If you have charged with a violent crime in Chester County, Pennsylvania, your rights are in serious jeopardy. Violent crimes are some of the most serious offense with which you can be charged, and as such carry very harsh penalties. These include high fines, lengthy prison sentences, and loss of certain constitutional rights, such as the right to vote and the right to bear arms. There are defenses available to every person charged with a crime, but it is only with an experienced criminal defense attorney that your rights can be best protected.
If you or someone you care about has been charged of a violent crime in West Chester, PA or the Chester County area, experienced violent crime attorneys at LLF Law Firm are here to help.
West Chester/Chester County Violent Crime Defense Attorney
With nearly two decades of experience working in various roles in the Pennsylvania criminal justice system, our attorneys are qualified West Chester criminal defense attorneys 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 Chester County, Pennsylvania, and need a comprehensive, customized defense, contact the attorneys at LLF Law Firm. Our practice is built 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 the LLF Law Firm can do to clear your name.
Chester County Court Process
If arrested in Chester 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 Chester County. If the case proceeds past the preliminary hearing, the case will be scheduled for a formal arraignment at the Court of Common Pleas located at:
21 N. High St.
West Chester, PA 19380
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 West Chester/Chester County
A violent crime occurs when physical violence is involved in the commission of the offense. At times these offense involve the use of a weapon, but this is not required in every offense. 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:
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
- 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
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 Chester County
People accused of committing a violent crime are staring down the barrel of some very serious potential penalties. However, defenses may apply that can help to save you from these charges:
- 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.
- Suppression Motion: Suppression motions exclude evidence that was collected in violation of the Constitution. When the police violate your rights while gathering evidence, the evidence collected in an illegal way can be kept out of court. This can greatly hurt 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.
Working with a West Chester Violent Crime Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a violent crime like criminal homicide, robbery, or rape in the West Chester or Chester County area, it is highly recommended that you begin defending your rights and your future as soon as possible. We are 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 the team at LLF Law Firm can help you, call (888) 535-3686 today.
