Few crimes carry penalties as severe as violent crimes. When you have been accused of a violent crime in Philadelphia, the consequences of a conviction could have a devastating impact on your life.
A Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC could help you clear your name and get back to your life. Access your confidential case evaluation today to start working on your defense strategy.
Common Types of Violent Crimes in Philadelphia
There are multiple types of violent crimes you could be charged with in Philadelphia. The severity of the charges against you can vary depending on the type of crime you have been charged with.
Some examples of second-degree felony and first-degree felony charges include
- Indecent assault
- Burglary
- Statutory sexual assault
- Rape
- Arson
- Kidnapping
Violent crimes including murder, murder of an unborn child, and other serious violent crimes may be non-categorized felonies. These are just a few of the more common types of violent crimes you could be charged with in Philadelphia.
If you have been charged with another type of violent crime that was not listed above, you may need a criminal defense attorney to help you dodge a conviction. Be sure to contact our office to discuss your defense options further.
For a free legal consultation with a violent crimes lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360
Criminal Penalties for Philadelphia Violent Crimes Convictions
The severity of the penalties you will face if you are found guilty of a violent crime in Philadelphia can vary widely depending on the type of violent crime you are convicted of. Generally, there is a maximum penalty associated with every type of violent crime or criminal offense in the state of Pennsylvania.
However, if you are convicted of a non-categorized crime, there may be additional consequences. Here are some of the potential sentencing ranges if you are convicted of a violent crime in Philadelphia:
- If you are found guilty of a third-degree felony for a violent crime, you could spend up to seven years in prison and pay fines not to exceed $15,000
- If you are found guilty of a second-degree felony for a violent crime, you could spend up to 10 years in prison and pay fines as high as $25,000
- If you are found guilty of a first-degree felony for a violent crime, you could spend up to 20 years in prison and pay fines as high as $25,000
- If you are convicted of second-degree murder you will face mandatory life in prison
- If you are found guilty of first-degree murder you can face the death penalty or a mandatory sentence of life in prison
You can get a better idea of the consequences you will face if you are convicted of the violent crime charges against you when you discuss the specific details of your case with your violent crimes attorney in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Violent Crimes Lawyer 215.515.3360
Collateral Consequences of Violent Crimes Convictions in Philadelphia
In addition to facing criminal penalties including prison time and fines, the collateral consequences of a conviction for a violent crime in Philadelphia could forever alter the course of your life. Some of the more common types of penalties that could impact your life include:
- Child custody or visitation issues
- Citizenship or immigration issues
- Trouble finding gainful employment
- Difficulty obtaining affordable or safe housing
- Registration as a sex offender
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Suspension of or revocation of your professional licenses
- Loss of federal student aid eligibility
- Loss of firearm rights
- Loss of voting rights
Challenging Philadelphia Violent Crimes Charges
When you have been charged with a violent crime in Philadelphia, preparing a compelling defense is going to be in your best interests. In some cases, you may be able to work out a plea agreement with the state’s prosecuting attorney.
However, the state may be less willing to work with you if you have an extensive criminal history, the crime in question is particularly aggressive, there were children involved, or other aggravating factors were present.
In this case, you may need to introduce reasonable doubt into the minds of the judge and the jury. Some of the potential Defense options that could be used to clear your name of the violent crime charges against you include:
- Lack of intent
- Defense of self or others
- Mistake of fact
- Lack of probable cause
- Illegal search and seizure
After carefully reviewing the evidence and details of your case, your attorney will have a better idea of how to best approach your defense strategy.
Philadelphia Violent Crimes FAQ
When you are facing violent crime charges in Philadelphia, you may have many unanswered questions about what to expect from your case. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding violent crime charges in Philadelphia. If you have additional questions that were not answered on this page, be sure to contact our office to discuss your concerns in further detail.
Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
It is difficult to say whether you should accept a plea agreement without having reviewed the details of your case. Generally, plea agreement can help you avoid harsher penalties associated with a conviction.
However, before you accept a plea agreement, it is important to go over the details of the agreement with your attorney to ensure doing so is in your best interests.
Can’t I Work with a Public Defender?
You do have the option of working with a public defender. However, public defenders are often overwhelmed by considerable caseloads. When you want your defense to get the attention and time it deserves, hiring a private attorney could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
What Happens if I’m Found Guilty of Violent Crime Charges?
If you are found guilty of the violent crime charges against you, your attorney can immediately begin working on filing your appeal. You will be taken back into custody and your attorney will reach out soon after to discuss how to best approach your appeal.
Meet With a Violent Crimes Lawyer in Philadelphia
When you have been accused of a violent crime, our Philadelphia violent crimes lawyer at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC can help.
Take advantage of your confidential case evaluation today when you call our office or complete our secured contact form.
