Philadelphia Violent Crimes Lawyer

Pennsylvania law covers a wide spectrum of offenses under the umbrella of violent crimes. Some of the most common charges our defense attorneys handle include:

Homicide and Murder (18 Pa. C.S. § 2501–2506) First-degree murder in Pennsylvania carries a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole. Second-degree murder — felony murder — and third-degree murder carry their own severe mandatory and guideline sentences. If you are under investigation or have been charged with any degree of homicide, retaining an experienced defense attorney immediately is not optional — it is critical.

Attempted Murder (18 Pa. C.S. § 901) An attempted murder charge requires prosecutors to prove specific intent to kill. While that requirement creates opportunities for defense, a conviction still carries up to 20 years in prison. Latta Law scrutinizes every element of the prosecution’s case to challenge intent and the sufficiency of their evidence.

Aggravated Assault (18 Pa. C.S. § 2702) Aggravated assault is a first- or second-degree felony depending on the circumstances, including whether a deadly weapon was used and whether the alleged victim was a law enforcement officer or other protected person. Second-degree aggravated assault carries up to 10 years; first-degree carries up to 20. Prior convictions can trigger Pennsylvania’s “second strike” mandatory minimums, putting decades of your life at risk.

Simple Assault (18 Pa. C.S. § 2701) While simple assault is a misdemeanor in most circumstances, a conviction still means a criminal record, potential incarceration, loss of employment, and lasting consequences on your reputation. When the alleged facts can support either a simple assault or an aggravated assault charge, early intervention by a defense attorney can make an enormous difference in how the case is charged and resolved.

Robbery (18 Pa. C.S. § 3701) Robbery charges range from second-degree to first-degree felonies depending on the use or threatened use of force, the use of a weapon, and whether the victim suffered serious bodily injury. Gunpoint robbery, in particular, is treated with extreme severity in Philadelphia courts. A conviction can mean 10 to 20 years in prison even for a first offense when aggravating factors are present.

Domestic Violence Domestic violence charges in Philadelphia often involve both criminal prosecution and Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders. A conviction can result in incarceration, the permanent loss of your right to possess a firearm under federal law, and devastating effects on child custody proceedings. Latta Law handles the criminal defense alongside the PFA proceedings to give you the most comprehensive protection available.

Kidnapping (18 Pa. C.S. § 2901) Kidnapping is a first-degree felony in Pennsylvania punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The charge can arise in a wide range of circumstances, including family disputes, and carries consequences that extend far beyond the sentence itself.

Recklessly Endangering Another Person (REAP) (18 Pa. C.S. § 2705) REAP charges are frequently added to other violent crime allegations and, while a misdemeanor of the second degree, can meaningfully affect plea negotiations, sentencing, and your record. Understanding how REAP interacts with the primary charges in your case requires experienced legal analysis.

Arson (18 Pa. C.S. § 3301) Arson charges carry potential sentences of up to 20 years and are aggressively prosecuted in Philadelphia, particularly when injuries are alleged or when investigators suspect insurance fraud as a motive.

Firearms and Weapons Offenses (VUFA) Philadelphia’s Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act charges — including possession of a firearm without a license, carrying without a license in a vehicle, and possession by a prohibited person — are prosecuted vigorously in Philadelphia County. Even when no violence actually occurred, a weapons charge in connection with an underlying offense dramatically increases sentencing exposure.

Penalties for Violent Crime Convictions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Offense Gravity Score (OGS) and Prior Record Score (PRS) system means that violent crime sentences can increase dramatically based on your history. Here is what you should know:

A first-degree felony carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. A second-degree felony carries a maximum of 10 years. Third-degree felonies carry up to 7 years. But the guidelines — and mandatory minimums where they apply — can require judges to sentence far above the minimum even for first-time offenders when the offense gravity score is high.

Pennsylvania’s “Three Strikes” law means that a third conviction for certain qualifying violent offenses triggers a mandatory minimum of 25 to 50 years in prison. Even a second qualifying offense can carry a mandatory minimum of 10 to 20 years. The existence of prior convictions makes retaining an experienced violent crimes attorney all the more urgent.

When a deadly weapon is possessed or used during a violent crime, Pennsylvania’s Deadly Weapon Enhancement applies. Whether the weapon was used or merely possessed results in different sentencing matrices — but both increase the standard range sentence significantly. A skilled attorney understands how to challenge weapon enhancements and ensure that your sentencing exposure is calculated correctly.

How Latta Law Defends Philadelphia Violent Crime Cases

Every violent crime case is different, and a defense that works in one case may be entirely wrong for another. At Latta Law, our defense strategy begins with a thorough, independent investigation of the facts. That investigation is the foundation of everything that follows.

Challenging the Evidence Physical evidence in violent crime cases — DNA, ballistics, surveillance footage, fingerprints — is only as reliable as the methods used to collect and analyze it. Our attorneys examine whether evidence was properly collected, preserved, and tested. We retain independent forensic experts when necessary and challenge the prosecution’s experts aggressively.

