One of the most serious accusations you can face is being responsible for another person’s significant injuries or death. Whether the police believe you caused another person harm or killed someone based on reckless behavior, you need a lawyer. A violent crime defense attorney from Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC has the knowledge, experience, and resources you need to properly address these allegations. You need a criminal defense lawyer to fiercely protect your rights. You also need a lawyer to defend your innocence in court aggressively.
To learn about how a violent crimes attorney from our firm will protect and defend you, call us at (412) 281-2146 today.
A Review of Common Pennsylvania Violent Crimes
It is difficult to face accusations of any violent crime. During this time, you need a skilled and experienced violent crimes attorney to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for your exoneration in court.
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, our team is well-versed in defending against all violent crimes, including:
Robbery
Robbery takes place when a theft offense is combined with violence or the threat of violence to one or more people. Under 18 Pa. Code §3701, you may be charged with this crime if, while committing theft, you cause another person serious bodily injury; threaten another person with immediate harm; commit or threaten to immediately commit a second- or first-degree felony; cause or threaten to cause someone bodily injury; take property from someone through force; or take money from a financial institution by demanding it from an employee. Depending on the facts of your case, you may face a third, second, or first-degree felony.
Manslaughter
You may be charged with voluntary manslaughter if you kill another person without any lawful justification, and at the time of the killing, you were acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from a serious provocation, according to 18 Pa. Code §2503. Based on 18 Pa. Code §2504, you may be charged with involuntary manslaughter when another person’s death is the direct result of you performing a lawful or unlawful act in a reckless or grossly negligent way.
Voluntary manslaughter is a first-degree felony. Involuntary manslaughter is typically a first-degree misdemeanor. However, if the victim was younger than 12 years old, then you will be charged with a second-degree felony. Manslaughter charges need to be taken seriously. Contact our violent crimes defense attorneys immediately for help.
Murder
You may be charged with first-degree murder under 18 Pa. Code §2502(a) if you intentionally kill another person. Under 18 Pa. Code §2502(b), you can be charged with second-degree murder if you kill another person while committing a felony, whether you were the principal actor or an accomplice. All other forms of killings are charged as third-degree murder, according to 18 Pa. Code §2502(c). If you are convicted of murder, you face decades in prison and possibly the death penalty.
Conspiracy to Commit Murder
If there is evidence you and at least one other person intended to kill another individual, such as if you hired someone to kill another person or they hired you, then you can be charged with conspiracy to commit murder. The specific level of the charge against you will be the same for the offense you planned to commit.
Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction in Pennsylvania
Violent crimes in Pennsylvania are often charged as felonies, though some cases may result in first-degree misdemeanor charges. The penalties for a conviction depend on the classification of the offense:
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First-Degree Misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 5 years in jail and fines up to $10,000.
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Third-Degree Felony: Carries a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
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Second-Degree Felony: Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines as high as $25,000.
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First-Degree Felony: The most serious non-homicide charge, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $25,000.
When it comes to homicide offenses, the penalties increase significantly:
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Third-Degree Murder: Up to 40 years in prison.
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Second-Degree Murder: Punishable by life imprisonment.
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First-Degree Murder: Can result in life in prison or even the death penalty.
If you’re facing violent crime charges, it’s crucial to understand what’s at stake. Contact Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC today to speak with a Pittsburgh violent crime lawyer. We’ll review your case and explain the specific penalties you may be facing.
Life-Changing Consequences Beyond Prison
A violent crime conviction doesn’t end with a prison sentence. Once you’re released, a permanent criminal record can follow you for life. Some of the most common collateral consequences include:
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Difficulty finding employment
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Barriers to higher education
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Challenges securing housing
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Denial of loans, including car or personal loans
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Damage to your personal and professional reputation
These lasting effects can make it extremely difficult to rebuild your life and move forward. That’s why it’s essential to work with an experienced violent crime defense attorney in Pittsburgh. With the right legal strategy, you may be able to avoid a conviction altogether—or reduce the penalties through negotiation or trial.
Defending Against Violent Crime Charges
When you have been accused of seriously harming or killing another person, your main concern should be finding a skilled attorney to review your case and build you the strongest defense available within the law. The prosecution is going to make it seem as if they have a strong case. They will strongly insinuate that it will help you to plead guilty right away or accept a plea agreement. You should not fall for the prosecutor’s scare tactics. Instead, call a violent crime defense attorney for an objective review.
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, our team will go over your case detail by detail before we offer you an honest appraisal of your situation and an explanation of your potential defenses, such as:
- A mistake of identity/alibi
- Acting in self-defense or defense of others
- Lack of the necessary intent to commit the crime
- The Castle Doctrine/stand your ground
- A lack of sufficient evidence
A Pittsburgh Violent Crimes Attorney is Here to Help
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, we firmly believe you are innocent until proven guilty, you have the right to an attorney, and the right to a speedy trial by jury. We are here to ensure these rights are protected and enforced. Contact us today at (412) 281-2146 to schedule a time to discuss your case and how we can help.
