{"data":{"id":"us-pa/42-pa.c.s.-9720.8","jurisdiction":"us-pa","citation":"42 Pa.C.S. § 9720.8","heading":"Sentencing for offenses involving domestic violence in the presence of a minor.","body":"(a) Sentencing enhancement.--The Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, in accordance with section 2154 (relating to adoption of guidelines for sentencing), shall provide for a sentence enhancement within its guidelines for an offense under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2701 (relating to simple assault) or 2702 (relating to aggravated assault), specifying variations from the range of sentences applicable based on such aggravating circumstances as the assault was committed against a family or household member and the defendant knew the crime was witnessed, either through sight or sound, by a minor who is also a family or household member of the defendant or the victim.\n(b) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:\n\"Family or household member.\" The term shall have the same meaning as \"family or household members\" under 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102 (relating to definitions).","path":["Title 42 - JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE","PART VIII CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS","CHAPTER 97 SENTENCING","SUBCHAPTER B SENTENCING AUTHORITY"],"source_url":"https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM\u0026ttl=42\u0026div=0\u0026chpt=97\u0026sctn=20\u0026subsctn=8","current_through":"2026-08-03 (Statute Update stamp, 42 Pa.C.S.)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-02T16:33:14Z","sha256":"db73ed82549333928e98858b1a05bb5cad3e70626e283d984898fc031d549ac0","source_id":"us-pa","stale":false,"prev":"us-pa/42-pa.c.s.-9720.7","next":"us-pa/42-pa.c.s.-9721"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}