Pennsylvania felony charges are based on a three-degree classification system. According to laws that apply to these charges, a first-degree felony identifies the most severe of offenses. The judicial system in Delaware County utilizes this classification system to impose penalties against anyone who is convicted of a felony charge. If you are facing a felony criminal charge, you should hire Delaware County Criminal Lawyers today.
Three-degree Classification System
According to the three-degree classification system for felony charges utilized in Pennsylvania, first-degree offenses incur a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison with fines that do not exceed $25,000. These crimes include but not limited to rape, arson in which people are endangered, and kidnapping.
Second-degree offenses receive a sentence that does not exceed ten years in prison and acquire fines that are no larger than $25,000. These crimes include but are not limited to statutory sexual assault, indecent assault, and burglary in which the property was not occupied.
A third-degree offense is punishable by no more than seven years and incurs fines that do not exceed $15,000. These crimes include but not limited to institutional sexual assault of a minor, terrorist threats, and reckless use of fire or explosives.
Unclassified Crimes
However, if the charge is first-degree murder, capital murder, or a similar charge, the accused is facing life in prison or the death penalty in Pennsylvania. Murder charges are not subject to the three-degree classification, and penalties are imposed by judges based on the circumstances of the crime.
Statute of Limitations
In the state of Pennsylvania, there isn’t an existing statute of limitations for any murder charges. The prosecution can file formal charges against anyone in which they possess evidence that leads them to believe that they could acquire a conviction. However, all other crimes have a statute of limitations of twelve years. At any time that this limitation has expired the state is unable to file charges. If you were arrested for a crime in which this statute has expired, you should contact Delaware County Philadelphia Criminal Lawyers to help you to acquire a dismissal of these criminal charges.
