If you have been charged with a violent crime in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, you need the best possible representation so that you can defend yourself against these very serious charges. Violent offenses are some of the most serious that a person can be charged with. Because of this, they carry incredibly harsh penalties, including high fines, prison sentences, and loss of constitutional rights. It is crucial that you defend yourself quickly, effectively, and with the right team to support you.
If you or someone you care about has been charged of a violent crime in Media, PA or the Delaware County area, our experienced violent crime Criminal Law Team is here to help.
Media/Delaware County Violent Crime Defense Attorney
With nearly two decades of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania justice system, our Criminal Law Team ares qualified Media criminal defense attorneys with comprehensive knowledge of how a criminal case operates from start to finish, and beyond.
If you have been charged with a violent crime in Delaware County, Pennsylvania and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at LLF Law Firm. Our Criminal Law Team built our practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and he will fight for your rights and freedom. Call 888-535-3686 today to schedule your consultation and discover what our Criminal Law Team can do to clear your name.
Delaware County Court Process
If arrested in Delaware County for a sex crime, your case will be scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the applicable Magisterial District Court. There are 30 District Courts in all in Delaware County. If the case proceeds past the preliminary hearing, the case will be scheduled for a formal arraignment at the Court of Common Pleas in located at
201 W. Front Street,
Media, PA 19063
The trial process will continue from that point forward often either resulting in the case proceeding to trial or being resolved through plea or dismissal.
Violent Crimes in Media/Delaware County
A violent crime occurs when physical violence is involved in the commission of the offense. Violent crimes can result in very serious criminal penalties, as well as the risk of losing other constitutional rights, such as the right to carry a firearm and to vote. Often these cases involve the use of a weapon, but not in every case. If committed against family members, these offenses can also be considered domestic violence under Pennsylvania law.
Violent crimes and their penalties are defined in Title § 18 of Pennsylvania, and include:
- When a person causes bodily injury to another negligently, recklessly, or knowingly with a deadly weapon or causes him or her to believe such bodily injury will occur
- Misdemeanor of the second or third degree
- Up to 1 or 2 years of prison, depending on degree of offense
- Up to $2,500 or $5,000 fine, depending on degree of offense
- When an individual negligently, recklessly, or knowingly causes or attempts to cause serious bodily injury while acting with extreme disregard for human life with or without a deadly weapon, or assaults certain government employees or officials while in the course of duty
- Felony of the first or second degree
- Up to 10 or 20 years of prison, depending on degree of offense
- Up to $25,000 fine
Robbery
- When a person in the process of committing theft takes or removes property from another by force, causes a person to fear immediate bodily injury, or inflicts bodily injury on another
- Felony – first, second, or third-degree
- Up to 7, 10, or 20 years of prison, depending on the degree of felony
- Up to $15,000 or $25,000 fine depending on the degree of felony
Murder of the First Degree
- Intentional killing of another person
- Minimum of life in prison without parole
- Conviction may lead to death penalty
- Up to $50,000 fine
Murder of the Second Degree
- When a person kills another while committing a felony
- Up to life imprisonment without parole
- Up to $50,000 fine
Murder of the Third Degree
- Any murder not involving intent or felony
- First-degree felony
- Up to 40 years of prison
- Up to $50,000 fine
Involuntary Manslaughter
- A person causes the loss of human life by acting in a grossly negligent or reckless manner
- First-degree misdemeanor
- Up to 5 years in prison
- $10,000+ fine
Voluntary Manslaughter
- Causing the loss of human life in heat of passion when provoked by that person, or believing the act of killing is justified when the belief is actually unreasonable
- First-degree felony
- Up to 20 years of prison
- Up to $25,000 fine
How to Defend Your Case in Delaware County
Defending your case is incredibly important. You should never assume you are guilty just because you are charged with a crime. You may not have committed an offense, had a valid reason for doing what you did, or maybe committed a much less serious offense. Defenses include, but are not limited to:
- File a Suppression Motion: Suppression motions keep out evidence against you that was gathered in such a way that violates the Constitution. When law enforcement violate your rights while collecting evidence, the collected evidence can be kept out of court. This can greatly damage the prosecutor's case.
- Self Defense: A person does not have duty to retreat from someone using force against him or her. That person defending him or herself can use reasonable force if he or she believes the person's conduct will cause serious bodily injury or death.
- Defense of Others: A person can use force to protect another person if he or she believes that it was necessary to protect that person from serious bodily injury or death.
- Demonstrate Reasonable Doubt: Under U.S. law, criminal cases must be proven "beyond a reasonable doubt," a very high standard. With the help of your criminal defense attorney, you can present areas of doubt to the jury to work towards a not guilty verdict in your case.
Working with a Media Violent Crime Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a violent crime like criminal homicide, robbery, or rape in the Media or Delaware County area, it is highly recommended that you begin defending your rights and your future as soon as possible. Our Criminal Law Team is passionate about helping violent crimes charges like yours through the system and making sure justice is served on all sides.
For your consultation on how our Criminal Law Team at LLF Law Firm can help you, call 888-535-3686 today.
