Violent Crimes Causing or Risking Catastrophe

by | Feb 7, 2017 | Violent Crimes

In Pennsylvania, one of the types of violent crimes that you can be charged with is the crime of causing or risking catastrophe. It is a crime in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to cause a major panic in a public place. This crime is known as causing Manslaughter or risking catastrophe. A person causes a catastrophe by explosion, fire, flood, avalanche, collapse of building, release of poison gas, radioactive material or other harmful destructive force or substance, or by any other means of causing potentially widespread injury or damage, including selling, dealing in or otherwise providing licenses or permits to transport hazardous materials. A person commits a felony of the first degree if he commits this offense intentionally or knowingly. If found guilty, you face a possible penalty of up to 20 years and/or fines up to $25,000. A person commits a felony of the second degree if he does so recklessly. If found guilty, you face a possible penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $25,000. Even if you do not actually cause a catastrophe, you are still committing a crime.

A person is guilty of risking catastrophe if he recklessly creates a risk of catastrophe in the employment of fire, explosives, or other dangerous means previously listed. If you commit this crime you are committing a felony of the third degree. propulsion of missiles If found guilty, you face a possible penalty of up to 7 years imprisonment and/or fines up to $15,000. If you or someone you love has been charged with causing or risking catastrophe, it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible regarding those charges. A criminal defense attorney will be able to assess the facts of your case and determine the best course of action to take in order to ensure your case receives the best possible outcome.

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