Pittsburgh Felony Lawyer

Pittsburgh Felony Attorney

Have You Been Arrested On Felony Charges?

Being charged with any sort of crime can be difficult to deal with. However, when facing felony charges, the stakes are exponentially higher, as the consequences are potentially life-altering. In the aftermath of such an occurrence, many feel as if they’re facing the entirety of the legal system on their own. Whether you’ve been charged with aggravated assault in Dormont or drug crimes along Route 8, an experienced Pittsburgh felony lawyer is here to help.

Attorney Louis W. Emmi has provided stringent felony defense to individuals in Pittsburgh and across western Pennsylvania for over 40 years. At our firm, we believe in providing zealous, aggressive defense. As a trial lawyer, Mr. Emmi has taken numerous cases to verdict in a jury trial, gaining acquittals along the way.

We also believe in working hand-in-hand with clients. We ensure you understand the full process, including comprehending your rights, the criminal charges against you, your options and how the decision could impact your future, freedom or criminal record.

How We Can Help

As a former clerk for a criminal court judge and current defense attorney, Mr. Emmi has a diverse background that has provided him with a unique view of the criminal justice system. He understands the process inside and out and therefore knows how to craft an effective legal strategy.

In particular, our firm has assisted clients who are facing felony charges stemming from:

• Drug offenses, including manufacturing and distribution
• Aggravated assault and other cases of serious bodily harm
• Homicide and murder
• Weapons offenses, including felons in possession of a firearm

The stakes are high in felony cases. The potential consequences include serious prison time and fines ranging in the thousands, at a minimum. We know the prosecution’s strategy, and we know how to counter it, presenting you in a favorable light and protecting your rights.

Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Pittsburgh

In the state of Pennsylvania, crimes are classified into distinct categories based on their severity. Each of these classes, otherwise known as “degrees”, has corresponding penalties that can be applied if the charged individual is convicted.

Keep in mind that murders are classified differently in Pennsylvania, and there are certain kinds of murder that won’t be charged as a felony. In Pittsburgh, the three degrees of felonies include:

• Third-degree felonies. These charges can typically result in a prison term lasting anywhere between three and a half and seven years, and see fines totalling upwards of $15,000. Crimes include specific gun crimes, bribery, minor drug offenses, and theft of property valued between $2,000 and $100,000.
• Second-degree felonies. These charges can see convicted individuals face penalties of prison time between five and 10 years and fines totalling up to $25,000. Crimes include indecent assault, involuntary manslaughter, burglary, aggravated assault, and theft of property valued between $100,000 and $500,000.
• First-degree felonies. These felonies are crimes that can result in 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. These crimes can include kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, drug manufacturing or distribution, arson that endangers a human life, and theft of property valued at more than $500,000.

Felony convictions can also result in personal penalties, including loss of voting rights, jury service, and the right to own, purchase, and bear firearms. Additionally, you may be unable to obtain certain government benefits, professional licenses, or access financial aid.

Post-Conviction Support for Felonies in Pennsylvania

Even after serving your required sentence, the consequences of a felony conviction can continue to haunt you for years. In fact, convicted felons face an unemployment rate of 30% upon reentering society. To help combat these difficulties, there are several legal avenues that can help minimize the damage of a felony conviction even after it is handed down. These options can include:

• Pardons. Depending on your situation, you may be able to seek a formal pardon from the governor, which can help erase all the legal effects of a felony conviction in the state.
• Expungement. While it is nearly impossible to seek an official expungement for a felony charge in the state of Pennsylvania, there are certain exceptions. For instance, specific pardoned offenses may be eligible for expungement.
• Post-Conviction Relief Act, or PCRA, petitions. These petitions allow individuals who have been convicted of a felony to challenge that conviction or their sentence based on any potential legal errors that took place in their original case, new evidence, or ineffective assistance of their previous legal counsel.

At Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, our attorneys are here to review the details of your original felony conviction and help determine if there are any options available to help alleviate some of the issues that can follow you after serving a criminal sentence.

Felony Charges Have Serious Consequences. Hire a Felony Lawyer Today

To schedule an appointment for an in-person meeting, or to arrange a consultation over Zoom or FaceTime, call our Pittsburgh office at 412-341-8477 or use our online contact form.