Eyewitness Identification Challenges Research consistently shows that eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions in violent crime cases. Philadelphia’s own court system has adopted special jury instructions on eyewitness testimony because of this well-documented problem. When your case rests on an eyewitness identification, we scrutinize every aspect of how that identification was made — lineup procedures, lighting conditions, distance, witness stress, and more.

Self-Defense and Justification Pennsylvania’s self-defense statute (18 Pa. C.S. § 505) permits the use of force when a person reasonably believes that such force is immediately necessary to protect themselves or another person from unlawful force. When the facts support a self-defense argument, Latta Law presents it forcefully and clearly to the jury. We have successfully argued self-defense in cases involving serious charges where the evidence demonstrated that our client acted to protect themselves from real and immediate danger.

Suppression of Unlawfully Obtained Evidence If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights through an unlawful stop, search, or seizure — or violated your Fifth Amendment rights by questioning you without proper Miranda warnings — evidence obtained as a result may be suppressible. A successful suppression motion can result in the dismissal of charges entirely or significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Negotiation for Reduced Charges Not every case goes to trial, and not every case should. When the evidence makes a trial difficult, Latta Law’s attorneys negotiate strategically with Philadelphia prosecutors to secure the best possible outcome — whether that is a reduction to a lesser charge, a favorable plea agreement, or entry into a diversionary program where eligible.

Why Choose Latta Law for Your Philadelphia Violent Crimes Defense

Philadelphia’s criminal courts are competitive terrain. The prosecutors handling violent crime cases in the Homicide, Major Crimes, and Felony Waiver units are experienced and aggressive. You need a defense attorney who matches that experience and aggression on your behalf.

At Latta Law, we have deep experience handling serious criminal charges in Philadelphia County and the surrounding counties, including Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks. We appear regularly in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and are familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures that will govern your case.

We communicate with our clients clearly and consistently. We explain the charges, the potential consequences, and the options in plain language. And we are available when you need us — because when you are facing a violent crime charge, you should never feel like your attorney is unreachable.

If you or a family member has been arrested or is under investigation for a violent crime in Philadelphia, call Latta Law today. We offer free consultations and are ready to begin working on your defense immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philadelphia Violent Crimes Defense

What should I do if I’m arrested for a violent crime in Philadelphia? Exercise your right to remain silent immediately and ask for an attorney before answering any questions. Do not try to explain yourself to the police, even if you believe you are innocent. Anything you say can — and very likely will — be used against you. Contact Latta Law as soon as possible so we can intervene early and protect your rights from the start.

What is the difference between first-degree and second-degree murder in Pennsylvania? First-degree murder requires proof of a willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing. Second-degree murder — also called felony murder — applies when a killing occurs during the commission of certain felonies, even without premeditation. Both carry mandatory life sentences in Pennsylvania, though the available defenses differ significantly.

Can a violent crime charge be reduced or dismissed? Yes. The outcome depends on the strength of the evidence, the availability of legal defenses, and the skill of your attorney. Charges are sometimes reduced through pre-trial motions, suppression hearings, or negotiation with the prosecutor. Charges can also be dismissed entirely when evidence is insufficient or was obtained unlawfully. An experienced defense attorney will identify every opportunity to challenge and reduce your exposure.

How does self-defense work in Pennsylvania violent crime cases? Under Pennsylvania law, you have the right to use force to protect yourself or another person from imminent unlawful force, provided your belief in the necessity of that force was reasonable. Pennsylvania also has a “Stand Your Ground” provision that eliminates any duty to retreat in many circumstances. Successfully raising self-defense requires presenting clear, credible evidence of the threat you faced and how you responded.

Will I go to jail while my case is pending? Whether you are detained pending trial depends on the severity of the charges, your prior record, and the judge’s bail determination at your arraignment. Latta Law can argue aggressively for your release on bail or on your own recognizance. Even in serious violent crime cases, bail is sometimes granted, and having an attorney present at arraignment can significantly affect the outcome of that hearing.

How long does a violent crime case take in Philadelphia? Violent crime cases in Philadelphia can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case, the court’s docket, and whether the case proceeds to trial. While the process can be lengthy, that time is also an opportunity to build the strongest possible defense. Latta Law works efficiently and keeps clients informed throughout every stage.

What happens if I already gave a statement to the police? Statements made to police can be used against you, but they are not always fatal to your defense. The circumstances under which a statement was taken — whether you were properly Mirandized, whether the interrogation was coercive, and whether the statement is being accurately represented by the prosecution — all matter. Latta Law will review any statements you gave and determine whether grounds exist to challenge their admissibility.

Does Latta Law handle violent crime cases outside of Philadelphia? Yes. In addition to Philadelphia County, Latta Law handles violent crime cases in Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and other surrounding jurisdictions in the greater Philadelphia area.