If you’re facing assault charges, a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia can advocate on your behalf. You don’t have to tackle a legal battle like this by yourself. Even a single misstep could result in prison time, fines, and long-term consequences. The smart, experienced, and aggressive attorneys at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC are ready to take on your defense and fight for the best possible outcome.
Don’t plead guilty just to get this ordeal over with. Even if it seems like the prosecution has a strong case, don’t assume anything. You’re innocent until proven guilty, and we intend to secure an outcome that puts your future first. We will use our expertise to evaluate your case and offer legal advice that takes your priorities and goals into account.
Call now to start a free consultation. The sooner you connect with our criminal defense law firm, the sooner we can advocate for your freedom.
Why Choose the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC for Your Defense Attorneys?
Choosing your criminal defense lawyer is an important step after charges have been leveled against you. You want someone with experience getting positive results for cases like yours. You want someone who will defend your rights at every stage of the legal process. You deserve high-quality representation.
We’ve Secured Positive Outcomes for Assault Defendants
While facing assault charges, you want more than a criminal defense attorney; you want a criminal defense attorney with a track record of successful outcomes. Over the past 15 years, attorney Marni Jo Snyder has secured these verdicts and more:
- Not guilty. Our client was charged with simple assault. Yet, during discovery, Attorney Marni Jo Snyder uncovered that the prosecution had withheld information before the time of trial. She also learned that a witness had fabricated some information. Our client was acquitted of all charges.
- Not guilty. Our client was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. During the two-day trial, Attorney Marni Jo Snyder uncovered lies and poked holes in the plaintiff’s testimony. The alleged weapon was also never recovered. The judge and jury acquitted our client of all charges.
We do everything in our power to secure the best possible outcome for your case. From the moment you secure legal representation from our team, you’ll feel confident about your decision.
Call us today and let us begin your defense.
For a free legal consultation with a assault charge lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360
Our Philadelphia Assault Attorneys Create a Tailor-Made Defense
At the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, we understand that every assault case is different and comes with its own obligations. So, we don’t apply one-size-fits-all legal approaches; we create your defense strategy based on the unique facts of your situation.
You Were Acting in Self-Defense
Acting in self-defense is one of the primary defenses used in assault cases. This defense is based on the principle that you have the right to protect yourself from imminent harm. To successfully argue self-defense, we must establish that you were facing an immediate threat of physical harm and that your response was proportional to the threat.
Our legal team will gather evidence such as eyewitness accounts, surveillance footage, and expert testimony to demonstrate the imminent danger you were in. We may also look into the background of the alleged victim to reveal any history of violence or aggression that could support your claim of self-defense.
This defense not only involves proving your fear of harm was reasonable but also that you had no reasonable means of escape, thus making your actions necessary for your safety.
You Did Not Intend to Hurt the Victim
In many assault cases, the intention behind the act plays a crucial role. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must often prove that you intended to cause harm. By arguing that you did not intend to hurt the victim, we aim to show that the incident was accidental or a misunderstanding.
This defense strategy might involve reconstructing the events leading up to the alleged assault, demonstrating that your actions were misinterpreted or that you were engaging in behavior that was not meant to cause harm. For instance, you might have been trying to prevent the victim from hurting themselves or others.
Expert testimony regarding body language or behavioral analysis might also be introduced to support your lack of intent. Furthermore, character witnesses can testify to your non-violent nature, reinforcing the argument that you had no intention to cause harm.
The Victim Did Not Suffer Any Injuries
In some assault cases, proving that the victim did not suffer any injuries can be a decisive factor. Assault charges often hinge on the presence of physical harm. By demonstrating that the alleged victim did not sustain any injuries, we can argue that no assault occurred.
This may involve presenting medical records, photographs, or expert medical testimony to establish the absence of physical harm. Additionally, we might highlight inconsistencies in the victim’s account regarding the nature and extent of their injuries.
If the victim’s claims of injury are found to be exaggerated or fabricated, it can significantly undermine the prosecution’s case. This defense is particularly effective in cases where the assault is alleged to have occurred in a manner that would typically result in visible injuries.
There Are Questions About the Victim’s Credibility
The credibility of the victim is often a critical element in assault cases. If there are reasons to doubt the victim’s honesty or reliability, it can weaken the prosecution’s case. Our defense strategy may involve uncovering any motives the victim might have for falsely accusing you, such as personal grudges, financial incentives, or previous dishonest behavior.
We will conduct a thorough investigation into the victim’s background, looking for any history of false accusations or criminal behavior that could suggest a pattern of dishonesty.
Additionally, we will scrutinize the victim’s statements for inconsistencies or contradictions. By highlighting these issues, we can cast doubt on the victim’s credibility, making it harder for the prosecution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
There Are Questions About the Credibility of Potential Witnesses
Witness testimony can greatly influence the outcome of an assault case. Therefore, challenging the credibility of potential witnesses is a key component of our defense strategy. We will examine the backgrounds of all witnesses to identify any biases, ulterior motives, or previous instances of dishonesty that could affect their testimony.
This may include looking into their relationship with the victim, their criminal records, and any financial or personal interests they might have in the case.
Additionally, we will compare the witnesses’ statements to identify inconsistencies or contradictions. If a witness has changed their story or provided conflicting accounts, it can significantly undermine their reliability. By systematically questioning the credibility of witnesses, we aim to create reasonable doubt about the validity of their testimony.
Law Enforcement Did Not Identify the Right Person
Mistaken identity is a common issue in assault cases, especially in situations involving chaotic or crowded environments. If law enforcement misidentifies the suspect, it can lead to wrongful charges. Our defense strategy will involve scrutinizing the methods used by law enforcement to identify you as the perpetrator.
