First-Degree Felony

A First-Degree Felony in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, often referred to as F1, represents one of the most serious crimes an individual can commit. If you have been charged with a first-degree felony, it’s critical to act quickly and consult an experienced Uniontown criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group for immediate assistance.

Understanding Felonies and Their Degrees

Crimes in the United States are divided into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are regarded as the most serious offenses and are further broken down into three degrees. Among them, first-degree felonies carry the harshest penalties, whereas third-degree felonies are considered less severe.

A conviction of a first-degree felony can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years. This not only affects your freedom but also imposes long-term challenges. Concerns about supporting your family, maintaining employment, and rebuilding your reputation are just the beginning. To safeguard your future, seeking legal support from a skilled Uniontown DUI lawyer is undoubtedly crucial.

Even after serving your sentence, the consequences of a conviction may linger. Employers often hesitate to hire individuals with a criminal record, making it difficult to gain meaningful employment. Additionally, a felony conviction may lead to prohibitions on owning firearms and serving in the military.

What Does “First-Degree Felony” Mean?

Among all felony classifications, first-degree felonies carry the most severe penalties, which include:

• Imprisonment for up to 20 years.
• Fines amounting to as high as $25,000.

Examples of First-Degree Felonies

Certain crimes that fall under the first-degree felony category include:

• Rape.
• Voluntary manslaughter.
• Kidnapping.
• Aggravated assault on personnel such as prison employees, police officers, or court officers.

Sentencing for First-Degree Felonies

Grading Sentences

Sentencing for a first-degree felony is influenced by several factors. Pennsylvania employs sentencing guidelines that assign each crime an Offense Gravity Score (OGS) to reflect its severity. The higher the OGS, the more significant the offense.

Additionally, a person’s past criminal history is considered through a Prior Record Score (PRS). The PRS assigns higher scores to individuals with multiple convictions.

Sentencing judges evaluate both the OGS and PRS when determining punishment. If you have a low OGS and limited prior offenses, your guideline sentence may be reduced. However, Pennsylvania judges have discretion to deviate from the guidelines if there are aggravating or mitigating factors.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Some crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, requiring judges to impose a specific penalty regardless of circumstances. Even if you are a first-time offender with no prior criminal record, these mandatory sentencing laws must be enforced.

How a Criminal Lawyer Can Help

At Logue Law Group, our skilled Uniontown criminal lawyers are committed to providing clarity and direction for your case. Our team will thoroughly examine possible mitigating factors and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation. Facing a first-degree felony charge alone is never advisable.

If you are charged with a felony in Fayette County, we highly recommend reaching out to one of our seasoned criminal defense lawyers at Logue Law Group. Dial 844.PITT.DUI or connect with us online to get started on fortifying your defense. Time is of the essence; hiring an experienced Uniontown DUI lawyer promptly can greatly improve the outcome of your case.

Learn More About Pennsylvania Offense Classes and Gravity Scores

For additional details on Pennsylvania’s offense classifications and sentencing guidelines, refer to Title 204, Chapter 303 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code.

To secure the best possible legal support and protect your future, contact Logue Law Group today. Our dedicated Uniontown criminal lawyers are here to guide you through every step of your legal process.