Getting arrested or even investigated for assault can disrupt your job, strain your family, and put your freedom at risk. Our Washington County criminal defense lawyers are trusted advocates for clients throughout the region, from Claysville to Bentleyville.
Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Defense Attorneys can guide you through charges, hearings, and negotiations. If you’re facing assault allegations, get help today. Call 724-399-3491.
What Counts as “Assault” in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, simple assault usually means someone attempted to cause or did cause bodily injury, acted negligently with a deadly weapon, or used physical menace to make another person fear imminent serious bodily injury.
Aggravated Assault covers more serious harm or threats. This includes attempts to cause serious bodily injury, causing injury with a deadly weapon, or assaults against certain protected officials.
- “Bodily injury” = physical pain, impairment, or illness.
- “Serious bodily injury” = substantial risk of death or serious, permanent disfigurement or impairment.
- Protected victims (examples): law enforcement, teachers, certain public officials, and others listed in Title 18 Chapter 27.
Why this matters: The exact wording of the charge drives the grading (misdemeanor vs. felony), which drives the maximum exposure and leverage in negotiations.
Common Washington County Assault Scenarios
A Bar Fight in Canonsburg Becomes “Simple Assault”
You’re separated outside a bar on East Pike Street. Someone reports a punch was thrown, police arrive, and statements vary. This often leads to a simple assault charge or sometimes disorderly conduct, depending on injuries and witness accounts.
A Heated Argument in North Strabane Leads to a “Menacing” Allegation
A dispute leads to no injuries, but the other person tells police you moved toward them with fists clenched. Police may still file simple assault (physical menace) or harassment, even if there was no contact.
A Fight at a Youth Game in Cecil Township
If an adult is alleged to have struck or threatened a minor, grading can increase. Whether it’s truly assault—or a misunderstanding—depends on credible evidence and the exact behavior alleged.
A Tool Is Involved Leading to “Aggravated Assault” Charges
Allegations of a deadly weapon—even objects not designed as weapons—can push a case toward aggravated assault, with much higher stakes. We examine what actually happened, whether the object qualifies, and whether serious bodily injury or intent can be proven.
Penalties & Real-World Consequences
Below are maximum statutory penalties by grading in Pennsylvania (the judge’s sentence could be less). Use this table to get oriented—then talk with us about guidelines, priors, and mitigation that can reduce risk.
Simple Assault
- Typical Grading: Often M2; M3 if mutual fight; M1 in some circumstances
- Maximum Jail:
- M1: up to 5 years
- M2: up to 2 years
- M3: up to 1 year
- Maximum Fine:
- M1: up to $10,000
- M2: up to $5,000
- M3: up to $2,500
- Notes: Exact subsection matters (injury, menace, weapon use, or victim’s age)
Aggravated Assault
- Typical Grading: Felony 1 (F1) or Felony 2 (F2), depending on subsection
- Maximum Jail:
- F1: up to 20 years
- F2: up to 10 years
- Maximum Fine: Up to $25,000 (felony)
- Notes: Exposure increases with protected victims or serious injury
Related Charges (Harassment, REAP, Disorderly Conduct)
- Typical Grading: Often M3 or M2
- Maximum Jail: Up to 1–2 years
- Maximum Fine: Up to $5,000
- Notes: Frequently charged alongside assault; can sometimes be negotiated down
Sentencing guidelines, priors, injuries, and other factors affect outcomes. The above lists details maximum penalties, not your specific case.
What to Expect After an Assault in Washington County
Police contact or arrest
After a 911 call, officers from jurisdictions like the City of Washington Police or North Strabane Township Police will respond and may file charges. If you’re accused of assault, never argue facts. Instead, invoke your rights politely and ask for a lawyer.
Your case starts in a local Magisterial District Court (MDJ)
Minor courts (MDJs) handle preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings. Washington County’s MDJs are administered at the Washington County Courthouse, 1 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301 (always check for your specific judge and courtroom location).
Preliminary Hearing
The Commonwealth must show a prima facie case (basic probable cause) that a crime was committed and you likely committed it. This is an opportunity for strategic cross-examination, challenging weak counts, and reducing or dismissing charges before they reach the trial court.
Court of Common Pleas (Washington)
If held for court, your case proceeds to the Court of Common Pleas in Washington County (general trial court for felonies and many misdemeanors). Expect pre-trial motions, discovery, and negotiations with the District Attorney’s Office.
Outcomes we pursue
- Dismissal when the proof is lacking.
- Reduction (e.g., to harassment or disorderly conduct) when possible.
- Withdrawal of certain counts at or before the preliminary hearing.
- Deferred or diversionary resolutions in eligible cases.
- Trial when you want your day in court.
- Curious how plea discussions work and what leverage looks like? See Plea Negotiations & Agreements.
We can often affect the path of your case before it reaches trial.
How We Defend Washington County Assault Charges
Your story matters. Our attorneys will ask: What was said, by whom, and who actually saw what?
With your help, we’ll investigate whether or not the evidence matches the charge. If there’s an opportunity for downgrading or dismissing the charge, we’ll pursue it.
