In April 2024, a Greene County court sentenced a Harrisburg man to 60 to 120 years in prison for domestic violence. The man was found guilty of several felonies and misdemeanors, including aggravated assault, strangulation, and involuntary sexual intercourse. The Attorney General's office prosecuted the case and vigorously sought steep penalties because the man was a repeat offender. Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasized the importance of the lengthy prison sentence and the lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender to prevent further offenses.

If you have been accused of repeated (or “serial”) domestic violence charges in PA, the penalties become steeper and more burdensome. Because of the potential consequences, you should seek an experienced domestic violence lawyer immediately. The LLF Law Firm has years of experience handling domestic violence allegations in PA. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.

Domestic Violence in PA

In the State of Pennsylvania, there is no specific crime designated as domestic violence. Rather, domestic violence is defined by the relationship of the defendant to the alleged victim. Typically, this is a spouse, ex-spouse, a child, a roommate, a prior significant other, or other family member.

Domestic violence charges arise out of allegations of stalking, harassment, assault, child abuse, sexual assault, and other crimes. Whether a domestic violence charge is a felony or misdemeanor and to what degree depends on the nature of the underlying crime. So, a charge of simple assault against a family member becomes domestic assault but would not result in the type of lengthy prison sentence referenced in this article. If convicted of domestic assault, the defendant would face sentencing under PA law for simple assault.

Penalties for Domestic Violence in PA

Because penalties for domestic violence are based on the underlying crime at issue, they range from minor fines to long prison sentences. If you face domestic violence charges, the potential penalty depends on the severity of the underlying crime, the injuries of the victim, whether minor children were present, and any prior convictions.

The lengthy prison sentence of the Harrisburg man sentenced in 2024 arose out of multiple second and first-degree felonies. An offender charged with lesser crimes will not face penalties that steep, but the pattern is for penalties to become more severe. If you are charged with serial domestic violence, take this case and the warning of the AG seriously. The legal environment for those who face sentencing for domestic violence is becoming stricter and more punitive. Therefore, seek an experienced domestic violence lawyer able to present a robust defense to the charges.

At the LLF Law Firm, we understand that domestic violence charges come with serious consequences and can have a lasting impact on those accused. The LLF Law Firm has years of experience defending domestic violence charges, and they know the legal landscape. Call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or submit your details online, and we will promptly contact you.