When a person is accused of committing a violent crime in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, he or she needs the best representation possible. Violent crimes are considered some of the most serious crimes a person can commit, whether they are a felony or misdemeanor. This type of crime comes with a lot of stigma, and can result in negative effects on your life besides the typical punishments under the law. Violent crimes can also lead to long prison sentences, high fines, and time spent on probation.
If you or someone you care about has been charged of a violent crime in Doylestown, PA or the Bucks County area, experienced violent crime attorney Joseph D. Lento is here to help.
Doylestown/Bucks County Violent Crime Defense Attorney
With nearly two decades of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania justice system, Joseph Lento is a qualified Doylestown criminal defense attorney with a comprehensive knowledge of how a criminal case operates from start to finish, and beyond.
If you have been charged with a violent crime in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at Lento Law Firm. Joseph Lento built his practice on the ideals of customer service and justice and he will fight for your rights and freedom. Call (215) 535-5353 today to schedule your free consultation and discover what Joseph Lento can do to clear your name.
Bucks County Court Process
If arrested in Bucks County for a violent crime, your case will be scheduled for a preliminary hearing at the applicable Magisterial District Court. There are 18 District Courts in all in Bucks County. If the case proceeds past the preliminary hearing, the case will be scheduled for a formal arraignment at the Court of Common Pleas (also known as the Bucks County Justice Center) located at
100 N. Main Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
The criminal process will continue from that point forward often either resulting in the case proceeding to trial or being resolved through non-trial disposition through dismissal or plea.
Violent Crimes in Doylestown/Bucks County
A violent crime occurs when physical violence is involved in the commission of the offense. This does not necessarily require a weapon, although that is a common occurrence in these types of cases. 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. 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:
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
- 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
- Engaging in sexual intercourse with a person by force, threat of force that prevents the person from resisting, an unconscious person, a person who is unaware sexual intercourse is occurring, a person you have drugged, or with a person that is incapable to consent due to a mental disability
- First-degree felony
- Up to 20 years of prison
- Up to $25,000 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 Bucks County
When you stand accused of a violent crime, your future is at serious risk. It is crucial that you and your attorney put forth the best defense possible to protect your constitutional rights. Some of the following represent the most common and often most powerful defenses that can be raised, depending on the facts of your case.
- Self Defense: Under PA law, 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.
- File a Suppression Motion: Suppression motions keep out unconstitutionally collected evidence. When the police violate your constitutional rights when collecting evidence, the evidence collected in an illegal way can be kept out of court. This can devastate the prosecutor's case.
- Show 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 Doylestown Violent Crime Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a violent crime like criminal homicide, robbery, or rape in the Doylestown or Bucks County area, it is highly recommended that you begin defending your rights and your future with as soon as possible. Joseph Lento 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 Joseph Lento and the team at Lento Law Firm can help you, call (215) 535-5353 today.
