Violent Crimes on the Rise in Pittsburgh
Statistics from the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) show that violent crime has been increasing in Pittsburgh. Acts of violent crime can cause devastation for a community, and local law enforcement officials are very concerned about this upward trend that has a wide impact on Pittsburgh residents. While incidents of violence must be reported and fully investigated by police in order to reduce their occurrence, a heightened state of alert among law enforcement has shown to cause more arrests and false accusations against innocent parties.
Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC has years of experience handling violent crime cases in Pittsburgh courts, and we can help you clear your name if you have been falsely accused of serious criminal charges. To speak with a skilled violent crimes attorney, call our office today at (412) 281-2146.
Why Are Specific Violent Crimes Are On The Rise
Between 2015 and 2016, violent crime rose over nine percent in Pittsburgh and has seen an increase in all of the southwestern Pennsylvania counties that constitute the greater Pittsburgh area. Violent crimes include murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. While the number of murders in Pittsburgh remained the exact same in 2016 as in 2015 with 57 deaths, the other types of violent crimes increased by the following rates:
- Aggravated assault rose by 3.3 percent
- Robbery rose by 16.6 percent
- Rape rose by 22 percent
While it is clear that certain crimes – especially violent acts where people are often serious injured – are on the rise, there remains huge doubt as to why. This has resulted in extensive debate as to what must be done in order to reduce crime. Reasons for an increase in violent crime could range from conflict between criminal groups to a failure of officials to apprehend and convict serious repeat offenders.
Defending Against Violent Criminal Charges
Police and state prosecutors are under increased pressure to arrest and convict violent criminals due to the noteworthy increase in the crime rate in Pittsburgh. As criminal defense attorneys, we understand that this can sometimes result in the police jumping to conclusions, and innocent people being investigated and charged with a crime. If you have been arrested for a violent crime, you face years in prison and a felony charge on your permanent record. For this reason, it is important to seek a skilled and experienced violent crimes attorney to protect your rights and freedom.
Among the many different reasons that you could be falsely charged with a crime, some would include:
- You were acting in self defense
- A case of mistaken identity has caused you to be arrested
- You did not have the required intent to commit the crime with which you are charged
- An accuser has falsely made a claim against you
A Lawyer Can Help You If You Have Been Charged With A Serious Crime
Police have been very concerned with the rise of violent crime in the Pittsburgh area, and they are looking to crack down on offenders. While the causes behind the increase remain uncertain, some believe that an increase in gang activity or opioid consumption may be to blame. Our office understands what families go through when someone is arrested for a serious crime, and we are ready to help you protect your rights and clear your name.
If you or a loved one have been charged with a violent crime, the consequences can be very severe. The attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC know how to help you. Call our office today at (412) 281-2146, or contact us online for a free consultation.