Violence in the City of Pittsburgh
Until very recently, violent crime rates in America had been steadily falling since their peak in the early 1990s. When the FBI released its Uniform Crime Report in early 2017, it revealed an increase in violent crime in many of the country’s major cities over the past two years. As is the case with any big city in America, violence in Pittsburgh is still a real threat.
If you or a loved one have been charged with a violent crime, the stakes could not be higher. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, our Pittsburgh violent crime lawyers can answer any questions you may have, explain your legal options, and build a defense strategy that is designed to help you obtain the best outcome possible in your case. Call us today at (412) 281-2146.
What Is a Violent Crime?
In Pennsylvania, a violent crime occurred once every 13 minutes in 2015. Violent crimes are committed against persons rather than property and typically involve the threat or use of physical force. Examples include, but are not limited to:
These and other violent crimes are serious offenses and carry some of the harshest punishments under Pennsylvania law. If you are accused of committing a violent crime that resulted in serious bodily injury to another or were in possession of a firearm during the commission of such an offense, you could be facing a mandatory minimum sentence if convicted.
Statistics for Violence in the City of Pittsburgh
Nationally, the number of violent crimes has increased over the last few years, but they have actually been down in Pittsburgh. According to data submitted by local police departments to the FBI, there were 2,455 violent crimes reported in 2014 and 2,252 in 2015.
While crimes such as aggravated assault, robbery, and rape are far more common than homicide, Pittsburgh had a murder rate above the national average in 2014. There were 29 homicides in the first six months of 2016, which is 45 percent higher than over that same time period in 2015.
A report issued by the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police reviewed trends in violence between 2010 and 2015 (January through June). For purposes of the report, violence means homicides, shootings, aggravated assaults with a gun, and calls for shots fired. Over that time period there were, on average:
- 22 homicides per year
- 80 shootings per year
- 108 aggravated assaults with a gun
- 1,330 calls to police for shots fired
How an Experienced Pittsburgh Violent Crimes Attorney Can Help
Being convicted of a violent crime can result in life-changing consequences. If you have been accused of committing a violent crime, it is critical that you consult with a Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney right away. Working with an attorney who has a successful track record of defending clients against violent crime charges can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
The Pittsburgh violent crime lawyers at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC can evaluate the evidence in your case to help you determine the best course of action, vigorously defend your rights, and do everything possible to achieve a favorable resolution. Our attorneys have over 15 years of combined experience and are ready to assist you today.
Contact us today at (412) 281-2146 for a free consultation.