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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.

5,000+ Cases
Credibility & Experience
More Than $20 Million Collected
Track Record of Success
Former Chief Philadelphia Defender
Managing a Criminal Defense Practice of 250 Attorneys

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.

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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

At Tauber Law, we have over 25 years experience and handle all types of violent crime cases including homicide, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and more. Mr. Tauber is also a domestic violence lawyer who handles spousal assaults.
Types of White Collar Federal Crimes We Handle

Murder

First degree murder is an intentional killing, while second degree murder is a killing that occurs during the commission of another crime. Both carry a mandatory life sentence. Third degree murder is charged in all other cases of murder. A homicide defense attorney is key to successfully defending a murder charge.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is a killing done by a person who mistakenly believes he is justified or is suddenly overcome by intense passion resulting from a serious provocation.  Involuntary manslaughter is a killing that occurs from negligence or recklessness. A homicide lawyer is critical in amanslaughter case.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping occurs when a person is taken a substantial distance or is confined for a long time by threat, force or deception for
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

Robbery is a theft from a person with the threat or use of force and is always a felony.  Mr. Tauber is a Philadelphia robbery attorney with vast experience constructing successful defenses in robbery cases.

Aggravated Assault

Aggravated assault occurs when a person attempts or causes serious bodily injury to another person.  Bodily injury with a deadly weapon is also aggravated assault.  Any assault on police or certain designated officials is always an 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

Federal law covers many of the same violent crimes commonly prosecuted in state courts.  Federal cases differ in significant ways: punishment is often more severe and prosecutors generally have more resources to investigate cases through the FBI, DEA, and ATF.
Theft Laws in Pennsylvania

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.

Get a Free Consultation Today

If you have been charged with a violent crime, contact an attorney at Tauber Law for a free consultation.
Get a Free Consultation

Pennsylvania Potential Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction

For violent charges, a person faces sentencing by a judge who has vast discretion over whether to impose probation, house arrest, jail, or a fine. Except for murder, where a homicide lawyer in PA is needed, or second or third strike offenses, there is no mandatory sentence and the judge will rely on the state sentencing guidelines, as well as a person’s background, to determine what punishment is appropriate.

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.
For misdemeanors:
  • 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.
Potential Penalties for White-Collar Crimes in Philadelphia
Common Factors in White-Collar Crimesmoney

Defending Against Violent Crime Charges in Philadelphia

A successful violent crimes defense requires the experience, finesse, and wisdom of a seasoned attorney.  Review of the government’s evidence, gathering all available defense evidence, and completing a thorough investigation is just the start.

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

View More Case Results

Civil Rights

$9.8m

Settlement for malicious prosecution

Our client was falsely arrested, maliciously prosecuted, and served 28 years in prison. After we won our client’s exoneration, the City of Philadelphia settled the case pre-suit for a record amount.

Civil Rights

$3.8m

Settlement for malicious prosecution and false arrest

Our client was falsely accused of shooting at the police, and he was wrongfully jailed for more than three years. He was acquitted in a criminal trial, and the City of Philadelphia ultimately paid a $3.8 million settlement.

Personal Injury

$2.1M

Medical Malpractice

Surgeon left medical device in patient during surgery resulting in a critical infection.

Personal Injury

$1.5M

Automobile negligence

Fatal car accident ended with payment of all available insurance proceeds.

What Our Clients Say

Louis
Alan took on my case after I lost faith in my prior lawyer. His relentless effort and pride made me feel like he was representing his own son. In the end, I recovered nearly ten times what my prior lawyer was even seeking. The money was great but Alans counsel made me believe in our justice system.
5.0
Chester
Alan Tauber, attorney at law is one who loves the law and loves practicing law. He holds a passion for the fight of and in it. Not only is Alan Tauber a great legal mind of the law, he is a man of integrity. Attorney Alan Tauber represented me for well over 15 years as we battled to right an egregious miscarriage of justice. After serving 28 years of a life sentence, it is attorney Alan Tauber who fought tirelessly to have the wrong made right. In 2019, my release and exoneration became a reality. Today Alan Tauber is still a great attorney, but more importantly, he is someone I call my friend.
5.0
Robert
Mr. Tauber's expertise was absolutely critical to my case and settlement. He helped and guided me every step of the way through a very difficult time. I never would have been able to do it without him. Having Mr. Tauber on my side is what made the difference!
5.0

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.
  • Passion

    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.
Alan Tauber

Free & Confidential Consultation

If you face criminal charges, you should act promptly to prepare a defense. Contact Tauber Law for a free confidential evaluation. Call him at (215) 575-0702 for a free, confidential consultation on your case.
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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.