Mandatory Minimum State Sentences

In Pennsylvania, the sentencing commission has deemed that certain Defendants should be subject to mandatory minimum sentences in certain circumstances.

For example: A person who commits a violent offense with a deadly weapon is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years. A person who is convicted of possession with the intent to deliver narcotics and it is proven by the preponderance of the evidence that he was in actual or constructive possession of a firearm, he is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in state prison. The sentencing judge has no discretion in imposing these sentences.

If you have been charged with possession of a firearm while also charged with possession with intent to deliver narcotics, contact our law firm immediately to discuss your options. In some instances, the mandatory sentence can be negotiated. In other cases, the best possible case will be to opt to for a trial.

 

The decision to plead guilty or opt for a trial is the decision of the client. However, such decision should not be made without consultation with an experienced attorney and knowledge of all the possible penalties.

 

Contact our lawfirm today to schedule a free consultation.

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Pittsburgh Criminal Defense & Injury Attorney Frank Walker
Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Site
Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice & Wrongful Death Site
Morgantown, West Virginia Criminal Defense Site
1-800-496-4143 Office
412.532.6805 Cell

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David Harris on New Evidence of Racial Disparities in Criminal Sentencing

Professor David Harris spoke to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on a new study that shows that racial and ethnic disparities in federal sentences increased in the years since the federal sentencing guidelines became advisory rather than mandatory. No sentencing system will eliminate disparities entirely; what we should strive for is “a system that does justice” by allowing judges to give different sentences based on valid criteria.

http://madisonian.net/pittlawfaculty/?p=1260

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Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney Frank Walker
FrankWalkerLaw.com
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412.281.5423 Office
412.401.1764 Cell

Did You Know?

Did you know that a person charged with criminal conspiracy can be subject to the same mandatory sentence as the principal actor in the crime?

Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Attorney Frank Walker
FrankWalkerLaw.com
412.281.5423 Office
412.401.1764 Cell