Violent Crimes

Pennsylvania Violent-Crime Defense

Logue Law Group represents Pittsburgh-area clients facing assault, robbery, homicide, and other violent-crime allegations. These cases require careful review of the charged offense, the available evidence, and potential sentencing exposure. An allegation is not a conviction; we assess the prosecution’s case and the available defense options with you.

Our violent-crime defense work includes allegations involving:

• Robbery
• Rape
• Assault
• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Conspiracy to commit murder

Robbery is not always a third-degree felony. Under 18 Pa.C.S. § 3701, grading depends on the subsection and circumstances and can be first, second, or third degree. Injury, threats, the manner of taking property, and the object of the robbery can affect the analysis. Review the exact charge rather than assuming every robbery carries the same maximum sentence.

Murder has distinct statutory categories. First-degree murder involves an intentional killing; second-degree murder concerns a principal or accomplice engaged in specified felony conduct; third-degree murder covers other murder. It is inaccurate to describe every death caused by violent conduct as third-degree murder. The statutory maximum for third-degree murder is generally 40 years, not an automatic 40-year sentence. Sentencing requires review of the offense, age, prior record, and current governing law.

Rape and other sexual offenses have different elements. Pennsylvania’s rape statute addresses forcible compulsion, specified threats, unconsciousness or unawareness, certain administration of intoxicants, incapacity to consent, and separate child-related provisions. The exact subsection matters. Sexual-offense defense requires review of the charged conduct and the available evidence.

The prosecution must prove the elements of the criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense review may involve identification, witness accounts, communications, physical evidence, and any lawful defense supported by the facts. A complainant’s voluntary alcohol use does not by itself establish consent or defeat a sexual-offense charge. Consent, age, and capacity must be evaluated under the particular statute; a generic defense cannot be promised for every case.

For allegations involving a spouse, partner, or family member, review our domestic violence defense information. A related PFA proceeding is separate from the criminal case and may require its own hearing preparation.

Bring charging documents, hearing notices, and relevant records to your consultation. Share the facts with your attorney so we can identify disputed issues, evidence to obtain, and deadlines for the defense.

The Logue Criminal Defense Team

Attorney Sean Logue and the Logue Law Group team review the investigation, evaluate potential pretrial motions, and discuss negotiation and trial options. This page addresses Pennsylvania offenses; Ohio and West Virginia matters require review under their own laws.

To schedule a free initial consultation about a violent-crime allegation, call 412.387.6901 or contact Logue Law Group online.

For related representation, see our criminal defense overview. Tell us about upcoming court dates or deadlines when you contact the firm so we can discuss the next steps.