Criminal offenses committed against a person include the following:
- Criminal Homicide: The Pennsylvania Crimes Code states that a person is guilty of criminal homicide if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or negligently causes the death of another human being. In Pennsylvania, criminal homicide shall be classified as murder, voluntary manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter.
- Simple Assault: In Pennsylvania, a person can be guilty of assault if he: (1) attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; (2) negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Simple assault is graded as a misdemeanor of the second degree, with a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment. However, simple assault may be graded as lesser penalty if the circumstances involve a mutual fight.
- Aggravated Assault: An aggravated assault can occur if the victim of the assault suffers serious bodily injury. Serious bodily injury is defined as bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. An aggravated assault may also occur if a simple assault is committed against certain persons such as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, probation officer, judge of any court, district attorney, etc. An aggravated assault can be graded as a felony of the first degree that carries a penalty as severe as 20 years in prison.
- Sex Offenses: These offenses include rape, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and indecent exposure.
- Kidnapping, unlawful restraint, and false imprisonment.
If you or a loved one is accused of one of these serious crimes against another person, it is important to speak to a lawyer to learn what options they have. Please contact The Law Office of Edward M. Galang for a risk free consultation.