Some criminal offenses are more common than others. Defendants charged with certain crimes may be curious to know how common these offenses are. Rest assured that even if you have been accused of an extremely obscure offense in Pennsylvania, someone in the past has faced the exact same situation. Although this might be an encouraging thought, it does not make your offense any less serious. Whether you have been accused of a common offense or an obscure one, it makes sense to fight for your rights with help from a criminal defense attorney in Adams County.
Property Crimes are Far More Common Than Violent Crimes
Although the statistics vary from county to county, one trend is consistent across Pennsylvania: “Property crimes” are far more common than violent crimes. This is true in Adams County’s major cities, such as Gettysburg.
What are some examples of property crimes? Virtually anything involving private property falls into this category, including arson, burglary, theft, vandalism, and robbery. Some of the most common property crimes in Pennsylvania include retail theft and auto theft. For example, you might have been accused of stealing someone’s car – or shoplifting at your local grocery store.
DUIs are Also Extremely Common in Pennsylvania
Driving under the influence or “DUI” is another extremely common criminal offense in Pennsylvania. Police often make hundreds of DUI arrests during a single weekend – especially during busy holidays like New Year’s Eve, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. That number is obviously lower in Adams County alone, but the number of arrests across the state gives you some idea of how common this crime is.
Fortunately, DUIs are relatively minor offenses – and they are misdemeanors unless defendants cause serious injuries or deaths. Other aggravating circumstances include child endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, and speeding. With help from experienced defense attorneys, many people accused of first-time DUIs are able to avoid jail time and excessive fines.
Simple Assaults are the Most Common Violent Crimes in Adams County
While violent crimes are less common than property crimes in Adams County, certain types of violent crimes are more common than others. The most frequently committed violent crime in Pennsylvania is “simple” assault. This is probably due to the broad legal definition of simple assault, which can include the mere attempt to cause bodily injury. For example, you could face consequences for simple assault if you drunkenly attempt to punch someone in the head but miss by several feet.
Can an Adams County Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
If you have been accused of an offense, an Adams County criminal defense attorney may be able to help you pursue positive outcomes. Whether your offense is common or obscure, the consequences remain severe. Even if your crime comes with a relatively minor penalty, this could still affect your criminal record and professional reputation going forward. It may be easier to defend yourself than you realize – so contact The Law Office of Geoffrey McInroy, LLC today.