In April of 2023, an Allegheny County man who acted in justifiable self-defense was charged with Aggravated Assault and Simple Assault. He trusted Attorney Dave Zuckerman of the Zuckerman Law Firm to defend him in court, litigating a Non-Jury Trial in February of 2024.

Evidence at trial established that the alleged victim was the physical aggressor and attacked the client. In response, the client struggled to get off of his back, ultimately punching the victim in the face. Medical records revealed that the alleged victim sustained serious internal facial injuries. The alleged victim could not remember the physical altercation and the client told police officers he punched the victim in self-defense.

The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office approved the filing of Aggravated Assault and Simple Assault charges against the client, claiming that his use of force in self-defense was disproportionate. The charges carried a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in jail. If sentenced in the standard range of sentencing guidelines, the client faced a minimum sentence ranging from 3 1/2 to 5 years. No plea offer was made on the case.

Attorney Zuckerman prepared diligently for trial by interviewing and presenting fact and character witness testimony. Further, the defense offered records to establish that the alleged victim was highly intoxicated and had multiple prior convictions for violent crimes. At the conclusion of a 1-day non-jury trial, the client was found not guilty of all charges.

If you have been in any type of physical altercation, DO NOT give a statement to law enforcement. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney right away to protect your rights and start building your defense.