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Philadelphia Violent Crimes Lawyer
Violent crimes can range from anything from robbery to murder. As a result of the severity of such crimes, if you find yourself charged, it’s important to immediately get in touch with an experienced Philadelphia violent crimes lawyer. It is the only way you can have a stronger chance at having a good defense strategy and can potentially have the charges against you reduced or perhaps even dropped. You should also never speak with law enforcement without your lawyer at your side as anything you say can and will be used against you.
Types of Violent Crimes and Their Penalties
A skilled criminal defense attorney can effectively handle your case if you are arrested and charged with a violent crime. Violent crimes is actually a very broad category that can include the following and carry specific penalties if you are convicted:
• Burglary: Burglary is a theft type of crime that involves a person breaking into a building and intending to commit a crime. Usually, the crime in question that they plan to commit is some type of theft. However, a person doesn’t have to steal anything once they are on the premises and can be charged with burglary simply by breaking in. This crime is often charged as a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
• Robbery: Robbery is a crime that is committed for the purpose of stealing something from another person. If the victim is injured or even just threatened in the process, the perpetrator can face charges of robbery. This can occur even if the individual tried to run after committing the theft. It can be charged as a first, second or third-degree felony and carry a long prison term.
• Conspiracy to commit murder: If two or more people agree to murder another person or solicit someone to commit murder, they can be charged with conspiracy to commit murder. This crime carries the same penalties the actual killer receives.
• Murder in the first degree: The most serious murder charge is in the first degree. If there is ample evidence that a person knowingly planned to kill someone and then went on to murder them, they can face a life sentence in prison.
• Murder in the second degree: If a person commits a felony or helps someone else to do so and the crime results in the murder of another person, they can be charged with murder in the second degree. Either committing or aiding can result in life in prison.
• Murder in the third degree: Third-degree murder can carry a penalty of a maximum of 40 years in prison.
• Voluntary manslaughter: If a person is proven to have deliberately killed someone else after reacting to something that causes a surge in emotion, they can be convicted of voluntary manslaughter. This is a crime that is charged as a first-degree felony and carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
• Involuntary manslaughter: If a person behaves recklessly and someone else dies as a result of their actions, they can be charged with involuntary manslaughter. This is charged as a first-degree misdemeanor and can result in five years in prison.
A Violent Crimes Defense Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in Philadelphia, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help. The lawyer will take a thorough look at all the evidence and investigate whether the police investigation against you was performed legally and ethically. One thing your attorney can do to assist your case is to file a motion to suppress the evidence. If the police did not recite your Miranda rights upon arrest or conducted an illegal search of your home, vehicle or person, the evidence can legally be suppressed.