What Is Considered a Violent Crime in Pennsylvania?

On Behalf of Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices

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Sep 02, 2025

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Violent Crimes

What is considered a violent crime in Pennsylvania depends on whether the offense involves force, a threat of force, or physical harm to another person. These crimes are among the most serious in the State and carry harsh penalties with long-lasting consequences. Examples include aggravated assault, robbery, homicide, rape, and various firearms violations.

Penalties can include many years in prison, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record. In many instances, a person’s life outside of the courtroom can be negatively impacted by a criminal accusation, even before it is proven in court. This may include job loss, housing opportunities, and general reputation in the community. Understanding Pennsylvania law’s definitions for these crimes is essential since they lead to serious consequences.

Hire a Violent Crime Lawyer

At Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, decades of trial experience back every violent crime case we handle. Our team is active in the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Allegheny County Bar Association, demonstrating both professional credibility and a proven ability to defend serious violent crime allegations.

Assault and Aggravated Assault

Assault is one of the most charged violent crimes in Pennsylvania. Simple assault (18 Pa. C.S. § 2701) is the Act of causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to another, while aggravated assault (18 Pa. C.S. § 2702) is simple assault, causing serious bodily injury or an assault with a deadly weapon.

Aggravated assault is a felony and can result in long prison sentences. In the Western District of Pennsylvania, 17 federal cases in 2023 involved robbery and 12 involved sexual abuse, showing how violent crime charges are a significant portion of federal prosecutions.

Robbery and Related Offenses

Robbery is defined as the taking of another’s property by using force, threatening the use of force, or causing injury. Robbery is a variation of burglary (18 Pa. C.S. § 3502) or theft (18 Pa. C.S. § 3921), as it also involves the taking of property. However, it includes force or the threat of violence.

It is considered a violent crime due to the intimidation or threat of injury. Robbery can be charged as a first-degree felony, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison depending on the severity of the conduct.

Homicide and Other Deadly Crimes

Under Pennsylvania law, homicide is one of the most severely punished offenses. First-degree murder (18 Pa. C.S. § 2502) mandates a sentence of life in prison or, in exceptional cases, death. Voluntary (§ 2503) and involuntary manslaughter (§ 2504) carry felony penalties and less blameworthiness, respectively, but are also serious offenses.

Other felonies of violence include rape (§ 3121) and some firearms offenses (§ 6105). Offenses such as these result in long prison terms and lifetime social stigma to the convicted and their families.

FAQs

Can Someone Be Charged With a Violent Crime Without Causing Injury?

You can be charged with a violent crime in Pennsylvania even when no one is hurt. Charges can be based on threats, attempts, or the use of a weapon. An accusation of a violent crime may be based on conduct that causes fear or risk of harm in addition to actual harm.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Violent Crime Conviction?

The long-term implications of being convicted of a violent crime in Pennsylvania can be significant. Legal consequences include the possibility of imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record. Convictions can also impact an individual’s ability to obtain employment, housing, or professional licenses. A conviction can also affect a person’s right to firearm possession, reputation, and relationships. Due to the serious potential consequences, it is important to be proactive in preparing a defense.

How Do Pennsylvania Courts Treat Violent Crime Cases?

Pennsylvania courts are very serious about violent crime cases. The prosecutor is likely to seek maximum penalties, and the judge will consider the seriousness of the offense and the defendant’s criminal record. Violent crimes are fast-tracked on court dockets, so these cases move quickly and need complete preparation and skillful advocacy at every stage.

What Should I Do If I Am Accused of a Violent Crime?

Contact an attorney as soon as possible if you are facing a violent crime charge in Pennsylvania. Under no circumstances should you converse with police officers or any other individual unless your attorney is present, because anything you say may become evidence against you during your trial. A qualified criminal defense attorney safeguards your rights while examining your case details to create a personalized defense approach.

Are All Violent Crimes in Pennsylvania Charged as Felonies?

In Pennsylvania, not every violent crime is charged as a felony. Some violent crimes, like simple assault, are sometimes charged as misdemeanors. Offenses such as aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide constitute felonies because of their serious nature. These more serious charges also carry far more severe penalties. The severity of the felony charge is based upon many factors, including, but not limited to, the amount of harm that was caused, the weapons involved, and the accused’s previous criminal record.

Pennsylvania Violent Crime Lawyer

When the term violent crime is mentioned, people often envision the most serious offenses under the law. In Pennsylvania, charges for these types of crimes carry some of the harshest penalties in the State. If convicted, a defendant faces a long prison sentence, steep fines, and a criminal record that can affect almost every area of his or her life.

Even if you have not been convicted, the mere accusation of committing a violent crime can cause significant hardships with employment, housing, and personal relationships.

The attorneys at Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices understand that violent crime charges are some of the most serious that a person can face. We have decades of combined criminal defense experience, and we can thoroughly review the facts of your case, attack any weaknesses, and fight to protect your rights.

If you have been charged with a violent crime, turn to Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices for experienced and trusted legal counsel. Book a consultation today to find out how our team can put their knowledge and experience to work for you.