Felony Charges

Facing felony charges in Pennsylvania can be one of the most challenging and intimidating experiences of your life. These are the most severe criminal offenses in the state, carrying the potential for life-altering consequences. As an attorney who has spent years navigating Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system, both as a prosecutor and as a defense lawyer, I’ve seen the devastating impact these charges can have on individuals and their families.

But there’s good news: a strong legal defense can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll explain what felony charges mean, how they’re categorized in Pennsylvania, and what steps you can take to protect your rights and your future.

What Are Felony Charges?

Felony charges are the most serious criminal offenses under Pennsylvania law. Unlike misdemeanors, which carry lighter penalties, felonies can result in lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life.

Felonies are categorized into three degrees in Pennsylvania, each with different levels of severity and potential penalties:

First-Degree Felonies: The Most Severe Charges

First-degree felonies are the most serious criminal charges in Pennsylvania. If convicted, you could face:

• 20 years to life in prison
• Fines of up to $25,000

Examples of First-Degree Felonies:

• Murder
• Rape
• Certain drug trafficking offenses

A Personal Anecdote: I once defended a client accused of first-degree felony drug trafficking. He was a young man caught up in a bad crowd, facing decades in prison for his role in a large-scale operation. By carefully reviewing the evidence, we uncovered flaws in the prosecution’s case, including violations of his Fourth Amendment rights during a search. Ultimately, we succeeded in having the charges reduced, saving him from a life-altering prison sentence.

The stakes in these cases couldn’t be higher. If you’re facing a first-degree felony, it’s critical to have a legal team that understands the complexities of these charges.

Second-Degree Felonies: Still Serious, But Less Severe

Second-degree felonies are one step below first-degree felonies in terms of severity. Convictions can result in:

• 10 to 20 years in prison
• Fines of up to $25,000

Examples of Second-Degree Felonies:

• Aggravated assault
• Arson (in certain cases)
• Some drug distribution offenses

A Personal Anecdote: A client of mine was charged with aggravated assault after a bar fight turned physical. The prosecution argued that my client caused serious bodily harm, but through witness statements and video footage, we demonstrated that he acted in self-defense. While the case was stressful, our ability to gather and present evidence resulted in a much more favorable outcome.

Second-degree felonies often involve complicated circumstances, and understanding the nuances of the case is critical to building a strong defense.

Third-Degree Felonies: The Least Severe Felony Charges

While less severe than first- and second-degree felonies, third-degree felonies are still significant. Convictions can result in:

• 3.5 to 7 years in prison
• Fines of up to $15,000

Examples of Third-Degree Felonies:

• Burglary (depending on circumstances)
• Some drug possession offenses
• Certain theft crimes

A Personal Anecdote: One client faced a third-degree felony burglary charge for entering a neighbor’s garage without permission. He claimed he was retrieving a borrowed tool, but the prosecution argued it was an attempted theft. By presenting evidence of his prior friendly relationship with the neighbor, we convinced the court to dismiss the charges entirely.

Even third-degree felonies can have life-altering consequences, but with the right defense strategy, these cases can often be resolved in ways that minimize harm to your future.

The Long-Term Consequences of a Felony Conviction

Beyond prison time and fines, a felony conviction can have lasting effects on nearly every aspect of your life:

• Employment: Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with felony convictions.
• Housing: Landlords may deny rental applications due to a criminal record.
• Voting Rights: In Pennsylvania, felons lose their right to vote while incarcerated.
• Gun Ownership: Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning firearms.
• Professional Licenses: Felony convictions can disqualify you from obtaining or maintaining licenses in fields like healthcare, education, and law.

These consequences underscore the importance of fighting felony charges with everything you’ve got.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

If you’re facing felony charges, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Here’s how I approach these cases:

1. Analyzing the Evidence

One of the first things I do is carefully review all evidence against my client. Was the evidence obtained legally? Is it reliable? Are there witnesses who can support your side of the story? These questions are critical to building a strong defense.

2. Challenging the Prosecution

As a former prosecutor, I know how the other side thinks. I know the tactics they use and the mistakes they often make. By anticipating their strategy, I can stay one step ahead and find opportunities to weaken their case.

3. Negotiating When Appropriate

In some cases, the best course of action is to negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, like probation or community service.

4. Fighting for You in Court

When negotiation isn’t an option, I’m ready to take your case to trial. My goal is to tell your story in a way that resonates with the jury and secures the best possible outcome.

Steps to Take If You’re Facing Felony Charges

If you or someone you love has been charged with a felony in Pennsylvania, here’s what you should do:

1. Stay Silent

Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions until you’ve spoken to an attorney.

2. Contact an Attorney Immediately

The sooner you have legal representation, the better. An attorney can start building your defense, preserving evidence, and protecting your rights.

3. Gather Evidence and Witnesses

If possible, start collecting any evidence that could support your case, such as text messages, emails, or witness statements.

4. Follow Your Attorney’s Advice

Every case is unique, and your attorney will have the best understanding of what steps to take next.

Why Choose Wenger Law?

At Wenger Law, I don’t just see you as another case file—I see you as a person with a story. My goal is to provide compassionate, personalized representation that puts you in the best position to succeed.

With my background as a former prosecutor, I bring a unique perspective to every case. I understand how the other side operates, and I use that knowledge to anticipate their moves and stay one step ahead.

Conclusion

Felony charges are serious, but they don’t have to define your future. With the right defense strategy and a dedicated attorney, you can overcome this challenge and move forward with your life.

If you or someone you love is facing felony charges in Pennsylvania, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Wenger Law today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll build a plan to protect your rights, fight for your freedom, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.