Second-Degree Felony

If you are charged with a second-degree felony (F2), you have been accused of one of the most serious offenses that a person can commit. If you have been charged with such a crime, you need the help of a trained Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney.

All over the United States, crimes are classified as being in one of two categories, misdemeanors and felonies. Of these, felonies are considered to be the most severe. Both categories are further split into three different degrees. To learn about the degrees of felonies and misdemeanors, you can contact a popular Criminal Defense Lawyer. Our Pittsburgh felony defense attorneys will explain about these classes of offenses in detail.

If you are found guilty of committing a second-degree felony, you will have to serve a prison term of up to ten years. During that period, you will no longer be free to do as you please. Plus, you will face additional stressors, like figuring out who will look after your children and how you will maintain your family.

Once you get out of prison, you will face the additional difficulty of finding a decent job; many employers don’t want to hire a person who has committed a felony. People who have felony convictions are not allowed to own guns or even serve in any branch of the military.

What is a Second-Degree Felony?

Some of the offenses that are considered to be a second-degree felony include:

• False imprisonment of a juvenile
• Sexual assault
• Burglary of a building with no occupants

Some of the sentences given to a person who is convicted of a second-degree felony are:

• A prison sentence of up to 10 years
• Fines of up to $25,000

How are Sentences Graded?

There are many factors taken into account when determining the punishment to be given to a person who has been convicted of committing a second-degree felony.

There are many factors taken into account when determining the punishment to be given to a person who has been convicted of committing a first-degree felony.

According to the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines, all crimes, felony or misdemeanor, are given a score that ranks their severity. This score is called an Offense Gravity Score or OGS. The OGS score is denoted by a number; the more minor your crime is, the lower the OGS score it will receive.

The sentencing judge who will see your case will consider a calculation based on the OGS number, as well as any previous criminal records you may have. If your OGS number is smaller and you don’t have as many past convictions, then your guideline sentence will be shorter. Pittsburgh trial judges and those in every court in Pennsylvania are allowed to alter the guideline sentence due to extenuating circumstances or those that would make your situation worse.

Mandatory Minimum Punishments

In Pittsburgh, as in all of Pennsylvania, some offenses have mandatory minimum sentences attached to them. This means that your judge is required by law to sentence you to a certain number of years in prison. And he or she won’t be able to give you a lesser sentence, even though reasons exits to justify such an action.

Details about Pennsylvania Offense Classes and Gravity Scores

If you want to know more about the Pennsylvania Criminal Code, Offense classes, and gravity scores, you can find definitions in Title 204, Chapter 303 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code.

How Can a Reputable Criminal Lawyer in Pittsburgh Help You?

If you hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer at our Pittsburgh firm to handle your case, then he or she will not only explain the charges to you in detail, he or she will also prepare a compelling defense, looking for mitigating factors that will help you get a lighter sentence. Your criminal lawyer will assist you in determining the ideal course of action for your case.

For a reliable Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney, contact Logue Law Group. Our excellent attorney, Mr. Sean Logue, will give his best effort to ease your way through the criminal justice system. Contact us at 844.PITT.DUI, or online.