Philadelphia Violent Crimes Lawyer

Few criminal offenses carry penalties as harsh as violent crimes. With violent crimes, there is almost always an alleged victim who has suffered severe bodily injury or was killed. The Pennsylvania criminal justice system takes cases like these seriously and will do everything possible to punish the perpetrator to ensure justice is served.  

Unfortunately, despite the fact that the accused are meant to be considered innocent until proven guilty, we often find ourselves fighting an uphill battle to prove the defendant’s innocence. For this reason, you may require the legal experience of a trial-tested Philadelphia violent crimes lawyer from Ciccarelli Law Offices to avoid the fallout of a conviction. 

Working with an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney at our firm could be the best decision you can make for your defense strategy. Our team will closely evaluate the evidence the state has against you, your version of events, and other factors to determine the best possible approach to your defense. Learn more about what you should expect from the allegations against you and how your life could be affected if you are found guilty when you contact our law office to schedule a confidential consultation today.

We Help Defendants Facing Virtually Every Type of Violent Offense

The prosecuting attorney must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction according to the Bench Book for Pennsylvania Judges. However, with violent crimes, juries often want to ensure perpetrators are punished. No matter what type of violent crime you are accused of committing, Ciccarelli Law Offices is here to help you avoid the debilitating consequences of a guilty verdict. Some of the most common types of violent crimes we defend against include:

• Assault under 18 Pa. C.S. 2701 – A third-degree misdemeanor assault conviction is punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in prison. A first-degree misdemeanor assault conviction, however, can result in a five-year prison sentence and up to $10,000 in fines.
• Aggravated assault under 18 Pa. C.S. 2702 – If convicted, you could be ordered to pay up to $25,000 in fines and spend up to 20 years in a Pennsylvania state prison.
• Rape under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121 – This first-degree felony is punishable by up to $125,000 in fines and life in prison.
• Attempted murder under Title 18 Pa.C.S.A., § 1102 – This first-degree felony is punishable by up to 40 years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
• Murder under Title 18 Pa.C.S.A., § 2502 – Also known as homicide, a first-degree murder conviction is punishable by up to $50,000 in fines and a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Philadelphia Violent Crimes FAQ

Can violent crimes ever be a misdemeanor?

Yes, but it depends on the type of violent crime you are accused of committing. For example, if you are accused of assault, you could face misdemeanor-level charges. If convicted of a third-degree misdemeanor, you could be ordered to pay fines of up to $2,500 and spend up to one year in jail. A second-degree misdemeanor conviction is punishable by $5,000 in fines and up to two years in jail, while a first-degree misdemeanor conviction is the most serious, carrying a five-year jail term and up to $10,000 and fines. 

However, if anybody was seriously injured or killed as a result of your alleged conduct, you should expect felony charges. Your violent crimes lawyer in Philadelphia with Ciccarelli Law Offices will do everything possible to convince the district attorney that your charges should be reduced to the misdemeanor level or adjusted to a misdemeanor offense. If there are many mitigating factors present, such as strong community ties, lack of a criminal record, or other factors, the prosecutor may be more willing to work with you.

How should I approach my defense strategy?

It is difficult to say how you should approach your defense, as our approach will vary depending on the type of violent crime you are accused of committing. In some cases, we may be able to argue a mistake of fact, or innocence, or introduce an alibi that makes it clear you could not have committed the charges against you. However, in other cases, we may need to examine law enforcement officials who built their case against you. 

If it was built on evidence that was unlawfully obtained, your constitutional rights were violated, or law enforcement or prosecutorial misconduct has played a part in the charges against you, we will fight tirelessly to get the charges against you dismissed or specific types of evidence declared inadmissible at trial. You can learn more about which approaches may be most suitable for your defense strategy after your violent crimes attorney has reviewed the specific circumstances of your case.

Will I qualify for pretrial diversion?

Most violent crimes will not qualify for accelerated rehabilitative distribution (ARD) under 234 Pa. Code Chapter 3. These programs are generally available to first-time, nonviolent offenders. Violent crimes in and of themselves typically involve a critical injury or death, which would make you ineligible for ARD. 

However, depending on the type of crime you are accused of committing and the strength of the evidence against you, our criminal defense team may be able to convince the district attorney to reduce the charges you are facing. If this is the case, we may be able to secure a plea agreement as opposed to entry into an ARD program.

Can my felony conviction be expunged?

Yes, felony convictions may be eligible for expungement under 18 Pa. C.S. 9122, but only if you have received a pardon from the Board of Pardons and the Governor of Pennsylvania. These officials may be more likely to approve your application for a pardon if your felony status is making it impossible for you to secure gainful employment. 

You could also qualify for expungement if you have a felony conviction on your record, recently turned 70 years old, and have had no criminal charges or supervision within the last 10 years.

Which weapons are commonly used to commit violent crimes?

There are a plethora of different weapons that have been used to commit homicides. However, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the following types of weapons are used most often to commit murder and other violent crimes:

• Hammers
• Guns
• Baseball bats
• Knives
• Hands or feet
• Narcotics
• Poison
• Explosives

Speak With a High-Powered Violent Crimes Lawyer in Philadelphia Today 

When an alleged victim is seriously injured or killed due to someone else’s actions, the prosecution is more likely to demand the harshest sentence possible. No matter what type of violent crime you are accused of committing, the penalties that follow a conviction will likely turn your world upside down. If you hope to get home to your family sooner, make sure you have crafted a powerful defense strategy.

With the resources and support of a reputable Philadelphia violent crimes attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices, you have an opportunity to dodge a guilty verdict. Trust in our dedicated criminal defense team to help you get through these difficult times. Fill out our secured contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.