What are the most common criminal charges faced in Philadelphia?

The City of Brotherly Love Sees Its Fair Share of Crime

Philadelphia is known for many great things – cheesesteaks, the Liberty Bell, Rocky, the Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, and Flyers. But our beloved city also struggles with crime like any other major metropolis. What are some of the most common criminal offenses happening on Philadelphia’s streets? Let’s take a looksee.

Shoplifting and Retail Theft

One of the most common nonviolent crimes is shoplifting and retail theft. Just last week, over 70 people were charged for looting stores all over the city. Most of those arrested were young adults with no prior record. Desperate times call for desperate measures, but crime don’t pay the bills. The penalties for retail theft depend on the value of merchandise stolen. Anything under $150 is a summary offense with fines up to $300. Thefts up to $2000 are misdemeanors with up to 1 year in jail. Felony retail theft over $2000 can land you up to 7 years behind bars.

Assault

Assault charges are also unfortunately common in Philadelphia. From bar fights to domestic violence to random attacks, assault takes many forms. Simple assault for attempting/threatening to cause injury is a misdemeanor with up to 5 years in prison. Aggravated assault for attempting/causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon is a felony with up to 20 years incarcerated. Assaulting a police officer or child under 12 can make penalties even worse. Self-defense is an affirmative defense to assault if you only used reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.

Drug Crimes

Like most big cities, Philadelphia sees plenty of illegal drug arrests too. Possession of personal use amounts of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine or heroin results in misdemeanor charges. Dealing drugs leads to felony charges and longer sentences. Sentences also depend on the amount and type of drug. For example, selling 5-50 pounds of weed is punishable by 1-5 years locked up; while dealing just 1 gram of meth or heroin could mean 2-7 years imprisoned. Visit the DA’s website for details on mandatory minimums.

Gun Crimes

Gun violence continues to plague Philadelphia streets. Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is generally a misdemeanor. But felons caught carrying guns face felony gun possession charges and federal prosecution. Using a gun while committing a crime like robbery leads to felony aggravated charges. Charged with illegal gun possession? Better call Saul! Possible defenses include: lack of knowledge/intent, duress, false accusations, or illegal police searches that violate the 4th Amendment. Visit sites like OpenCarry101 to learn more about gun laws and your rights.

Sex Crimes

Sex crimes also happen too often in Philadelphia. From prostitution stings to sexual assault, rape and child pornography – these intimate offenses carry heavy penalties. Prostitution and solicitation charges usually result in summary fines for first offenses. Sex trafficking and promoting prostitution of minors are serious felonies though. Sexual assault like groping and indecent exposure are lower-level misdemeanors. While rape, statutory rape with minors, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and aggravated sexual assault are first-degree felonies with up to 20 years in the pen. Child pornography crimes can mean up to 40 years imprisonment!

Robbery

Robbery is using force, threats or weapons to steal property from victims. Armed robbery involves deadly weapons and carries up to 20 years behind bars. Strongarm robbery with bodily harm leads to up to 15 years. Even unarmed robbery threats still mean up to 7 years incarcerated. Attempt, conspiracy and aggravated robbery charges add more time. Robbery resulting in serious injury or death can even warrant life sentences in some cases. Defenses like duress, false accusations and mistaken identity could fight some robbery raps though.

As we can see, the crime rate in Philadelphia remains an ongoing issue impacting far too many residents. While law and order must be maintained for public safety, punishment alone cannot cure the underlying socioeconomic drivers of crime. Issues like poverty, lack of education and opportunity fuel generations of violence, drugs and despair. Reform must address these root causes if real change can ever take hold. In the meantime, stay vigilant my friends! And remember – snitching ain’t stitching! 😉 Let’s keep our heads up and hopes high for a better tomorrow in the City of Brotherly Love.