Police have charged a 76-year-old Chester County resident with a slew of offenses, including first-degree murder after a family dispute turned deadly in April. Roger Hanks shot and killed his wife and adult daughter in their home, later claiming to law enforcement that both shots were accidental. According to detectives, Hanks also admitted he had been drinking earlier in the day.

While most intimate partner violence affects younger women, domestic violence takes many shapes and forms. As the case of Roger Hanks shows, an afternoon argument in a small town can quickly spiral out of control, regardless of age.

If you are being charged with domestic violence, it can feel like the system is out to get you. Pennsylvania police and prosecutors take domestic violence seriously, and you need a legal defense team who will work just as hard to protect your rights and build a strong defense. Call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or contact us through our confidential online form when domestic violence charges threaten your future.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence in Pennsylvania?

As Pennsylvania does not classify domestic violence as a unique crime, the charges someone will face after being accused of domestic violence will depend on the facts of their case. Roger Hanks is facing charges of first-degree and third-degree murder, but domestic violence includes a wide range of other acts against family members, including:

• Harassment
• Stalking
• Child Abuse
• Sexual Assault
• Assault
• Child Endangerment
• Kidnapping
• Criminal Trespass
• Protection From Abuse Order Violations

While prosecutors cannot directly charge you with domestic violence, Pennsylvania law does give special consideration to instances of domestic violence to provide victims protection from further harm. This shouldn't influence your case, but those accused of domestic violence often face harsher scrutiny and bias during their trials. The Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm has defended many Pennsylvania residents from unjust domestic violence charges and accusations. Call our team as soon as possible following your arrest, and we will work to ensure the process is free from bias that often envelops cases of domestic violence.

Defense Strategies for Domestic Violence Charges

Being accused of domestic violence will not influence the criminal charges you face. For example, prosecutors will charge you with the same crime if you assault your spouse or assault a stranger. As a result, the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team crafts defense strategies that address the important legal aspects of your case, regardless of the situation that led to the alleged offense.

If Roger Hanks is found guilty of first-degree murder, he may face the death penalty as a result of Pennsylvania's different crime classifications. Your criminal charges will likely bring much less severe penalties, and the LLF Law Firm can further argue for leniency if you are a first-time offender. Courts often give first-time domestic violence offenders probation and mandatory counseling for minor offenses if they believe it can help improve their behavior without the need to lock them up.

The LLF Law Firm Defends Pennsylvania Residents Against Domestic Violence Charges

While domestic violence often has a stigma attached to it, everyone has the right to clear their name in court. The LLF Law Firm Team can help defend against domestic violence charges in all forms and limit the negative effects that unfounded accusations can have on your future. Call our Criminal Defense Team today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to get started on your defense.