Philadelphia Felony Offenses
A felony is a violent or non-violent crime that is more serious than a misdemeanor. Types of felony offenses include
robbery,
murder,
rape,
assault,
kidnapping, battery,
arson,
hate crimes,
child abuse and
sexual abuse.
Violent crimes involving the use of a deadly weapon, threats and/or force are felonies, especially if the offense involved a child or a person was severely injured in the incident. Many
white collar crimes such as
fraud and
embezzlement will also be charged as a felony if the
theft involved large sums of cash or property. Crimes involving racketeering and other organized criminal activities are frequently charged as felonies.
Contact a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer from our firm immediately if you have been arrested for a felony. You will need dedicated legal representation from a tough litigator who will vigorously safeguard your rights. The attorneys at Benari Law Group are highly skilled and experience d criminal lawyers who will meticulously prepare your defense. We have a successful record representing clients accused of felonies, and can be relied on to aggressively challenge the case presented by the prosecution. Regardless of the seriousness of the charges against you, we will fight to protect your freedom.
Penalties for Felony Crimes
If you have been arrested for a felony crime, you are facing severe consequences that can significantly affect your life, such as:
- Imprisonment
- Heavy fines and restitution
- Court-ordered psychiatric treatment
- Vehicle forfeiture
- Loss of driving privileges
- Sex offender registration
The penalty you could face depends largely on your charges. In the case of murder, your sentence would depend on whether you face a first degree, second degree or third degree murder charge. If a person is convicted of a first degree murder, he/she could face life in prison or the death penalty. Or in the case of a second or third degree murder conviction, the defendant can be sentenced to life in prison. In the same manner, penalties for theft crimes also vary. For first degree theft or any theft over $10,000, an offender could face more than 10 years in prison. For second degree theft or theft over $5000, a defendant could also face up to 10 years in prison. Or if a defendant is convicted of third degree theft, or theft over $2000, he/she could receive a sentence of one to seven years in prison.
Often a judge factors in things such as a defendant's previous record, before sentencing. Other circumstances that can result in a harsher penalty include: whether the offense involved a minor, whether the offense involved a weapon and so forth. Because most felonies result in a level three to five score, a defendant usually spends time in either county or state prison. General guidelines to keep in mind are as follows:
- Felony in the first degree: 10-20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000
- Felony in the second degree: 5-10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000
- Felony in the third degree: 3.5-7 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000
A criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia can walk you through your charges and let you know in advance whether you face a felony in the first, second or third degree. One of the best things you can do is be knowledgeable and prepared for your case. You will always fear more what you have not been adequately informed of and The Benari Law Group is prepared to advise you about what constitutes a felony offense, what penalty you face and whether or not your felony could be expunged, if you are convicted.
Expunging a Conviction
Besides varying in penalties, different felony convictions also dictate whether or not you are eligible to have your record expunged. Certain felonies cannot be expunged from an offender's record and these include:
- Rape
- Statutory sexual assault
- Involuntary statutory sexual intercourse
- Prostitution offenses
- Aggravated indecent assault
- Obscene materials/performances
Because your life and record are on the line, it is important you receive counsel and guidance from a criminal defense attorney as soon as you have been charged with a felony offense. Our knowledgeable attorneys can investigate your case and draw upon our vast amount of resources and experience to formulate an effective defense on your behalf. We will use whatever legal measures are necessary to seek a case dismissal or reduced charges, or when possible a complete acquittal at trial. We are ready to start work on building a defense in your alleged felony matter. Contact our firm if you have been arrested for a felony to discuss your legal options and possible defense strategies!