Pittsburgh Violent Crime Lawyer

Pittsburgh Violent Crime Attorney

If convicted of a violent crime, you could face penalties that could alter the course of your life. In addition to the possibility of an extended period behind bars, you may have to deal with a strict probationary period after your release, as well as steep fines, penalties and the loss of your personal reputation. Whether you’ve been charged with assault in Frick Park or vehicular homicide along Fifth Avenue, a Pittsburgh violent crime lawyer can help.

Your situation is serious, but the team at Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law can provide the defense you need. Pennsylvania recognizes various types of crimes as violent, and the specific consequences you are facing depend on your individual case. We take a personal approach, building a defense that specifically meets your individual needs. For over three decades, we have been defending those charged with violent crimes and are now ready to do the same for you.

What Counts As A Violent Crime?

When criminal activity includes harm to another person, it is a violent crime. The punishments of any type of violent crime are generally more serious, and many violent crime charges are felonies. Some examples of violent crime include:

• Assault and battery. While these crimes are often thought of as the same thing, they are two different charges. Assault includes intentionally causing bodily harm to a person, or the threat of bodily harm, whereas battery is the actual harmful physical contact.
• Murder. First-degree murder is described as the intentional killing of another human being, whereas second-degree murder is defined as a killing that occurs while another crime is being committed. Both charges can carry mandatory life sentences in Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh’s murder rate, however, is currently down 25% from last year.
• Robbery. This crime takes place when a theft occurs with the threat or use of force against the victim. This is considered a felony offense in Pittsburgh and will require an attorney you can trust to defend your innocence.
• Kidnapping. When an individual is taken a great distance or is confined for a long period of time by force, deception, or threat for the purposes of ransom, to commit a felony, to harm or terrorize them, or to keep them from acting on their official duties, this is considered kidnapping and is a serious felony crime.
• Vehicular homicide. In Pittsburgh, anyone who causes the death of another with reckless, illegal, or grossly negligent use of a vehicle can be charged with vehicular homicide. This can include instances of speeding, driving drunk, or running a red light.

If you are facing any of the above charges or another charge of violent crime, it is prudent to act quickly to get the defense help you need. We have extensive experience in criminal defense cases, and we know how to protect your interests while working to build an effective defense.

Defenses for Violent Crimes in Pittsburgh

The penalties that can arise from a successful violent crime conviction in Pittsburgh can put your entire future in jeopardy. Apart from the usual legal punishments of large monetary fines and prison time, a violent crime charge can ruin your reputation and harm your ability to seek housing or employment in the future. In fact, there is a 30% unemployment rate for individuals reentering society after being convicted of a felony charge.

For these reasons alone, it is essential that you hire a violent crime lawyer who can review your situation and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you. At the offices of Louis W. Emmi Attorney at Law, we are here to study the facts of your case to build you a defense strategy that can stand up in court. Common defense strategies for violent crimes include:

• Self-defense or the defense of others. If you were in danger of being physically harmed, or saw that someone else was in imminent danger, stepping in to defend yourself or another is not a crime.
• Consent. In certain cases, such as in situations of false assault allegations, our team may be able to prove that the alleged victim actually provided you with their consent before any further actions were taken.
• Establishing an alibi. If you can demonstrate that you were at a different location at the time the violent crime allegedly took place, this is a strong defense strategy that could prove your innocence.

Compassionate And Effective Representation: Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer Today

We provide each client with compassionate representation and effective guidance during this difficult time. We start with a complete evaluation of your case, providing you with an honest assessment of your defense options. We leverage the experience we have and our knowledge of criminal defense law to help you fight for the best possible outcome to your situation.

There is a lot at stake, but we will walk with you every step of the way. Your defense can start today simply by making an appointment to meet with a member of our Pittsburgh legal team. You can take this first step by calling 412-341-8477 or contacting us online for more information and to schedule a free consultation.