Understanding First-Degree Felonies in Beaver, Pennsylvania

Facing a first-degree felony in Beaver, also known as an F1, is serious business. These are very severe criminal charges and demand immediate action. If you’ve been charged, you need to get in touch with a seasoned Beaver Criminal Attorney right away.

In the U.S., crimes are largely split into two groups: felonies, which are more severe, and misdemeanors, which are less so. Felonies are ranked by degrees, and a first-degree felony is at the top, meaning it’s extremely serious – much more so than a third-degree.

If you’re convicted of a first-degree felony, you could be looking at up to 20 years behind bars. It’s not just freedom you lose – this outcome affects your family’s life in big ways, from financial support to general well-being. That’s why it’s crucial to seek advice from a Beaver DUI attorney if charged.

A felony conviction keeps affecting you even after you’re out of prison. Finding a good job can be tough since many employers shy away from hiring people who’ve been incarcerated. There are also the losses of gun ownership rights and military service eligibility.

What Exactly is a ‘First-Degree Felony’?

A first-degree felony comes with the heaviest penalties possible, such as:

• A prison sentence that can go up to 20 years.
• Fines that could be as high as $25,000.

Crimes like:

• Rape
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Kidnapping
• Aggravated assault against an officer fall under first-degree felonies.

Grading the Seriousness of a Sentence

A few elements are considered when deciding the penalty for a first-degree felony.

In Pennsylvania, crimes are given an Offense Gravity Score (OGS) that rates how severe a crime is. A bigger number means a more serious crime.

Your past offenses also matter. This is measured by the Prior Record Score (PRS), with higher scores for more past crimes.

The judge considers your PRS and OGS when deciding your sentence. Lower scores generally mean a lighter sentence. However, judges in Pennsylvania can alter the sentence depending on different case aspects.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Some crimes have mandatory minimum sentences, which are set periods the judge must apply as a sentence regardless of other factors. Even if it’s your first time offending, the judge still has to adhere to these minimums.

How a Beaver Criminal Lawyer Can Assist You

At Logue Law Group, our adept group of Beaver criminal attorneys will take you through your charges and explore any factors in your favor to build a strong defense. Don’t try to tackle this alone.

If faced with a felony, get in touch with us at Logue Law Group swiftly. We’re available at 844.PITT.DUI or online. Swift action is vital in these situations for the best defense.

For a Deeper Dive into Offense Classes and Scores in Pennsylvania

You can get more detailed information on the classification and rating of offenses in Pennsylvania by looking at Title 204, Chapter 303 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code.