The Great Escape: No Jail Time for Philadelphia Man Escaping and Disarming an Officer
At the Logue Law Group, we recently fought a complicated case for a Philadelphia client. His encounter with a routine police officer suddenly escalated into a scuffle, and our client escaped the scene.
This scenario sounds like a guaranteed trip to state prison, right? Well, not always. And that’s because when you are facing serious felony charges, the quality of your legal representation determines whether you’re staying out or inside prison! This particular case proves the immense value of having a dedicated Pittsburgh criminal lawyer by your side. Let’s explore this case of ‘Great Escape’ where our lawyers helped our client avoid a lengthy custodial sentence.
Charges And Penalties For Resisting Arrest In Pennsylvania
Our client’s case was a case of resisting arrest, which is considered to be a serious offense under Pennsylvania law. It is governed by Title 18, Section 5104 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. Generally, a resistance to arrest is graded as a second-degree misdemeanor.
However, the severity increases if the defendant creates a risk of bodily injury to the public servant. Added to that, disarming an officer is an entirely separate, and highly severe felony charge. The gravity of these charges cannot be overstated, and a conviction can easily lead to significant prison time and steep fines.
Not just that, but judges and prosecutors take offenses against law enforcement very seriously. This is why having an aggressive legal defense strategy becomes crucial. You need someone who understands the nuances of the state’s penal code. Hence, if you find yourself in a difficult legal bind, consulting with a knowledgeable Pittsburgh criminal lawyer should be your very first step. A seasoned attorney can review the evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case accordingly.
What Really Happened, And How Did We Help Our Client
The incident happened on a very hot day in Philadelphia. Our client’s work vehicle broke down on Columbus Boulevard. He was approached by police officers inquiring about the disabled truck. When he attempted to retrieve his necessary identification, the officer mistook his movement. The officer thought he was reaching for a weapon.
A frantic scuffle with the nervous officer immediately followed this. During the struggle, our client disarmed the officer’s service weapon. After this, our client impulsively fled the scene. However, he was quickly apprehended and faced a litany of serious felony charges. These included escape, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and, most critically, disarming a law enforcement officer. The potential prison exposure was terrifyingly long. And only a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer could now help him stay out of prison!
Our dedicated lawyers at the Logue Law Group immediately sprang into action. We understood that the disarming charge was the most egregious threat to our client’s freedom. A conviction on that count alone meant years behind bars. So, during the preliminary hearing, our experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer argued to have the charge of disarming an officer withdrawn entirely. This was a monumental victory for us early in the process.
After this, we negotiated tirelessly with the Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case. We leveraged the circumstances and our client’s panic versus intent. This allowed us to avoid a high-risk jury trial. And finally, we orchestrated a plea agreement for only a single charge of escape. In the end, our client was sentenced to five years of probation and received absolutely no time in jail.
No matter how tough or complicated a situation you are in, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers can try their heart and soul to achieve a favorable outcome for you. So, if you have been involved in such an incident, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 844.PITT.DUI for a free consultation!