necessary in order to fight these charges as swiftly and efficiently as possible.