Pennsylvania has a three strike law which deals with minimum mandatory sentences that must be imposed by a Judge for criminal defendants convicted of committing violent crimes. A minimum mandatory sentence refers to a required sentence that a judge must give a...
Considering self-defense in a violent crime case
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Nov 29, 2017 | Violent Crimes
There is hardly ever a need for things to turn violent, but there are also many instances in which you just can't help but allow things to go there. When you do have to get violent, there is a good chance that you are going to end up facing criminal charges for those...
A hate crime is a very serious matter for anyone to face
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Nov 24, 2017 | Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are difficult to face, even in the best of circumstances. There are some instances in which you might be accused of committing the violent crime as a hate crime. This adds another layer of challenges and complexities to the criminal case. A hate crime...
Violent crime charges pose unique challenges for defendants
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Oct 13, 2017 | Violent Crimes
The media is quick to cover violent crimes because people are so infatuated with these type of acts. This fact is one that might have a big effect on a violent crimes criminal justice case. There is a chance that the infatuation with violence and the media coverage...
VIolent Crimes gun charges
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Oct 8, 2017 | Violent Crimes
One of the more serious types of violent crimes that a criminal defendant can be charged with in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the crime of possession of a firearm with altered manufacturer's number. This Gun Crime and charge can be found in title 18 section...
New report shows troubling increase in violent crimes
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Oct 4, 2017 | Violent Crimes
The annual report about crimes has recently come out. The news that this report contains for the southwestern Pennsylvania is hard to digest because it shows that violent crime in this area has increased. The number of rapes, aggravated assaults, robberies and murders...
Consider options when mandatory minimum sentences are present
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | May 26, 2017 | Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are some of the most serious crimes that are handled in the criminal justice system. These charges often come with the possibility of serious penalties. When you are charged with a violent crime, such as murder, rape or assault, you need to explore the...
Violent Crimes Strangulation
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Apr 23, 2017 | Violent Crimes
In Pennsylvania, it is a crime to cause physical bodily injury to another person. Crimes such as this are known as Violent Crimes and Strangulation is one of the newest such crimes. One of these violent crimes that is a crime is known as strangulation....
What constitutes a violent crime?
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Mar 3, 2017 | Violent Crimes
Violent crimes are criminal activities that involve a victim. In most cases, the victim is injured in some way or killed during the crime, which is what classifies it as violent. These types of crimes can divided into three high-level categories: sex crimes, crimes...
Homicide charges vary greatly in severity
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Feb 10, 2017 | Violent Crimes
Taking another person's life is an action that can have a huge impact on your future. If you are taken to the homicide division of the police department, you should understand what comprises homicide. This can help you as you plan your defense against the charges...
Violent Crimes Causing or Risking Catastrophe
by Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | 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...
Violent Crimes Propulsion of missiles
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Feb 5, 2017 | Violent Crimes
Violent Crimes Propulsion of missiles. There are a numerous amount of Violent Crimes that an individual can be charged with in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. One of these Violent Crimes is Propulsion of Missiles. There are two different parts to the statute of...
Violent Crimes Simple Assault
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jan 22, 2017 | Violent Crimes
One of the most common Violent Crimes that occur in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, are Violent Crime such as Simple Assault. In terms of Violent Crimes, there are several different types of Simple Assault. One of the least common types of simple assault can be...
violent crimes harassment
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Jan 16, 2017 | Violent Crimes
In Pennsylvania, violent crimes such as harassment resulting from harassing and annoying another person is an offense that is not taken lightly. This violent crimes offense is known as harassment. A person commits the crime of harassment when, with...
Violent Crimes Voluntary Manslaughter
On Behalf of Bellwoar Kelly, LLP | Dec 18, 2016 | Violent Crimes
One of the most serious Violent Crimes an accused can be charged with is the crime of Voluntary Manslaughter. In order to be convicted of Violent Crimes such as Voluntary Manslaughter, the government must prove that the accused kills another individual without...