Facing the prospect of years in prison if you are found guilty is very intimidating but also a very real scenario for many criminal defendants. Take control of your future by having our experienced attorneys work on your defense.
If you do not, you might be wrongfully convicted and face the maximum prison sentence for a charge. Most felony convictions mean several years in prison, even convictions for white-collar crimes like embezzlement or money laundering. Our attorneys can help with defenses against drug charges, weapons offenses, and violent crimes. You can best help your case by being forthcoming with our lawyers. Do not leave out any details, even if they seem insignificant.
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 for a free case assessment from our criminal defense lawyers.
Maximum Prison Sentences for Felony Convictions in Norristown
Third, second, and first-degree felonies carry different potential prison sentences, and our lawyers will explain your maximum sentence based on your charges.
Third-Degree Felonies
The longest prison sentence you will face for a third-degree felony conviction is seven years. Offenses that carry this type of charge include identity theft, carrying a concealed firearm without a license, and bribery.
Second-Degree Felonies
Second-degree felony convictions carry 10-year long prison sentences, at the longest. Whether you are charged with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, or another offense, we can help you defend against second-degree felony charges.
First-Degree Felonies
First-degree felony charges are all serious, though some come with harsher penalties. If you are convicted of rape or kidnapping in the first degree, you face up to 20 years in prison for the first offense, according to 18 Pa.C.S. § 1103(1). If you are convicted of murder in the first or second degree, you face mandatory life imprisonment. Pennsylvania still allows the death penalty, though a moratorium pausing executions has been in place throughout the state for many years.
How Can I Defend Against White Collar Crimes in Norristown?
While white-collar crimes are inherently non-violent, these financially-motivated offenses still come with serious penalties upon conviction.
Credit card fraud, officially called “access device fraud” under § 4106, is a common white-collar crime. As is tax evasion, embezzlement, and money laundering.
A common defense to white-collar crimes is lack of intent, as prosecutors generally must prove intent for a guilty verdict. If financial records or other evidence was obtained illegally, our criminal defense lawyers may get it dismissed, along with the charges against you.
White-collar crimes like money laundering, wire fraud, and tax fraud may lead to federal charges as well, not just state charges.
What Are Common Weapons Charges in Pennsylvania?
Most weapons charges are serious, and you should not face them without help from our experienced attorneys.
Possessing a Firearm with an Altered Manufacturer’s Number
Owning a firearm that has an altered manufacturer’s number, more commonly referred to as the serial number, is illegal. Even if you did not alter or remove the serial number yourself, possessing the firearm is a second-degree felony and punishable by up to 10 years in prison for that offense alone.
You may face additional charges if you have a firearm with an altered manufacturer’s number in your possession while committing another crime.
Carrying a Concealed Firearm without a License
Carrying a concealed firearm on your person, in your vehicle, or otherwise outside your home without a license is a third-degree felony, according to § 6106(a)(1). You may only be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor if you are eligible for a license despite not having one and have no other criminal violations.
The potential consequences upon conviction may also decrease along with the charge, going from seven years in prison to five.
Aggravated Assault
One example of aggravated assault is attempting to or intentionally causing bodily injury while using a “deadly weapon,” according to § 2702(4). Deadly weapons include loaded and unloaded firearms and other weapons that may be used to cause serious bodily injury, like switchblades or other knives.
This is typically charged as a second-degree felony in Pennsylvania.
What Are Frequent Juvenile Offenses in Norristown?
Drug charges are some of the most common for juveniles, as are assault and theft charges. Regardless of the reason for arrest, call our lawyers if your child gets taken into custody as a juvenile.
For most offenses, the juvenile court focuses on rehabilitation rather than confinement in detention centers. If your child was arrested on drug charges, the court may have them take special classes and focus on rehabilitating their addiction.
Unless a juvenile is a threat to themselves or others, is a flight risk, lacks guardians to care for them, or is convicted of serious charges, the risk of detention may be low, especially with our help.
How Can I Help My Norristown Criminal Defense?
You best help your defense by being fully honest with our lawyers. Tell us where you were during an alleged crime, and give us your alibi if you have one. Furthermore, tell us if anyone can testify and confirm that alibi, like a co-worker, friend, or partner.
Call us about your case as soon as possible, preferably right after an arrest. You may not yet be formally charged, and we may prevent the prosecution from filing charges if we get there soon enough. We may speak with law enforcement and explain your alibi, ensure the police do not wrongly hold you, and act with your best interest in mind.
Help your case by not discussing it with friends, the media, or anyone other than our lawyers. Posting online about the allegation or trial is also inadvisable. The prosecution may bring up online posts or statements made in the press during the trial, which might hurt your defense.
For Help Today, Call Our Criminal Defense Lawyers
Call Kenny, Burns & McGill at (215) 423-5500 for a free case analysis from our criminal defense lawyers.
