What should I do if I’ve been arrested for a violent crime?

When you are arrested, you need to exercise your constitutional rights as an arrestee. First, you have the right to remain silent while under arrest. This means you have no obligation to speak to the police or to answer their questions about your charges or other potential crimes. After you are placed under arrest and the police attempt to ask you questions, firmly but politely inform the officers that you want to exercise your right to remain silent and will not answer questions. Second, you have the right to an attorney, including the right to consult with a lawyer before any police questioning. Let the officers know as soon as possible that you want to talk to a criminal defense attorney; the police should not question you until you’ve had a chance to do so.

What are some potential defenses to violent crime charges?

You may have various defenses to a violent crime charge, depending on the facts of your case. For example, you might claim that you acted in self-defense or in defense of others to prevent the alleged victim from attempting to injure you or someone else. You might also contest the identity of the perpetrator of the crime, including by challenging the reliability of the victim’s or eyewitnesses’ identification or providing an alibi.

Pennsylvania Violent Crime Lawyer | Violent Crimes Attorney Kingston, PA

Violent Crimes Attorney in Kingston, PA, Advocates for the Rights and Reputations of Clients Facing Charges in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Columbia County, and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania

Have you been accused of committing a violent crime in Pennsylvania? When you’re facing violent crime charges, it can seem like the entire criminal justice system is against you. A Pennsylvania violent crime lawyer from Muckler Law, LLC, can level the playing field for you and guide you through the criminal process to help you secure a favorable outcome in your case. For over a decade, Attorney Matthew Muckler has provided compassionate, empathetic, dedicated legal representation to clients facing criminal charges in Lackawanna and Luzerne County and across Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has worked tirelessly to build a proven record of results and a reputation for skillfully going head-to-head with prosecutors. As a former assistant district attorney, Matthew Muckler understands how prosecutors think and prepare cases, giving him an edge in identifying effective legal strategies.

If you’ve been arrested and charged with a violent crime, you may be facing serious penalties and consequences. Don’t leave your future to chance. Get help from a seasoned violent crimes attorney in Kingston, PA, to defend your rights and reputation. Contact Muckler Law, LLC, for a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options with us.

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Types of Violent Crime Charges Our Firm Can Help You Face

At Muckler Law, LLC, a Pennsylvania violent crime lawyer can help you face and defend yourself against serious violent crime charges. Examples of violent crimes under Pennsylvania law include:

Criminal homicide, or causing the death of another human being, including through the offenses of murder (premeditated killing), voluntary manslaughter (intentional killing motivated by sudden and intense passion or provocation), or involuntary manslaughter (death that occurs through reckless or grossly negligent acts).
Assault, including simple assault, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, harassment, or stalking.
Kidnapping, including unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, criminal coercion, and interference with child custody.
Sexual offenses, including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, and indecent assault.
Arson, or causing or starting a fire or explosion that recklessly places another person in danger of death or injury or for the purpose of damaging or destroying an inhabited structure.
Burglary, which includes the act of entering a building or occupied structure or separately secured portion of a structure designed for overnight accommodation and committing, attempting, or threatening a bodily injury crime.
Robbery, which can include inflicting or threatening injury in the course of committing a theft or taking property from someone else’s person through the use of force.

Penalties for a Violent Crime Conviction in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, most violent crimes are graded as first- or second-degree felonies. Maximum penalties for a first-degree felony include up to 20 years in prison, while maximum penalties for second-degree felonies include up to 10 years in prison, plus potential fines. However, certain violent offenses carry harsher penalties, including certain sexual crimes and criminal homicide offenses, which can have penalties ranging upwards of 30 or 40 years to life imprisonment or capital punishment.

How Can a Pennsylvania Violent Crime Lawyer Defend You Against Serious Charges?

Because of the seriousness of violent crimes, law enforcement and prosecutors leverage their substantial resources to investigate and prosecute suspects. When you’ve been accused of committing a violent crime, you need dedicated legal counsel to level the playing field and give you the best possible chance at obtaining a favorable resolution in your case. Let a violent crimes attorney in Kingston, PA, from Muckler Law, LLC, help you face your charges by:

Independently and thoroughly investigating your case instead of simply relying on evidence turned over by prosecutors
Reviewing the facts and circumstances to evaluate potential case strategies that may help you favorably resolve your charges
Helping you make informed decisions at each stage of the case by explaining your charges and potential outcomes, answering questions as they arise, and keeping you in the loop throughout the prosecution
Challenging the case against you at every possible opportunity by filing motions to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence or statements or to reduce or dismiss your charges when the state lacks sufficient evidence
Presenting a compelling defense on your behalf if you decide to go to trial to fight your charges

Contact Muckler Law, LLC, for a Free Case Evaluation to Speak with a Violent Crimes Attorney in Kingston, PA, About Your Legal Options

After being charged with a violent crime, let a Pennsylvania violent crime lawyer from Muckler Law, LLC, advocate on your behalf to help you pursue a favorable resolution to your charges. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn how our firm will fight to protect your rights, freedom, and future when you face serious charges of serious violent crimes.

Pennsylvania Violent Crime Lawyer