A Pennsylvania death row inmate recently received a sentence reduction after his 2003 conviction for first-degree murder was vacated by a Lehigh County judge based on new evidence. Ramon Sanchez, then 19, was sentenced to death for killing his Allentown landlord, with robbery constituting an aggravating circumstance. But the district attorney's office concluded that a new trial was likely due to new information about the defendant's mental status at the time the crime was committed, as well as recanted testimony from key witnesses.

Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys from the Federal Community Defenders Office presented medical records describing Sanchez's mental illness history, evidence that had not been considered by the trial jury. Based on an agreement between the DA and Sanchez's lawyers, his sentence was reduced from death for first-degree murder down to 25 to 50 years for third-degree murder. Sanchez agreed to forego further appeals and withdraw his petition under the Post Conviction Relief Act, which alleged ineffective assistance of counsel, prosecutorial misconduct and judicial error.

The long interval between the defendant's conviction and legal recognition of his mental incapacity to form the criminal intent required for a capital murder conviction underscores the importance of enlisting experienced counsel from the outset. Charges involving homicide, assault, armed robbery, rape or other violent crimes require a swift and aggressive response and steady advice from a criminal defense lawyer.

Violent Crimes Accusations Demand Experienced Criminal Law Defense

Crime scene evidence, including fingerprints, DNA and ballistics, should be scrutinized by experts in consultation with a client's defense lawyer to explore every possibility for reduction or dismissal of charges. An experienced criminal law attorney will ensure that every aspect of the case is considered with the possibility of trial in mind.

Pennsylvania prosecutors have abundant resources, from Erie to Philadelphia. Violent crimes attorneys help clients accused of murder and other felony offenses protect their liberty and constitutional rights at all stages of the criminal justice process.