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 aggressively defend your innocence in court.
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. Let a violent crime defense attorney from Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC help you avoid this fate.
- 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.
The Potential Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction
Most violent crimes are felonies, though you may be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. For these charges, you face a range of potential penalties. First-degree misdemeanors are punished with up to five years in jail, and fines up to $10,000. The next highest charge is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison, and a maximum fine of $15,000. A second-degree felony can be penalized with up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $25,000. A first-degree felony is typically punished with a maximum prison term of 20 years and fines up to $25,000.
For murder, the punishments are heightened. Third-degree murder is punishable with up to 40 years in prison. Second-degree murder can be penalized with life in prison. First-degree murder can be punished with life imprisonment or the death penalty.
To learn more about the possible statutory punishments, call Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC today. One of our violent crimes attorneys will review your situation and explain what you are up against.
Common Secondary Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction
If you are convicted of robbery, manslaughter, murder, or another violent offense, then you face a significant period of time in prison. After serving a lengthy and difficult sentence, you will be released only to face additional penalties. By having a permanent criminal record, you may have trouble getting a job, going back to school, renting a place to live, and obtaining an auto loan to buy a car. All of these hurdles will make it difficult to settle into a community and move forward in life.
The best way to try and avoid both the statutory penalties and collateral consequences of a conviction is to work with a violent crime defense attorney. With an aggressive lawyer by your side, you can build a strong defense that increases the likelihood of an acquittal in court or obtaining the minimum punishment.
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.
