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.

Common FAQS About Felony Charges in Pittsburgh

What is the difference between a Felony of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree in Pennsylvania?

In PA, the degree of a felony dictates your maximum possible prison time. A 1st-Degree Felony (like Rape or Aggravated Assault) carries up to 20 years; a 2nd-Degree Felony (like Burglary) carries up to 10 years; and a 3rd-Degree Felony (like certain Drug Crimes) carries up to 7 years. Because these carry “Offense Gravity Scores” (OGS) that affect your sentencing guidelines, having an attorney who understands the PA Sentencing Matrix is essential.

Can a felony charge be reduced to a misdemeanor at my Pittsburgh preliminary hearing?

Yes. The preliminary hearing at 660 First Avenue (Pittsburgh Municipal Court) is often the best opportunity to negotiate. We can argue that the Commonwealth has not met its prima facie burden for a felony, potentially leading the Magistrate to “remand” or reduce the charges to a misdemeanor, which keeps the case out of the higher Court of Common Pleas.

How does the “Sentencing Matrix” work in Allegheny County?

Pennsylvania uses a specific grid that cross-references your Prior Record Score (PRS) with the Offense Gravity Score (OGS) of the felony. Allegheny County judges use this “Matrix” to determine the standard range for your sentence. Our job is to advocate for a “Mitigated Range” sentence or alternative housing instead of state prison.

Where is my felony trial held in Pittsburgh?

If your case is “held for court,” it moves to the Allegheny County Courthouse at 436 Grant Street. Trials and plea hearings are typically held in the courtrooms on the 3rd and 5th floors. You will be assigned a specific judge who will oversee your case from the Pre-Trial Conference through the verdict.

Will I have to go to State Prison if I am convicted of a felony?

Not necessarily. In Allegheny County, many felony sentences result in County Intermediate Punishment (CIP), which can include house arrest with electronic monitoring, or time at the Allegheny County Jail rather than a State Correctional Institution (SCI). The outcome depends heavily on the “Minimum/Maximum” sentence structure mandated by PA law.

What is a “Nebbia Order” and how does it affect my bail in a felony case?

In many high-level felony cases (especially drug or white-collar crimes), the court may attach a Nebbia Order to your bail. This means you cannot be released until you prove that the money used for bail comes from legitimate, legal sources. We can file a Motion to Lift Nebbia and present the necessary financial documentation to the court to secure your release.

How do I get a “Bond Modification” for a felony charge?

If your bail was set too high at your initial arraignment, we can file a motion for a Bail Review Hearing. In Pittsburgh, these are typically heard by the Motions Judge in Room 534 of the Courthouse. We argue for a reduction based on your “ties to the community” (e.g., family in Squirrel Hill, a job in the Strip District) and your lack of flight risk.

What is the “Formal Arraignment” (Room 519) for a felony?

This is a procedural step roughly 60 days after your preliminary hearing. You report to Room 519 of the Allegheny County Courthouse to be served with the “Information”—the final list of felony charges the District Attorney is pursuing. If you have retained us, we can often waive your appearance so you do not have to miss work to stand in line for this hearing.

What are “Pre-Trial Motions” in a felony case?

This is a critical defense phase where we fight to get evidence thrown out. If the Pittsburgh Police or Allegheny County Detectives violated your rights (illegal search of your car or home), we file a Motion to Suppress. If the judge agrees the evidence was obtained illegally, it cannot be used against you, which often leads to the felony charges being dismissed entirely.

Can a felony conviction be expunged in Pennsylvania?

Generally, a felony conviction cannot be expunged unless you receive a Governor’s Pardon. However, if we successfully negotiate your felony down to a misdemeanor, or if the charges are dismissed at the preliminary hearing, you may be eligible for expungement or sealing through the Department of Court Records on the first floor of the Courthouse.

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.