In Pennsylvania, the law takes a strict stance on violent crimes, recognizing them as serious offenses that carry significant penalties. These crimes involve the use or threat of force against individuals, often resulting in physical harm or even death.
Pennsylvania law imposes strict consequences on those who commit violent acts. If law enforcement accuses you of a violent crime, you need to know which offenses the state categorizes under the umbrella of violent crimes. Each comes with its own set of legal definitions and repercussions.
Assault and battery
Assault and battery in Pennsylvania involve intentionally causing or attempting to cause bodily harm to another person. This category can range from simple assault, where the injury might be minor, to aggravated assault, which involves serious bodily harm or the use of a deadly weapon.
Homicide
Homicide, the act of killing another person, ranks among the most severe violent crimes. In Pennsylvania, this category includes murder (intentional killing), manslaughter (killing without premeditation) and vehicular homicide (causing death through reckless or negligent use of a vehicle).
Robbery
Taking property from someone else through force or the threat of force is robbery. This crime combines theft with violence or intimidation, making it a particularly feared offense.
Rape and sexual assault
Rape and sexual assault are terrible crimes where someone forces another person to do sexual things without agreeing. Pennsylvania law takes these crimes very seriously because they cause both physical and psychological harm.
Although the total number of crimes reported in Pennsylvania dropped from 313,000 to 309,981 between 2018 and 2022, stopping violent crimes is still a high priority. The law imposes harsh punishments to try to prevent these actions and keep people safe. Understanding this can help you prepare your defense in this type of case.
