Mercer’s Top Defense Attorney for Domestic Assault & Battery Cases

The Logue Law Group provides a beacon of support for individuals in Mercer facing serious charges of domestic assault and battery. We understand the profound effect these accusations can have on your personal life and relationships. Our dedicated criminal defense team is committed to vigorously defending your rights and fighting on your behalf.

Proven Track Record in Mercer

Our team at the Logue Law Group has a history of successfully handling complex cases. Our primary goal is to minimize the potential damage of domestic assault and battery allegations and achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Charges involving family or household members, such as domestic assault or battery, are particularly sensitive. These offenses are similar to domestic violence charges and can result in significant and lasting consequences if you are convicted. A Mercer criminal lawyer can provide essential guidance.

If you are facing allegations of domestic assault or battery in Mercer, the skilled legal team at Logue Law Group is prepared to build a strong defense for you. Our expertise could lead to a reduction of charges or even a complete dismissal. Find out how our experienced domestic assault and battery attorneys can assist you today.

Expert Legal Representation for Domestic Assault & Battery in Mercer, PA

Being arrested for assault or battery against a member of your household can be a stressful and confusing experience. To protect your rights, it is vital that you do not discuss the incident with law enforcement until you have spoken with an expert legal counsel. Contact the Logue Law Group right away to discuss your options and work towards reducing the charges you are facing. With the help of a Mercer DUI lawyer, you can navigate the complexities of your case.

At our law group, we believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the legal process. While facing domestic assault and battery accusations can feel overwhelming, our Mercer criminal attorneys are experienced in challenging these and other criminal charges. We are dedicated to your case and will thoroughly investigate every detail to develop strategic defenses aimed at achieving a positive outcome for you.

Our legal services for domestic assault and battery cases are available to clients throughout Pennsylvania. Let our Mercer criminal lawyers review your case and provide you with professional legal advice. Contact us at 412.389.0805 for a free, confidential assessment of your situation.

Understanding Domestic Assault Charges in Mercer

Domestic violence is a serious issue impacting many households in Pennsylvania. The 2018 Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Domestic Violence Report indicated there were about 70,000 domestic violence offenders across the state. Highlighting the severity of this problem, the Office of Criminal Justice Statistics reports that nationally, there are approximately 5.3 million instances of intimate partner violence against women each year.

It is crucial to understand the different forms of intimate partner violence and the potential domestic assault charges that can result. Consulting with a Mercer DUI lawyer can clarify the legal specifics.

Types of Domestic Assault in Pennsylvania

Under Pennsylvania Revised Code § 2919.25, domestic violence charges can be filed if someone knowingly causes or attempts to cause physical harm to a family or household member, or recklessly causes serious physical harm. Similarly, Pennsylvania Revised Code § 2903.13 states that a person can be charged with assault for knowingly causing or attempting to cause harm to another person or their unborn child, or for recklessly causing serious injury.

The types of domestic assault in Mercer are similar to those for assault against non-family members and are categorized as follows:

• Negligent Assault: This charge can be filed if someone commits assault using a deadly weapon or a dangerous piece of equipment. Pennsylvania Revised Code § 2923.11(K) defines these items broadly, including weapons and powerful explosive devices used for military or demolition purposes.
• Simple Assault: This is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor under Pennsylvania Revised Code § 2903.13, covering any violation of the specified law. A Mercer criminal lawyer can explain the nuances of this charge.
• Aggravated Assault: If a person, in a sudden fit of passion or rage sufficient to provoke the use of deadly force, knowingly causes severe harm to a family or household member (or their unborn child), they may face a fourth-degree felony charge. The same charge applies if they use a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance to cause or attempt to cause harm.
• Felonious Assault: The charge is elevated to a second-degree felony if a person knowingly inflicts serious physical harm on a family member (or their unborn child), or if they cause or attempt to cause harm using a deadly weapon or hazardous ordinance.

By clarifying the legal terminology and explaining the different facets of domestic assault, we strive to provide information that is clear and easy to grasp. Domestic violence is a sensitive and complex matter, and understanding the legal ramifications is essential for all involved. Keep in mind that laws are intricate, and seeking advice from a Mercer DUI lawyer is always recommended.

Domestic Assault Penalties in Mercer

In Mercer, the legal penalties for a domestic assault or battery conviction depend on the severity of the charge. State law outlines the maximum consequences for each level of offense:

After completing their sentence, which may include jail or prison time and paying fines, the convicted individual might continue to face long-term consequences. These ongoing effects can have a significant and lasting impact on their life. A Mercer criminal lawyer can help you understand the full scope of these potential penalties.

