What is Considered a Violent Crime in PA?

There are many crimes that a person can be accused of in Pennsylvania. Crimes are generally classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, with misdemeanors being less severe than felonies. Felonies often include violent crimes but can also encompass serious non-violent offenses.

Under Consolidated Statutes, Title 42, § 9714, “crimes of violence” encompasses many crimes, including murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, use of weapons of mass destruction, strangulation, trafficking of persons, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, incest, sexual assault, arson, ecoterrorism, kidnapping, burglary robbery, and drug delivery resulting in death.

These crimes are classified into several categories:

• First-degree felonies. These include rape, kidnapping, and arson endangering people.
• Second-degree felonies. These include indecent assault, statutory sexual assault, and burglary when no one is present in the building.
• Third-degree felonies. These include carrying a gun without a permit, institutional sexual assault of a minor, and terroristic threats.
• Non-categorized felonies. These include first, second, and third-degree murder and first, second, and third-degree murder of an unborn child.

There is a maximum penalty associated with every felony offense. Here are some examples:

• First-degree murder: Mandatory death or life imprisonment
• Second-degree murder: Mandatory life imprisonment
• First-degree felony: Up to a 20-year prison sentence and $25,000 in fines
• Second-degree felony: Up to a 10-year prison sentence and $25,000 in fines
• Third-degree felony: Up to a seven-year prison sentence and $15,000 in fines

Courts do not consistently impose the maximum sentence. Rather, individual sentences can differ significantly based on various factors, such as the circumstances of the case and prior offenses. Also, felonies that are not categorized under one of the three felony degrees have separate sentencing. Violent or dangerous crimes are graded as criminal homicide, felony, misdemeanor, and occasionally as summary violations.​

The factors that determine how a violent or dangerous crime is graded are the accused’s suspected intent and the result of the act, such as the level of threat or injury caused. The offense may be enhanced based on the victim’s age or condition, as well as the use of weapons.

Being convicted of a violent crime in Pennsylvania has life-changing consequences. You could be in prison for many years. You may be required to pay thousands of dollars in fines. You could face issues with housing and employment.

There is a lot at stake. If you are arrested for a violent crime, stay silent. Do not talk to the police. You should contact a lawyer right away to protect your legal rights.

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Some crimes are more serious than others. Violent crimes in Pennsylvania can result in felony charges, hefty fines, jail time, and more.

If you have been accused of a crime in Harrisburg, PA, get help from a criminal defense lawyer from Mette, Attorneys at Law. We will fight for your legal rights and defend you from the charges you face. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling (717) 232-5000.