First Degree Felony

Understanding First Degree Felonies in Greensburg, Pennsylvania

A First Degree Felony, or F1, is among the most serious crimes in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a first-degree felony, seeking immediate help from an experienced Greensburg criminal attorney is crucial.

In the United States, crimes fall into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies, being the gravest offenses, are divided into three degrees. First-degree felonies are the most severe, while third-degree felonies are the least serious.

Consequences of a First-Degree Felony Conviction

Being convicted of a first-degree felony can result in up to twenty years in prison. This not only means losing your freedom but also brings other challenges, such as concerns about your family’s well-being. Therefore, consulting a Greensburg DUI attorney is vital when facing such charges.

Even after release from prison, the repercussions persist. Convicted felons often struggle to secure good employment, as many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal record. Additionally, you will be prohibited from owning a firearm or serving in the military.

What Does “First-Degree Felony” Mean?

Among all felonies, first-degree offenses carry the harshest penalties:

• Imprisonment for up to twenty years
• Fines of up to $25,000

Examples of first-degree felony offenses include:

• Rape
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Kidnapping
• Aggravated assault on a prison employee, police officer, or court officer.

Grading a Sentence

Determining the punishment for a first-degree felony involves several factors. In Pennsylvania, sentencing guidelines require assigning every crime an Offense Gravity Score (OGS). The OGS numerically represents the crime’s severity, with higher numbers indicating more significant offenses.

Your prior criminal record also influences sentencing. It is assigned a Prior Record Score (PRS), with higher scores reflecting more prior convictions.

The sentencing judge considers your prior criminal record and the OGS score when determining your sentence. If your OGS score is low and you have few previous convictions, your guideline sentence will be shorter. However, Pennsylvania trial judges have discretionary power and can deviate from guidelines if there are mitigating or aggravating factors.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Certain offenses carry mandatory minimum punishments. This means the judge must sentence you to a specific number of years in prison, regardless of any mitigating or aggravating factors. Even if it’s your first criminal offense with no prior convictions, the judge must impose the minimum sentence.

How Can a Criminal Lawyer in Greensburg Help You?

At the Logue Law Group, our team of skilled Greensburg criminal lawyers will provide a comprehensive understanding of the charges against you. They will diligently search for any mitigating factors that can work in your favor and craft a compelling defense strategy. It is crucial not to face these charges alone.

If you are facing a felony charge, we strongly advise contacting one of our experienced Greensburg DUI lawyers from Logue Law Group. You can reach us at 844.PITT.DUI or connect with us online. Remember, time is of the essence, and hiring a Greensburg criminal lawyer promptly will greatly benefit your case.