Battery Defense Lawyer in Delaware County

If you were charged with battery, you have the right to hire an attorney. A battery defense lawyer in Delaware County can provide you with legal counsel and fight for your rights. Continue reading to learn more about working with our team at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.

Working With a Battery Defense Lawyer

Our firm is led by Pennsylvania Attorney David C. McKenzie, who holds a Juris Doctorate from Penn State University Dickinson School of Law and several years of legal experience. Before opening his own practice, McKenzie worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney and a casualty litigation attorney. Now, Attorney McKenzie focuses on criminal defense.

You don’t need to face your battery charges alone. Our team, led by Attorney McKenzie, relies on several types of arguments in battery defense cases, including:

• You were provoked to engage in the act of physical violence
• You were acting in self-defense
• You were unknowingly intoxicated before assaulting another party
• The other involved party wasn’t injured
• You did not knowingly injure another party

Remember, every battery defense case is unique. These examples may not apply to your case, and our team could use an argument not noted here. 

Consistent Accessibility

Our primary goal as a law firm is to reduce your sentence or prove your innocence. However, we also strive to make the legal experience as painless as possible. We want you to feel supported, looked after, and understood during your time with McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.

To provide an accessible legal experience, we offer our clients the following perks:

• Frequent case updates
• Ease of access—you’ll receive Attorney McKenzie’s phone number when you sign on as a client
• Thorough case evaluations

Client Testimonials

There’s only so much we can say about our firm. To fully understand what it’s like working alongside a battery defense lawyer in Delaware County, read these testimonials from our clients:

• “David was a great help. Always returned a prompt reply to questions. Very knowledgeable lawyer. Makes you feel at ease. Highly recommend.” – Jim M.
• “David McKenzie was referred to us by a close friend, and we could not have been happier with the results. David was professional, knowledgeable, effective, and very family-friendly. He made my son feel more at ease at a very stressful time. Would recommend in a heartbeat.” – James G.
• “Very professional and made me feel like I truly had the right people in my corner. Worked with me and made me feel like more than just another client! Would definitely refer friends and relatives to Attorney McKenzie in the future!” – Eric G.

Is Battery Different From Assault in Delaware County?

In some states, battery and assault are two separate charges. However, in Delaware County, battery and assault are used interchangeably. To denote the severity of an assault charge, Delaware County uses two forms of assault:

• Simple assault
• Aggravated assault

Simple Assault

Simple assault is a second-degree misdemeanor in most cases. According to 18 Pa. C.S. § 2701, these are the instances that qualify as a simple assault:

• You attempted to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another.
• You negligently caused bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon.
• You attempted by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
• You concealed or attempted to conceal a hypodermic needle on your person and intentionally or knowingly penetrated a law enforcement officer or an officer or an employee of a correctional institution, county jail or prison, detention facility, or mental hospital.

All these instances are punishable by a second-degree misdemeanor. However, if either of the following caveats is true, you could face a different charge:

• You mutually entered a fight or scuffle—this crime is punishable by a third-degree misdemeanor charge.
• You are over the age of 18 and assaulted a child under the age of 12—this crime is punishable by a first-degree misdemeanor charge.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault applies to more serious cases, including these instances:

• You assaulted or attempted to assault a government or municipal employee, like a firefighter, police officer, teacher, or correctional officer, while they were trying to conduct their job.
• You showed extreme indifference to the value of human life during an assault.
• You physically menaced a relevant government or municipal employee.
• You intentionally used a deadly weapon during an assault.
• You are over the age of 18 and assaulted a child under the age of six.

Depending on the type of aggravated assault you’re suspected of committing, you could face a second or first-degree felony. Keep in mind that 18 Pa. C.S. § 2702 associated with aggravated assault is complex. There are more types of aggravated assault not noted here.

If the specifics of your case don’t apply to these examples, don’t fret; Our team can offer you a case evaluation.

Penalties in Delaware County

These are the types of misdemeanors associated with simple assault in Delaware County:

• Third-degree misdemeanor (associated with minor fights and scuffles): A fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment of up to 90 days
• Second-degree misdemeanor (associated with standard simple assault charges): A fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment of up to two years
• First-degree misdemeanor (associated with assaults involving minors under the age of 12): A fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment of up to five years

If you are convicted of aggravated assault, you will receive a second or first-degree felony, depending on the type of assault:

• Second-degree felony: Up to ten years in prison
• First-degree felony: Up to 20 years in prison

Entering a Battery Plea Deal

Plea deals are often misunderstood, as they require someone charged with a crime to admit guilt. However, by admitting guilt, you can negotiate the terms of your sentence, avoiding a criminal trial.

Some battery cases benefit from plea deals. If we believe you should enter a plea deal, we’ll explain the pros and cons of this approach. A plea deal could shave years off a potential criminal sentence in some instances.

Remember, our team will never force you to enter a plea deal without your consent. We’re here to discuss your options and develop a plan that works best for you.

Work With a Battery Defense Lawyer in Delaware County Today

At McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., we’re prepared to fight aggressively for you. We promise to work toward the best possible outcome in your case. Contact our firm for an initial case evaluation today.