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Violent Crimes

Chester County Violent Crimes Lawyer

Violent crimes usually involve traumatizing or causing serious injury to someone else. In efforts to deter individuals from committing violent crimes, the judicial system severely punishes those who are convicted.

However, in order to convict someone of a violent crime, the prosecution must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed every element of the offense they have been charged with. With such a high burden of proof, there are usually defense available that could have your charges reduced or dropped.

Having more than one lawyer or just one hope when facing a crime of violence in Chester County or the greater Philadelphia area can make a big difference in your case. Whether it is a simple assault or aggravated assault, terroristic threats or homicide, we are a team of defense lawyers with nearly 40 years of experience fighting for your justice.

Look to aggressive, experienced criminal defense lawyers when you or a loved one is facing investigation, arrest and/or prosecution for a crime of violence.  Violent Crimes such as assault and weapons charges carry significant punishment and require attorneys prepared to contest every reasonable aspect of the Commonwealth’s case.

Chester County Violent Crimes Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a violent crime  in Willow Street,  Newton Square, Coatesville, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Exton, Norristown, or Downingtown,  contact Ciccarelli Law Offices. This dedicated team of defense lawyers is passionate about fighting for the rights of their clients, and will work hard to present the facts of the case in a way that is favorable to you.

In many cases, violent crimes are felony level offenses that can result in lengthy periods of incarceration including detention in a state correctional facility.  Look for an experienced aggressive criminal defense lawyer, or better yet, the benefits of a legal team of attorneys experienced in contesting violent crimes.  Ciccarelli Law Offices is based in West Chester PA in Chester County and represents individuals facing allegations and arrest for crimes of violence throughout the suburban Philadelphia region.  Contact us by EMAIL or call (610) 692-8700 or (877) 529-2422.

Look for Lawyers as Tough as the Prosecutors seeking to Convict You

Our team of lawyers has over 60 years of combined legal experience working for you when it matters when you are facing a crime of violence.  Our firm defends individuals facing allegations and arrests of violent crimes including but not limited to:

Assault Crimes in Pennsylvania

Assault is one of the most commonly committed violent crimes in Pennsylvania. Depending on the factors involved, it can range from a third degree misdemeanor to a first degree felony. According to 18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 2701, assault is defined as:

  • Intentionally causing or attempting to cause bodily harm to another person
  • Negligently causing injury to someone with a deadly weapon
  • Deliberately putting someone in fear of serious bodily harm

When assault occurs that doesn’t involve the use of a deadly weapon, or there are no other aggravating factors, it is known as “simple assault”. This is usually a second degree misdemeanor that can be either downgraded to a third degree misdemeanor if the assault occurred during  fight, or upgraded to a first degree misdemeanor if the offender is over 21 and the alleged victim is under 12.

A simple assault on a government employee, firefighter, or teacher is a second degree felony, and it can automatically be charged as a first degree felony if a police officer was the victim of the assault.

According to 18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 2702, an individual is guilty of aggravated assault if he or she knowingly or recklessly causes or attempts to cause serious bodily injury to someone else, under circumstances that show an extremes indifference for the value of human life.

If serious bodily injury is involved, aggravated assault is a first degree felony. Aggravated assault is a second degree felony when a deadly weapon is involved but the assault did not lead to serious bodily injury.

Violent Crimes in West Chester

Harassment

As stated by 18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 2709, an individual can be charged with harassment if he or she continuously communicates with an individual in a threatening, obscene, or lewd manner, with no legitimate purpose.

Harassment can also involve following the alleged victim in public, and making physical contact with the intent to scare, annoy, anger, or harass the individual. In most cases, this is a third degree misdemeanor.

Reckless Endangerment

According to 8 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 2705, reckless endangerment is when an individual intentionally, recklessly, or without concern for the individuals safety, puts the alleged victim in danger of death or serious injury. Reckless endangerment can be charged as a second degree misdemeanor.

Kidnapping

Under 18 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 2901, an individual is guilty of kidnapping if he or she unlawfully removes an individual a substantial distance from where they were found, or confines the alleged victim in isolation for a substantial period of time, for the purpose of:

  • Using the victim as a hostage
  • Receiving a ransom for the victim
  • Using the victim for assistance in the commission of a felony
  • Terrorizing or inflicting bodily injuries on the victim
  • Interfering with any governmental or political function

An individual can also be charged with kidnapping if he or she takes an individual who is under the age of 14 without the consent of the victims parents. Under Pennsylvania law, kidnapping is a first degree felony.

Robbery

According to 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3701, robbery is when the accused, in the course of committing a theft, causes injury or threatens injury, uses force or commits or threatens to commit a first or second-degree felony.

Robbery itself can be a third degree felony, if mere force was used, all the way up to a first degree felony for “carjacking.” Robbery charges may come on top of any other charges you might face.

Penalties for Violent Crimes in Chester County

An individual who has been convicted of a violent crime in Pennsylvania faces the following penalties:

  • First Degree Felony: Up to 20 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine
  • Second Degree Felony: Up to 10 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine
  • First Degree
  • Misdemeanor: Up to five years in jail and/or a $10,000 fine
  • Second Degree Misdemeanor: Up to two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine
  • Third Degree Misdemeanor: Up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine

Along with significant time behind bars and steep fines, individuals will also have a permanent offense on their record which could place limitations on employment and educational opportunities. It’s important to have a West Chester criminal defense attorney on your side, fighting the charges for you.

Finding the Best Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in West Chester

If you are facing charges for the commission of a violent crime in Exton, Norristown, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Downingtown, Willow Street, or Coatesville, contact Ciccarelli Law Offices. The attorneys at this firm are well versed in the laws associated with violent crimes and will use their knowledge to craft the best defense possible for your case.

With offices in Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting, Westchester, Radnor, Malvern, King of Prussia, Lancaster, and Kennett Square, the team of attorneys at this firm are able to provide quality legal representation for individuals throughout the greater Philadelphia region. Contact us today at (610) 692-8700 and set up a consultation on your case so that these devoted defense attorneys can guide you through the legal process.

Contact an Experienced Violent Crimes Attorney in West Chester

When you retain the Ciccarelli Law Office, you don’t simply retain a criminal defense attorney – you retain an experienced team of criminal defense lawyers who are committed to working together for you. Our legal team has over 30 years of combined experience successfully representing Pennsylvania clients in virtually every type of criminal case.  We represent individuals vigorously, with individual attention and a passionate respect for due process, through each stage and every aspect of your case.

Ciccarelli Law Offices are staunch advocates for the preservation of constitutional rights before, during and after an arrest.  Our reputation for successful defense strategy and tactics coupled with one-one-one client interaction makes us the Pennsylvania defense attorneys of choice for individuals facing serious felony and misdemeanor criminal charges.  We are ready to fight and represent you during the investigative stage and after the charges are filed and in court at the Preliminary Hearing Representation, and Jury and Non Jury Trial representation throughout Pennsylvania including Chester County, Delaware County, Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Lebanon County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia.

Based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19390, we make your choice all the clearer with locations throughout the metropolitan Philadelphia Pennsylvania, including Center City Philadelphia, West Chester PA, Downingtown/Exton PA, Kennett Square PA, Lancaster PA, King of Prussia PA, Plymouth Meeting PA, Radnor and Springfield PA.

We serve Downingtown, Paoli, Media, Norristown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, Reading and Allentown.  For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Attorney at Ciccarelli Lawyers, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.

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