Violent Crimes

Violent crime offenses are some of the most serious charges you can face. Many are felony charges and can result in serious jail time and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. If you have been charged with a violent crime, it is critical that you immediately find representation with the skill and experience to aggressively fight the charges and protect your rights and your freedom.

At the Law Offices of John J. Fioravanti Jr., we understand the grave impact of a violent crime, and our Bucks County lawyer will quickly move to confront the charges. We can also work with prosecutors to help achieve the best possible outcome. We have decades of experience fighting these types of criminal charges and will do everything possible to protect you.

Even A So-Called Minor Charge Can Seriously Impact Your Future

Some violent crime charges may not seem like that big of a deal to the convicted person. This could include assault and battery charges resulting from a bar fight or an altercation. A person could be charged with domestic assault after a fight with a spouse or family member. You may think that these charges will go away or have little impact on your future. However, a conviction could result in jail time, losing contact with your children and a criminal record that employers and the public will be able to access.

In more serious cases, the violent crime charge will have a serious impact on your liberties and your future. Homicide, attempted homicide, accessory to murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and certain weapons charges carry lengthy prison sentences.

Beyond jail or prison, even a so-called minor conviction can carry lasting legal and personal consequences. These may include the following impacts:

• Fines and restitution requirements that can create long-term financial strain
• Probation or parole conditions that restrict daily freedom and movement
• Loss of firearm rights under federal and Pennsylvania law
• Loss of voting rights for certain felony convictions
• Employment barriers and difficulty obtaining professional licenses such as healthcare or teaching certifications
• Housing restrictions that limit rental and housing opportunities
• Immigration consequences, including potential detention or deportation for noncitizens
• Sex offender registration requirements for certain qualifying offenses

The Law Offices of John J. Fioravanti Jr. protects a client’s future and builds the strongest possible defense from the outset in challenging criminal matters.

Types Of Violent Crimes In Pennsylvania

Violent crime charges cover a wide range of offenses, each carrying different levels of penalties depending on severity, intent and harm caused:

• Homicide charges: Includes murder, manslaughter and related offenses involving the unlawful taking of another person’s life.
• Assault charges: Covers simple and aggravated assault, often arising from physical altercations, bar fights or domestic disputes.
• Robbery and burglary: Robbery involves force or threat during theft, while burglary involves unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime.
• Domestic violence offenses: Includes assault, harassment or related charges involving family or household members.
• Weapons offenses: Covers illegal possession, use or carrying of firearms or prohibited weapons.
• Sexual assault/rape: Involves nonconsensual sexual contact or penetration.
• Kidnapping and unlawful restraint: Includes unlawfully confining or moving a person against their will.

Even first-time offenders may face significant prison exposure, probation terms and lasting criminal records that follow them for life.

Defense Strategies Against Violent Crime Charges

Common defenses include:

• Self-defense or defense of others: Arguing that force was used to protect oneself or another person from immediate harm.
• Mistaken identity/alibi: Showing the accused was not present or was incorrectly identified as the perpetrator.
• Lack of intent (mens rea): Demonstrating there was no criminal intent to cause harm or commit a crime.
• False accusations: Establishing that allegations were fabricated due to personal conflict, revenge or misunderstanding.
• Insufficient evidence: Challenging the prosecution’s inability to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Constitutional violations such as an illegal search or coerced confession: Suppressing evidence obtained unlawfully or through rights violations.
• Duress or coercion: Showing the accused was forced to commit the act under threat of harm.
• Insanity defense (if applicable): Arguing the accused lacked mental capacity to understand the nature or wrongfulness of the act.

These defenses require careful legal analysis and strong courtroom strategy.

Offering Representation You Can Trust

With so much on the line, it is important that you have an attorney who understands how these charges work and what can be done to fight them. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest and seek to minimize the charges.

To learn more about how we can aggressively fight to protect your rights and your future, please contact our Doylestown, Pennsylvania, law firm today at 1-215-348-9133 or by email.