Harrisburg Violent 
Crime Lawyers

Experienced Defense Against Violent Crime Charges in Dauphin County

Harming another person is a serious matter, and courts treat it accordingly. If you were charged with one of these serious crimes, it is important that you get started on building your case right away. The consequences of a conviction can follow you for years to come, affecting your ability to find housing, employment, or even loans. Let the Harrisburg violent crime lawyer at the Dorward Law Firm help you build a strong case to defend yourself.

Have you been accused of a violent crime? Call the Dorward Law Firm today at (717) 429-0411 or contact us online to free consultation with our violent crime attorneys in Harrisburg.

Strategies for Defending Against Violent Crime Charges

In most cases, violent crimes are charged as felonies. The reasoning is that a dangerous person needs to be put away to keep the rest of society safe. Unfortunately, this can also implicate innocent people. Because each situation is different, it is crucial that you get the help of an effective Harrisburg violent crime lawyer on your side.

Some defenses we may use could include:

• Self-defense or defense of others: If you were in legitimate danger or physical harm, or you saw that someone else was about to be hurt, stepping in to stop the damage is not a crime. We may be able to show that you were being vigilant about safety — not jeopardizing it.
• Consent: While this approach requires a person to admit fault, it usually helps to minimize the charges against them and prevent severe sentencing. We can work to show that you did not attack someone.

There are some limitations on these defenses, so it is important that you get started early on building a case. The Dorward Law Firm offers free consultations to help you understand the charges against you and how to fight them.

Pennsylvania Stand Your Ground Law

PA follows a “Stand Your Ground” law, also known as a “Castle Doctrine,” based on a famous quote by Sir Edward Coke, a British jurist who once said, “The home to everyone is to him his castle and fortress, as well for his defense against injury and violence, as for his repose.” The “Stand Your Ground” laws allow an individual to use force against an assailant when it comes to protecting themselves and their family as long as it is justifiable. If a person feels that they are in danger due to another person’s unlawful actions, then they have the right to defend themselves and stand their ground against the assailant. Although it is also known as the “Castle Doctrine,” the “Stand your Ground” law is not only applicable in a home but also anywhere that an individual has the right to be.

Are There Limits to Stand Your Ground Law?

Of course, there are limits to the “Stand Your Ground” law in PA. The person who is retaliating (or the “actor”) must believe that they or their loved ones are in danger, such as being forcibly kidnapped or being threatened with serious harm.

The actor must also meet certain conditions:

• They must have the right to be in the location where the attack is taking place.
• The assailant is using or displaying a deadly weapon.
• The actor has not provoked the assailant.
• The actor does not have an illegal weapon.
• The actor is not resisting arrest or hindering an officer.

Contact Our Harrisburg Violent Crime Attorney Today

Harrisburg violent crime Attorney Shawn Dorward has defended many clients from being sentenced to prison and paying huge fines. During your free consultation, we can go over how to face the upcoming proceedings. You do not have to face the charges alone. Call now and get started.

Contact The Dorward Law Firm today to get started on your defense with our Harrisburg violent crime lawyers.

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