If an assault is committed against a child under the age of 13 by an individual who is 18 years or older, the charge will be graded as a Felony of the First Degree. A First Degree Felony can result in a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment. A Felony in the Second Degree for aggravated assault carries a penalty of up to 10 years of incarceration. Anyone facing assault charges is strongly advised to consult with and retain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Defending Against Aggravated Assault A felony assault charge in Pennsylvania can be defended against with the help of an experienced local attorney. One common defense used is self-defense. Assault charges are often based upon circumstantial evidence and ‘he-said, she-said’ statements. If the defense can demonstrate to the court that the assault may have occurred in self-defense, then it will fall upon the prosecution to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused did not act in self-defense. This is a very high standard of proof at trial that may result in a finding of not-guilty, or in the charges being dropped. Tibbott & Richardson takes the defense of our clients very seriously. We are experienced attorneys who know how crucial your defense is to your future. We have been handling assault cases in Pittsburgh, Allegheny and Cambria County with aggressive representation and the local prosecution and court experience required to gain positive outcomes for our assault clients. Call our law offices today for a free initial consultation (412) 444-7171. You may also fill out our confidential contact form and submit it to us at any time. Tibbott & Richardson 1040 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 444-7171 https://www.tibbottrichardson.com/