Criminal charges come with serious legal consequences, and violent criminal charges carry even harsher punishments and fines. To qualify as a violent crime, the offense must involve the use of physical force, the credible threat of physical force, or the infliction of physical harm. Violent crimes are often felonies, which means convictions can be life-altering. If you’ve been charged with a violent crime, reach out for the skilled legal guidance of our experienced Greensburg violent crimes lawyer, Andrew F. Skala, Esq., today.
Violent Crimes Defined
In Greensburg and across the State of Pennsylvania, violent crimes refer to any crimes in which any one of the following is the primary element of the offense:
- The use of physical force against the other person
- A credible threat of using physical force against the other person
- The attempted use of physical force against the other person
The victim does not have to be injured for the perpetrator to be charged with a violent crime. Violent crimes are closely associated with outright violence, intimidation, and the use of threats that cause the victim to genuinely fear being seriously harmed. When a weapon enters the picture, the severity of the underlying crime is enhanced.
Primary Categories of Violent Crimes in Pennsylvania
While every charge that relates to a violent crime is unique to the specifics involved, most such charges break down into common categories.
Assault and Aggravated Assault
Assault is the most common violent criminal charge in Greensburg. Simple assault is the act of causing or attempting to cause someone else to suffer physical harm. Aggravated assault, on the other hand, is the act of causing or attempting to cause someone else to suffer serious physical harm. Assault with a deadly weapon also qualifies as aggravated assault.
Robbery
Robbery is the violent crime of using force to take someone else’s property. Credibly threatening to use force or causing the other person to be physically injured are also classified as robbery. In the State of Pennsylvania, robbery is an enhanced form of theft, and it comes with enhanced penalties to match.
Sexual Offenses
When the sexual offense involves force or credible threat or when the victim is a minor, it’s charged as a violent crime. Examples include rape, aggravated indecent assault, and involuntary deviate sexual intercourse.
Homicide and Other Deadly Forms of Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are all serious, but the most serious among them are those that result in fatalities. These include every degree of murder, voluntary manslaughter, and drug delivery that results in death.
Our Experienced Greensburg Violent Crimes Attorney Is in Your Corner
Andrew Skala is our dedicated Greensburg violent crimes lawyer at Andrew F. Skala, Esq. Andrew appreciates the severity of the charge you’re facing and will spare no effort in his focused pursuit of a favorable case outcome for you. To learn more about everything we can do to help, please don’t delay contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 724-493-9044 today.