We will examine the circumstances under which you were identified, including the reliability of eyewitnesses, the conditions of any identification procedures, and the possibility of suggestive or biased practices. We may also bring in expert witnesses to testify about the reliability of eyewitness identification, highlighting factors such as poor lighting, stress, and the brief duration of the encounter, which can all contribute to mistaken identity.
Additionally, we will gather alibi evidence and any other information that can place you elsewhere at the time of the alleged assault. By demonstrating that law enforcement failed to correctly identify the right person, we aim to exonerate you from the charges.
At the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer will tailor a defense strategy to the unique circumstances of your case. Our approach is comprehensive and customized to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
We can start working for you right away. We will begin our investigation into what happened and gather evidence to support your case immediately. Once we’ve prepared your defense in Philadelphia, your assault attorney will represent you during the entire legal process.
Philadelphia Assault Charge Lawyer 215.515.3360
Previous Clients Share Great Things About Our Quality of Service
We could go on and on about our commitment to client success and satisfaction. Yet, nobody sums up our dedication better than, well, our clients. Here’s what some have shared:
- “I hired Marni Jo Snyder a few months ago… She is smart, aggressive in court, and very knowledgeable in her practice. I felt a sense of comfort knowing she was representing a family member. Our outcome in court was great, we were very pleased.” Cathy Madden
- “I have had the privilege of having Marnie Jo Snyder by my daughter and my side through a very difficult time… She was always available to talk and explain everything so clearly. The end result was a true success and Justice was served!” Christina LaBoy-Molina
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Protect You From the Penalties of a Conviction in Philadelphia
Assault is a serious accusation. Prosecutors may charge you with a misdemeanor or felony assault charge, depending on the circumstances. A serious misdemeanor conviction could call for jail time and significant fines. The sentence accompanying a felony conviction could be even worse. Per 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2702, the penalties for committing an aggravated assault could mean up to a decade in prison and a $25,000 fine.
The consequences of an assault conviction could impact your life for years to come. However, you do not have to fight these allegations alone. Our Philadelphia assault defense lawyer may be able to have your case dismissed, reduce the severity of your charges, or negotiate a plea agreement for a lesser sentence.
We Shield You From the Collateral Penalties of an Assault Conviction
Aside from fines and prison time, an assault conviction can have other consequences that reach into almost every aspect of your life. You could lose a professional license, which could cost you your entire career. You may have to start over from square one when it comes to finding rewarding employment or any employment at all.
You could also experience a falling out with family and friends. Colleagues may not look at you the same, and you may begin to feel left out of important events. You may even have difficulty finding housing or gaining admittance to an academic institution.
There’s too much on the line for you to take your defense lightly. Make sure you get started on your case immediately. Our Philadelphia assault attorneys can tailor a defense strategy to suit your circumstances and fight for the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Charges in Philadelphia
It’s reasonable to have questions about your pending assault charges. We want to provide the answers you need to make decisions about your future. You may wonder:
What Constitutes Assault Under Pennsylvania Law?
In general, assault offenses in Pennsylvania fall under simple assault or aggravated assault. Under Pennsylvania law 18 Pa. Cons. Stat § 2701, simple assault charges can be leveled when someone:
- Attempts to harm someone else through physical force or aggressive actions, whether or not the attempt is successful.
- Intentionally causes bodily harm to another person, meaning they had the intent and purpose to inflict injury.
- Carelessly caused harm using a deadly weapon, demonstrating reckless behavior that leads to injury by means of a dangerous instrument or object.
Under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2702, aggravated assault charges can be leveled when a simple assault causes serious bodily injury to the victim or victims.
What does the State Have to Prove to Secure a Conviction?
The prosecution must prove several things to convict you of assault:
- You were the person involved in the incident and directly responsible for the actions leading to the charges.
- There was intent behind your actions, meaning you deliberately and knowingly tried to cause harm or injury.
- The alleged victim suffered injuries, whether physical or emotional, as a direct result of your intentional actions during the incident.
We could present evidence to challenge any of these factors and cast reasonable doubt on your role in the incident. Our assault charge defense team from the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC can get started on your case today. A Philadelphia assault lawyer will fight to defend your rights and protect your future.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of My Assault Case?
We aim to use our experience, resources, and the evidence we gather to build a robust defense and seek the best possible outcome for you. In many cases, our team can help clients even when the evidence seems stacked against them. Potential results include:
- Getting the charges against you dropped
- Clearing your name at trial
- Negotiating a plea deal for a lesser charge, such as a misdemeanor instead of a felony
- Reaching an agreement for a reduced sentence, such as probation instead of extended time in prison
You can speak with a team member from the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC now to learn more about how we can build a strong defense based on the circumstances of your case. Your free consultation is just a phone call away.
What Should I Do While Facing Assault Charges in Philadelphia?
Aside from securing legal representation from our criminal defense firm, these considerations could bolster your case’s outcome:
- Refraining from risky activity. You don’t want to make your charges worse. So, you should avoid using illicit drugs (yes, even marijuana), as this could paint your character in a bad light.
- Distancing yourself from the other party. You may want to approach the alleged victim to clear the air or learn their side of the story. Don’t do this. Any attempts at communication, no matter how well-intentioned, could spell trouble.
- Documenting everything. If the other party messages you, screenshot that correspondence. If you have injuries resulting from the assault, take photos. Your lawyer can use any information you gather to support your case.
Our Philadelphia Assault Lawyers Can Help with Your Case Today
If you have been charged with assault in Philadelphia the criminal defense team at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, is here to help. You can discuss your case and learn more about our services at any time.
We provide free consultations around the clock. During this call, we can go over the accusations of assault, whether you face charges, and what to expect next.
Contact us to speak with a criminal defense lawyer today.
