Lackawanna Felonies Attorney
Skilled & Tenacious Legal Representation in Criminal Courts
A diverse number of crimes are considered felonies in Pennsylvania, including those deemed violent crimes as well as crimes of a nonviolent nature.
In some criminal cases, an offense is automatically classified as a felony.
In other cases, an offense may be considered a “wobbler,” in which it could be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the nature of the crime, its circumstances, the extent of harm caused to alleged victims, and the criminal history of the accused.
No matter what type of felony charges you face in Lackawanna County including surrounding counties, you can turn to our highly-qualified criminal defense trial lawyer at Bernard J. Brown, Esq., LLC.
Attorney Bernie Brown has achieved specialist certification in both state and federal death penalty cases.
Our Lackawanna felonies lawyer can take on even the most complex and difficult of felony arrests and charges, from interstate fraud to first-degree murder.
Is Jail Time Mandatory for Felony Crimes in PA?
Not all felony crimes in PA require jail time. The court will decide the sentence based on the crime and your criminal history.
However, some criminal charges have mandatory minimum sentences, like murder, rape, and aggravated assault.
Charged with a felony? Get competent legal guidance from our Lackawanna County criminal defense attorney at Bernard J. Brown, Esq., LLC in a confidential consultation.
Contact us online or at (570) 676-1553 24/7. We serve Lackawanna County including Wayne, Wyoming, Pike, and Susquehanna, County.
Felony Charges in Pennsylvania Courts
Crimes in Pennsylvania are classified according to the Statutes of Pennsylvania Title 18 § 106.
Felonies generally fall into three categories with maximum sentences as follows:
- First-degree Felonies. These are punishable by up to 20 years in prison
- Second-degree Felonies. These carry up to 20 years in prison
- Third-degree Felonies. These carry up to seven years in prison.
The above sentences are referred to as “indeterminate” which means that a minimum and a maximum term will be imposed by the court. Maximums cannot exceed the sentences listed above while minimums cannot exceed more than half of the maximum terms. Some felonies carry fixed terms as set by law.
An example of this is a conviction for rape of a minor below the age of 13 which is punished by 40 years or life in prison, depending on whether the alleged victim suffered a serious injury.
You can also be penalized for felony convictions with fines of up to $15,000 for third-degree felonies, up to $25,000 for first- or second-degree felonies, and up to $50,000 for attempted murder or murder.
Examples of felonies include but are not limited to:
- Murder and attempted murder
- Kidnapping
- Rape
- Aggravated assault and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Arson that endangers life
- Theft of property ranging from $2,000 up to more than $500,000
- Sexual assault
- Manslaughter
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Possession of child pornography
- Drug distribution, sales, or trafficking
- Certain weapons crimes
- Certain white-collar crimes, such as fraud committed against governmental agencies, Ponzi schemes, document forgery, and more.
Additional penalties that you may face in felony convictions can include restitution to victims, lengthy probation, and mandatory sex offender registration for serious sex offenses.
When facing felony crimes in Lackawanna County, putting a proven criminal defense lawyer on your criminal case is imperative. At our law firm, you will have the advantage of Attorney Brown’s exclusive focus on criminal law, his lengthy experience, trial skills, and thorough preparation of your criminal case.
Our law firm is here to act as your tenacious ally and advocate against state or federal prosecutors.
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Trusted Family Legacy of Criminal Defense
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Available Any Time You Need Us
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30 Jury Trials to Verdict
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (570) 676-1553.