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Assault Information Center

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Frequently Asked Questions about Assault

Q: What is the definition of "assault"?

A: Assault is the most commonly committed violent crime in the US. In many states, assaults are classified as either "simple" or "aggravated." A simple assault is making another person apprehensive of a physical attack or negligently causing injury to another person with a weapon. The exact definition, however, depends upon the state in which the alleged crime takes place. Aggravated assault is assault that occurs in conjunction with an attempt to cause serious injury or commit another crime; often, a deadly weapon is involved. A defendant may be convicted of aggravated assault even if the victim was not physically hurt.

Q: How is "assault" different from "battery"?

A: Traditionally, if the victim has been actually touched by the person committing the crime, then a battery has occurred. If the victim has not been touched, but only threatened, then the crime is assault. In many states, the distinction between assault and battery has been abolished and either type of action may be charged as an assault.

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that, as of the end of 2001, there were approximately 5.6 million people in the United States who have served or are serving time in prison. This figure includes 1.3 million adults currently serving time, and 4.3 million former adult prisoners. Every year, there are more than 800,000 assaults reported in the U.S. If the charge against you is felony or misdemeanor assault, you should know that a conviction may stay on your record permanently. In addition to time in prison or jail, you may be prevented from getting the type of job you want after you are released. It is extremely important that a person charged with criminal assault get the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Law Offices of Henry S. Hilles, III • Norristown, Pennsylvania • Criminal Defense Attorney

At the Law Offices of Henry S. Hilles, III, I am prepared to zealously defend individuals charged with assault and other violent crimes. I am a former Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney in the Major Crimes Unit and understand how prosecutors approach aggravated assault, simple assault and other violent crime cases.

Defending a violent crime case involves a great deal of investigation and creative thought. Frequently there are legitimate defenses that must be fully developed. Perhaps the defense can show that a person acted in self defense or lacked the intent to commit the crime charged. Sometimes gathering and analyzing certain evidence can result in the reduction of charges. A defense attorney must think through and investigate all possible angles in violent-crime cases to ensure the best possible result for the client.

I use my experience as an Assistant District Attorney to thoroughly challenge the prosecution's case as well as to engage prosecutors in negotiating a satisfactory resolution where appropriate. If you have been accused of assault, manslaughter, domestic assault, aggravated assault, or any other violent crime, I will work with you closely to obtain the best possible result.

Assault - An Overview

Being convicted of assault can bring serious penalties including jail or prison time, fines and probation. Although the specific definition of assault varies by jurisdiction, it is typically viewed as the act of putting another person in fear of harm or offensive contact by the use of force or the threat of force. Some jurisdictions also consider an intentional injury to be an assault. If you have been charged with assault, it is important to know the law and procedures of your state and county. Seek the advice of an experienced attorney as you determine how to fight the charges.

Assault is an attempt to hurt someone physically; it is also the threat of force or use of force, making the victim apprehensive of harmful or offensive contact. Battery, on the other hand, is typically defined as the actual touching of the victim in a harmful or offensive manner.

If the assault occurs while the defendant is using a deadly weapon or attempting to commit a serious crime, it is an aggravated assault. Because this is a more serious crime than simple assault, the punishment is usually more severe. Injury does not necessarily have to occur for the crime to be aggravated assault.

Assault & Battery

Assault and battery are two separate crimes. Each may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how the crime was allegedly carried out, the nature of the injuries that resulted and the laws of the jurisdiction. If you are facing a charge of assault or battery, contact an experienced attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.

Sexual Assault

Many states have undertaken a revision of their rape and sexual assault laws, creating a broad set of sexually related crimes. These crimes are often referred to collectively as sexual assault, criminal sexual conduct or sexual abuse. The chief characteristic of these laws is that they prohibit doing any type of sexual act with another person against that person's will. Generally, it is not necessary to show physical resistance on the part of the victim, only that the victim did not consent to the act. If you have been accused of sexual assault, seek the advice of an attorney.

Domestic Assault

If you have been accused of domestic violence, you may be facing an uphill battle. Many states have strengthened their laws on domestic violence, making arrest and prosecution mandatory regardless of what the alleged victim wishes to do. No matter how your state or county handles allegations of domestic violence, it is important to mount a vigorous defense. Speak with an attorney to discuss your case and develop a strategy for fighting the charges.

Coping With the Assault Arrest of a Family Member

If someone in your family has been arrested for assault, you probably aren't sure where to turn or what to do next. If you (or another family member) were the victim of the assault, that only complicates the situation. While your family member's arrest is a daunting situation, you can do several things right away to gain information and control. A positive first step is to contact an attorney who will guide you through the complicated maze of the justice system.

Assault Resource Links

Criminal Law: An Overview
The Legal Information Institute (LII) provides basic information on how the criminal law system works.

Uniform Crime Reports
The Uniform Crime Reporting Program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tracks the overall crime numbers and statistical fluctuations of 17,000 law enforcement agencies.

Bureau of Justice Statistics
The federal Bureau of Justice Statistics gathers, analyzes and publishes information on how both offenders and victims are treated by the criminal justice system.

The Sentencing Project
The Sentencing Project works to reform criminal sentencing laws and promote alternatives to incarceration.

Violence Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to the prevention of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual crimes and youth violence.

Contact a Norristown Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of assault in Montgomery County , call 610-270-8800 to speak to a Norristown criminal defense attorney or contact Henry S. Hilles, III online.

Attorney Henry Hilles defends individuals against all Pennsylvania felony and misdemeanor charges in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, and Chester County, including the communities of Norristown, King of Prussia, Upper Merion, Lower Merion, Pottstown, Ambler, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, Blue Bell, Collegeville, Hatboro, Horsham, Trooper, Conshohocken, Doylestown, West Chester, Radnor and Wayne.

"I firmly believe attorneys and clients must have a close working relationship throughout a case. Whether I am negotiating a fair plea bargain or preparing for trial, I work hard to maintain open lines of communication. I take pride in promptly returning phone calls and keeping my clients informed of every development." Learn More

Law Office of
Henry S. Hilles III

509 Swede St.
Norristown, PA 19401-4806
Phone: 610-270-8800
Fax: 610-270-0503
Email: Contact Us

Location: 509 Swede St. | Norristown, PA 19401-4806 | Phone: 610-270-8800 | Fax: 610-270-0503 | Email Us

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Attorney Henry Hilles defends individuals against all Pennsylvania felony and misdemeanor charges, including Drunk Driving/ Driving Under the Influence/ DUI and Accelerated Rehabitative Disposition (ARD) cases, in Montgomery County, PA, as well as Bucks County, Delaware County and Chester County, PA, including the communities of Norristown, King of Prussia, Upper Merion, Lower Merion, Pottstown, Ambler, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, Blue Bell, Collegeville, Hatboro, Horsham, Trooper, Conshohocken, Doylestown, West Chester, Radnor and Wayne.