While many people may use the legal terms assault and battery interchangeably, they are not the same thing. And, while most states separate assault and battery laws into two separate statutes, Pennsylvania does not. Assault occurs when the victim is placed in imminent fear of immediate bodily injury. A simple verbal threat is not enough to support an assault charge. As for battery, under Pennsylvania law, there is not a designated criminal statute for battery. Criminal battery is included as a part of the assault statute; someone commits a battery when they cause actual physical harm to a victim of assault. The main difference between assault and battery is that an assault is the threat of harm while a battery is actually harming someone.
If you’re facing charges in Pittsburgh for, you need an experienced assault attorney to help you navigate the criminal justice system. SMT Legal has worked hard for the people of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for years. We can explain your charges, review the facts of your case, present the potential outcomes, and represent you at every step of the proceedings. Your freedom matters to us. Contact SMT Legal today for more information on how we can help.