Top-Level Violent Crimes Defense Attorney in Pennsylvania
If you are charged with a violent crime you need an experienced violent crime attorney to act immediately to fight for your liberty. Alan Tauber has over 25 years experience as a violent crimes lawyer.
Philadelphia Aggressive Homicide & Violent Crimes Lawyers
A violent crime can be charged where a person inflicts or threatens to inflict bodily injury on another person.
The government considers violent crimes to be the most serious cases it prosecutes because of the physical harm and trauma victims suffer. Penalties on conviction are the most severe, particularly where guns and other weapons are used. Jail sentences are a near certainty and usually involve a lengthy term of years. Homicides can result in mandatory life sentences without the chance of parole.
The right defense is not always obvious and a violent crime lawyer should be engaged immediately to begin the necessary investigation, to locate witnesses, video, physical evidence and possibly social media. If you or a loved one is charged with a violent crime, your liberty and reputation is at stake. To maximize the possibility of success in your case, promptly contact a violent crime attorney or a homicide attorney in Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Types of State Violent Crime Cases We Handle
Murder
Manslaughter
Kidnapping
1. Ransom;
2. To commit a felony or flea therefrom;
3. To harm or terrorize the person; or
4. To interfere with an official duty.
Robbery
Aggravated Assault
Other common violent crimes we defend include:
- Attempted Murder;
- Homicide by Vehicle;
- Involuntary Manslaughter;
- Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer;
- Assault by a Prisoner;
- Rape;
- Sexual Assault;
- Simple Assault;
- Harassment;
- Resisting Arrest;
- Reckless Endangerment of Another Person;
- Domestic Violence;
- Strangulation;
- Protection from Abuse Order;
- Stalking;
- Arson;
- Carjacking;
- Witness Intimidation/Retaliation;
- Possession of an Instrument of Crime;
- Possession of an Offensive Weapon;
- Endangering the Welfare of a Minor;
- Terroristic Threats;
Common Federal Violent Crimes Cases
Armed Robbery
Federal robbery prosecutions tend to focus on armed robberies of banks, pharmacies, and cases involving a series of different victims. Federal cases involve special rules for trial and sentencing that require the assistance of an experienced violent crime injury attorney.
Domestic Terrorism
Few charges are more serious than terrorism. There is political pressure on police to pursue domestic terror cases as evidenced by the FBI’s response to the January 6 incident. Charges include attempts to intimidate officials, kidnapping, and weapons of mass destruction.
Extortion
Extortion occurs when one person is coerced to surrender money, property, or services. Coercion can take many forms including threats of bodily injury, damage to property or harm to reputation. Penalties depend on the value and type of property involved.
Federal Civil Rights Violations
Federal criminal civil rights laws punish the deprivation of certain federal rights, privileges, or immunities. It is unlawful to commit violent and intimidating acts motivated by animus based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
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Pennsylvania Potential Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction
For violent crimes, the sentencing guidelines call for jail time. The length of that sentence or whether jail is avoidable often depends on the attorney’s ability to convince the judge that his client poses no threat and is worthy of leniency. The judge considers many factors, like whether a weapon was used, the impact on the victims, a person’s criminal history, evidence of remorse/acceptance of responsibility, and other character traits such as work history, family responsibility, and community involvement.
A judge is limited only by the maximum period of incarceration permitted by statute.
For felonies:
- Murder 1st-degree – death or mandatory life imprisonment.
- Murder 2nd-degree – mandatory life imprisonment.
- Murder 3rd degree – up to 40 years in prison
- 1st-degree Felony – up to 20 years in prison; up to $25,000 fine.
- 2nd-degree Felony – up to 10 years in prison; up to $25,000 fine.
- 3rd-degree Felony – up to 7 years in prison; up to $15,000 fine.
- 1st degree misdemeanor – up to 5 years in prison; up to $10,000 fine.
- 2nd degree misdemeanor – up to 2 years in prison; up to $5,000 fine.
Defending Against Violent Crime Charges in Philadelphia
A lawyer must then discern which theory of defense best fits the evidence. This decision must take into account what evidence the judge will allow to be presented under the rules, the credibility of potential witnesses, and whether the defense theory will make sense to a juror who will apply their common sense and moral compass. Some common defenses include mistaken identification, justification or self defense, the possibility that the complainant is fabricating his story, that the conduct was accidental and not intentional, the presence of an alibi, or the police’s unlawful search or seizure of evidence.
Where murder is charged and the stakes involve a possible life sentence without a chance of parole, an experienced homicide lawyer is critical to building a successful defense.
Our Case Studies
Civil Rights
Settlement for malicious prosecution
Civil Rights
Settlement for malicious prosecution and false arrest
Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Personal Injury
Automobile negligence
What Our Clients Say
Why Should You Hire Tauber Law Attorney for Violent Crimes Charges Defense?
Practical Experience
25 years experience as a trial attorney and the Chief Public Defender give Mr. Tauber the knowledge critical to an effective defense.
Reputation
Mr. Tauber’s service as the Chief Public Defender in Philadelphia has raised his reputation among judges and prosecutors making him a more effective negotiator.
Legal Knowledge
Mr. Tauber has a substantial appeals practice that he has used to sharpen his trial skills.
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FAQ
How much does a qualified violent crimes lawyer in Philadelphia cost?
Mounting an effective defense to criminal charges is costly. Fees can vary significantly from attorney to attorney based upon experience. Many criminal attorneys will charge flat fees to cover the cost of the entire representation while others will charge per hour which can also vary between $250 per hour to $750 per hour.
What are the four most common violent crimes in the US?
The most common violent crimes in the United States are aggravated assault (which includes domestic violence) robbery, sexual assault and homicide. Although violent crime prosecutions have been on a steady 20 year decline, it has ticked up over the past two years.
What are the main causes of violent crime?
Violence has many causes which include economic factors such as poverty which is joined with limited educational and employment opportunities. Social factors such as inequality, not sharing power, lack of support to families and neighborhoods, and real or perceived inaccessibility to services have also been identified as a cause of crime. Mental status issues and substance dependency are also significant factors.