Pressure-Test the Evidence
- Inconsistencies: Compare 911 audio, officer narratives, and witness statements.
- Video: Home cameras, phones, or business footage can make or break a case.
- Injury vs. claim: Do photos and medical notes match the alleged force?
Re-Grade the Case
We examine whether conduct alleged as aggravated assault truly rises above simple assault, or whether it’s better characterized as harassment. Re-grading can drastically reduce exposure (e.g., from a felony to a misdemeanor).
Mitigation & Practical Leverage
We’ll work with you to take the right steps and then present the district attorney and the court with evidence of your character. Steady employment, caregiving responsibilities, treatment or counseling, restitution, or anger-management programs can influence sentencing and lead to better outcomes.
The earlier we review the complaint, affidavit of probable cause, and body-cam, the more we can do.
What If a “No-Contact” or Protection Order Is Involved?
Assault allegations sometimes come alongside a no-contact order or a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order. These orders have strict rules, and even accidental violations can lead to new charges.
Read our guide: What to Do if a No-Contact Order Is Issued Against You in PA.
Washington County Courts, Police, and Useful Contacts
- Washington County Courthouse (Courts & MDJ Administration)
Address: 1 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6999 (Court Information Desk)
Website - Court of Common Pleas (Washington County Overview)
Address: Washington County Courthouse, 1 S. Main St., Suite 2004, Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6700
Website - City of Washington Police Department
Address: 56 W. Strawberry Ave., Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 223-4226 (non-emergency) | 911 (emergency)
Website - North Strabane Township Police Department
Address: 1929 Route 519, Canonsburg, PA 15317
Phone: (724) 746-8474 (non-emergency) | 911 (emergency)
Website - Canonsburg Police Department
Address: 68 E. Pike St., Canonsburg, PA 15317
Phone: (724) 745-8020 (non-emergency) | 911 (emergency)
Website - Washington County District Attorney
Address: 26 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301
Phone: (724) 228-6790
Website
Never call officers, witnesses, or alleged victims yourself. Let your attorney handle communications.
What If This Is Your First Offense?
First-timers often worry most about a permanent record and jail. For certain misdemeanor assault situations, it may be possible to negotiate charge reductions, conditional resolutions, or other outcomes that keep a conviction off your record. Options depend on the facts, injuries, any prior history, and the DA’s policies at the time. We’ll tell you what is realistic and what isn’t, so you can plan accordingly.
- If there’s a related bail question, start here: Bail & Bond in PA.
- Unsure if a warrant exists already? See: How to Find Out if You Have a Warrant in Pennsylvania.
Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Assault Cases in Washington County
We prepare every case as if it’s headed to trial. While some lawyers avoid trial because it’s hard work, we build for court even during negotiations. If talks break down, you’ll be ready.
What you can expect from us:
- A plan within 48 hours of seeing the paperwork and evidence.
- Motion practice aimed at excluding weak or misleading evidence.
- Early mitigation to humanize you and open doors to better resolutions.
- Straight talk about outcomes with no fluff or false promises.
- Direct access to your attorney.
More About Worgul Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys:
Areas We Serve in Washington County
We regularly assist clients in and around:
- Washington
- Canonsburg
- McMurray
- North Strabane Township
- South Strabane Township
- Cecil Township
- Peters Township
- Chartiers Township
- Houston
- Monongahela
- Charleroi (Washington Co. portions)
and surrounding communities. If your incident happened anywhere in Washington County, we can help.
FAQs About Assault Charges in Washington, PA
Will I go to jail for a first-time simple assault?
Not necessarily. It depends on injuries, your background, what the evidence actually shows, and how the case is charged. Many first-time cases are resolved without incarceration through reductions, conditional pleas, or other alternatives.
What’s the difference between “bodily injury” and “serious bodily injury”?
“Bodily injury” means physical pain, impairment, or illness. “Serious bodily injury” involves a substantial risk of death or serious, permanent disfigurement or impairment. That line—plus whether a weapon or protected person is involved—often drives whether a case is a misdemeanor or felony.
Can an assault charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes—depending on the proof. We frequently challenge identification, intent, injury claims, and weapon allegations. Surveillance footage, 911 calls, and inconsistent statements can lead to dismissals or reductions (for example, to harassment). Early investigation makes a difference.
Do I need a lawyer if I plan to plead guilty?
Yes. Even if you’re considering a plea, a lawyer can re-grade charges, negotiate conditions, and protect long-term consequences. We also ensure you understand immigration, employment, and licensing impacts before any decision is final.
What if there’s a no-contact order?
Follow it exactly—no texts, no third-party messages. Even accidental violations can create new charges. Review our guide on what to do if a no-contact order is issued against you and call us for next steps.
Talk to a Washington County Assault Defense Lawyer
Facing an assault charge in Washington County, PA? Don’t navigate this alone. Our lawyers will assess your case, explain the likely path in MDJ and Common Pleas Court, and build a strategy focused on dismissal, reduction, or trial—whatever gives you the best chance to move forward.
Call 724-399-3491 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
