Erie, PA Violent Crime Defense Attorney

Facing charges for assault, domestic violence, drug delivery resulting in death, or homicide in Pennsylvania is serious. These charges can result in jail or prison time, steep fines, a permanent criminal record, and long-term impacts on your personal and professional life.

At MP2 Placidi & Parini, our experienced Erie criminal defense attorneys aggressively defend clients against all types of violent crime charges and work to protect your freedom, reputation, and future.

Assault Defense

Assault charges can range from simple altercations to aggravated assaults involving weapons. Even minor incidents can carry serious consequences, including:

• Criminal charges and jail time
• Fines and restitution payments
• Probation or community service
• Permanent criminal record

Examples of Aggravated Assault Offenses Include:

• Attempting or causing serious bodily injury to another person
• Causing injury to law enforcement officers, public employees, or transportation workers while they are performing their duties
• Causing injury to someone with a deadly weapon
• Causing injury to teachers, school staff, or students in the course of their employment
• Using physical force or intimidation to threaten officers or public employees
• Using tear gas or electronic incapacitation devices against public officials
• Causing injury to young children (under 6 years old) or serious injury to children under 13

Penalties for Aggravated Assault:

Felony of the first degree: Serious bodily injury to others, injuries to officers or public employees on duty, or serious injury to a child under 13

• Maximum prison term: 20 years
• Maximum Fine: $25,000

Felony of the second degree: All other aggravated assault offenses (e.g., injuries with deadly weapons, injuries to school staff, physical threats)

• Maximum prison term: 10 years
• Maximum Fine: $25,000

Examples of Simple Assault Offenses Include: 

• Attempts or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another
• Negligently causes injury to another using a deadly weapon
• Uses physical threats to put someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury
• Intentionally or knowingly injures a law enforcement officer or correctional staff with a concealed hypodermic needle during an arrest or search

Penalties for Simple Assault:

• Misdemeanor of the second degree (standard cases): 2 years of incarceration and a $5,000 fine.
• Misdemeanor of the third degree if part of a mutual fight or scuffle: 1 year of incarceration and a $2,500 fine.
• Misdemeanor of the first degree if committed against a child under 12 by someone 18 or older: 5 years of incarceration and a $10,000 fine.

How We Defend Assault Cases:

• Investigate the incident thoroughly, including witnesses and evidence
• Challenge the credibility of accusers and witnesses
• Negotiate reduced charges or alternative resolutions
• Represent you at trial if necessary

Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence charges can have long-lasting personal and legal consequences, including:

• Temporary or permanent protection orders
• Jail time and fines
• Restrictions on firearm possession
• Impact on child custody and visitation rights
• A domestic violence enhancement may be applied to certain charges, which increases that charges offense gravity score by one point.
• If the court further determines that an offender knew the crime was witnessed, either through sight or sound, by a minor who is also a family or household member of the offender or the victim, the court shall consider ordering the offender to pay the costs or fees associated with the assessment and treatment of the minor for exposure to domestic violence.

Our Approach:

• Review evidence and prior allegations to ensure accuracy
• Protect your rights in court hearings 
• Negotiate reduced charges or diversion programs when appropriate

Homicide & Manslaughter Defense

Facing charges for homicide or manslaughter in Pennsylvania is extremely serious. Convictions can result in long-term imprisonment, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record that impacts your freedom, career, and personal life.

First-Degree Murder

• Definition: Intentional killing of another person.
• Penalties:
  • Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole 
  • Possible death penalty

Second-Degree Murder

• Definition: Killing committed while the defendant is a principal or accomplice in a felony.
• Penalties:
  • Life imprisonment, without the possibility of parole

Third-Degree Murder 

• Definition: All other kinds of murder not classified as first or second degree.
• Penalties:
  • Maximum imprisonment of 40 years 
  • A fine up to $25,000
  • If the victim was less than 13 years of age at the time of the offense, the court can apply a sentencing enhancement which adds 24 months to the lower limit of the standard range and assigns the statutory limit as the upper limit of the standard range.  The sentence imposed will be served consecutively to any other sentence the person is serving and to any other sentence imposed by the court. 

Voluntary Manslaughter 

• Definition: Killing without lawful justification while acting under sudden and intense passion due to serious provocation, or where the defendant’s belief that killing was justified is unreasonable.
• Penalties:
  • Felony of the first degree
  • Up to 20 years imprisonment 
  • A fine up to $25,000

Involuntary Manslaughter

• Definition: Causing death as a result of reckless or grossly negligent behavior or unlawful acts.
• Penalties:
  • Misdemeanor of the first degree, up to 5 years of incarceration and a $10,000 fine.
  • Felony of the second degree if the victim is under 12 and in your care, custody, or control.  Up to 10 years of incarceration and a $25,000 fine.

Drug Delivery Resulting in Death 

• Definition: Delivering a controlled substance that results in another person’s death.
• Penalties:
  • Felony of the first degree
  • Maximum imprisonment up to 40 years

Causing or Aiding Suicide 

• Definition: Intentionally causing or aiding another person to commit suicide.
• Penalties:
  • Felony of the second degree if it causes death or attempted suicide
  • Misdemeanor of the second degree in other circumstances
  • Sentence enhancements may apply if the victim is under 18 or has an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder

Our Defense Strategy:

• Conduct thorough investigations, including expert consultations (e.g., forensic and medical experts)
• Determine what defenses can be raised (self-defense, castle doctrine, defense of others, etc.)
• Challenge evidence, including cause of death and intent
• Negotiate plea agreements when appropriate to minimize penalties
• Represent clients aggressively in trial and appeals

Why Choose MP2 Placidi & Parini for Violent Crime Defense

• Former prosecutor on staff with insight into the prosecution’s strategies
• Decades of experience in Erie County criminal courts
• Personalized defense strategies tailored to your case
• Track record of success in trials, negotiations, and post-conviction matters

Protect Your Freedom and Future

If you are facing assault, domestic violence, or homicide charges in Erie County, do not wait. Contact MP2 Placidi & Parini for a free consultation with an experienced Erie criminal defense lawyer who can evaluate your case and fight to protect your rights.