When determining the charges a defendant should face for their actions, it’s important to account for all variables. An investigation could reveal that a gun was involved in the commission of a crime and that element will likely change the case significantly. Three crimes in particular come with more serious penalties if firearms are involved.
Assault
Assault occurs when an individual intentionally acts in such a way that another person may reasonably believe that they are the target of an imminent harmful action or unwanted contact. Even the threat of committing that harmful action or unwanted contact could constitute assault.
An example of assault could be an altercation inside a bar wherein one person pushes a fellow patron. The patron who was pushed could construe that action as assault and pursue charges against the other party. Notably, assault charges can be pressed even if the victim wasn’t injured.
Assault charges become more serious if a gun is involved. At that point, the crime will be regarded as aggravated assault with a firearm. The offending party may have fired a gun in the direction of another person with the intent to harm them. Similar to simple assault, a person can be charged with aggravated assault even if the victim managed to avoid injury.
If you’ve been accused of this crime, you must get in touch with a Philadelphia assault lawyer as soon as possible. Assault charges are no joke so handle them seriously right from the start.
Intimidation
A person may be accused of intimidation if they coerce another party. Someone accused of a violent crime may resort to intimidation to avoid charges. They may pay a visit to a key witness in their case and threaten them with physical harm if they testify.
Whether or not the victim of intimidation feels fear as a result of the defendant’s actions is not going to affect the outcome of the case. The defendant can be found guilty of that crime even if their attempt to intimidate fails. Intimidation becomes a more serious offense if a gun is involved. Firing into the establishment or vehicle occupied by the plaintiff may constitute intimidation.
Robbery
A person may be found guilty of committing a robbery if they take another party’s property by force. Penalties for committing a robbery are already quite serious, but the introduction of a firearm can lead to more dire consequences for the defendant.
An armed robbery conviction typically comes with an extended prison sentence. Hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer so you can protect yourself against a false armed robbery charge.
Reach Out To A Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Our PA criminal defense lawyers will defend your rights when you’re faced with a charge against you. Contact us at the Brennan Law Offices and allow us to expertly mount your defense.