Defenses to Domestic Assault & Battery Charges in Mercer

Being charged with domestic assault and battery in Mercer can be a daunting experience. Here is some general information about potential defenses, but it’s important to remember this is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.

Common Defenses

• Self-defense: You can argue that you used a reasonable amount of force to protect yourself or someone else from an immediate threat. This defense requires showing you were not the initial aggressor and that your actions were proportional to the danger you faced.
• False allegations: These can stem from anger, revenge, or an attempt to gain an advantage in child custody battles. Inconsistencies in the accuser’s story and a lack of a violent history on your part can be crucial. A Mercer DUI lawyer can help expose false claims.
• Mutual combat: If both parties willingly engaged in a fight, it might not be classified as domestic violence. However, this defense can be complicated by the presence of injuries or if one party used excessive force.
• Mistaken identity: While less common, if you have proof that you were not at the scene of the incident, this defense can be explored.

Seeking Legal Help

These defenses are complex and their success depends heavily on the specific details of your case. An experienced Mercer criminal lawyer can:

• Analyze all the evidence against you.
• Develop a strong and strategic defense.
• Negotiate for reduced charges or a complete dismissal.
• Represent you effectively in court.

More Defenses to Domestic Assault & Battery Charges in Mercer

Each case has its own unique circumstances, which means there are various potential defenses that could lead to an acquittal, a dismissal of the case, or reduced charges. Quality legal representation is essential. Your Mercer DUI lawyer will craft a defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case. Lawyers in Mercer may use several tactics to your advantage, including:

• Claim of Innocence: This defense argues you were wrongly accused or mistakenly identified. Your attorney could highlight inconsistencies in the accuser’s statements or present an alibi backed by third-party testimony, work schedules, or digital proof like cell phone records.
• Self-Defense: Another possible strategy is to assert that any harm caused was an act of self-defense, as allowed under Pennsylvania Revised Code § 2901.05. This might involve presenting evidence of past threats or attacks by the accuser or reenacting the event to show why self-defense was necessary. A criminal lawyer can effectively argue this defense.
• Lack of Evidence: A conviction requires solid evidence. If key elements like the 911 call recording, medical records, or eyewitness testimony are missing, the prosecution’s case may be too weak. Your Mercer DUI lawyer might file a motion for dismissal if the evidence is insufficient.
• Improper Evidence Collection: Evidence can sometimes be ruled inadmissible if it was obtained through procedural errors, such as failing to read Miranda rights or conducting a search without a warrant. If evidence was gathered improperly, it could be excluded from the trial.
• Expired Statute of Limitations: States have specific time limits, known as statutes of limitations, for filing criminal charges. Your attorney can argue for the case to be dismissed if charges were filed after this period expired, depending on the incident date and those involved. Your Mercer criminal lawyer will know the applicable deadlines.
• Accidental Harm: By definition, accidents are unintentional. If the injury was accidental, evidence proving this can be critical. This could cover situations from intoxication to playful actions that went wrong. The defense would focus on demonstrating a lack of malicious intent.

Your legal counsel may employ other defense strategies not mentioned here, all aimed at protecting your rights and giving you the best chance for a favorable outcome. With a skilled Mercer DUI lawyer, you can confidently face your charges.

Remember, the best way to navigate these legal issues is to get specialized legal help to fully understand and address the charges against you.

Logue Law Group Services

Legal Support for Domestic Violence Charges in Mercer County

If you are facing allegations of domestic violence, like assault or battery against a relative or household member, it’s vital to remain calm and avoid discussing the matter with law enforcement until you have legal counsel. The Logue Law Group is ready to provide the expert defense you require.

Our legal team provides dedicated representation for individuals accused of domestic violence in Mercer, PA. We have an unwavering commitment to our clients throughout Pennsylvania.

• Immediate Assistance: Call us at 412.389.0805 now for prompt help.
• Online Inquiry: Complete our online contact form for a quick response.
• No-Cost Initial Assessment: We offer a complimentary first meeting where our Mercer criminal lawyers will provide an honest and thorough review of your case.

At Logue Law Group, our philosophy is to offer clear, direct advice to help you navigate these complex legal situations. Our focus on transparency and dedicated advocacy ensures you are always well-informed about your case and that your rights are vigorously defended.