Pennsylvania A Homicide and Manslaughter Charges
Learn about your rights when you are accused of homicide or manslaughter charges in Pennsylvania. The most serious of charges, including Homicide, Manslaughter and Murder require experienced, aggressive criminal defense lawyers ready to lay out the best strategies and seek the best options for you in time of need.
Murder is generally defined as a crime involving premeditation or "malice aforethought". A person plans how they will kill a person either years, months, days, hours, minutes or even seconds beforehand. It is an extremely violent act and if convicted of murder, a person can be sentenced to life imprisonment in the state of Pennsylvania.
Manslaughter involves a death that is the direct result of negligence and recklessness, but there was no presence of malice aforethought or preplanning. A person who faces manslaughter charges can face one of three charges. (1) Voluntary manslaughter. (2) Involuntary manslaughter. (3) Vehicular Manslaughter.
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when a person has no prior intent to kill another person, but was acting in what is known as the "heat of the moment". This is a very common occurrence in domestic violence cases and if convicted, a person can face a very long jail or prison sentence.
Involuntary Manslaughter occurs when a person's negligence results in another's person's death but there is no prior intent. Involuntary manslaughter often occurs during the commission of another crime. It can also carry a jail or prison sentence.
Vehicular manslaughter is a death that occurs without prior intent or pre-planning and involves the use of a motor vehicle. It is most often connected and charged in DUI (driving under the influence), speeding and other reckless driving cases. If convicted, a person can be locked up in jail or prison for a very long time.
When evidence and guilt is not in question, extenuating circumstances may convince the court to either reduce the charges against you or the sentence you face. As your criminal defense lawyers, we work with prosecutors in exploring alternative sentencing options when a plea of "guilty" may be in your best interest. In certain cases where provocation, a medical condition, or alcohol is involved, it may be possible to avoid jail or a heavy fine in exchange for a promise to get counseling, provide community service, and agree to probation.
Protecting Your Rights against Homicide and Manslaughter Allegations
Do not quit when faced with the embarrassment and depression that accompanies accusations of Homicide or Manslaughter crimes in Pennsylvania. You need aggressive representation ready to question the prosecution's case and attack the legality of the police's actions. You need a law firm that staffs seasoned criminal defense attorneys and a former prosecutor. You need Ciccarelli Lawyers.
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You also need criminal defense lawyers both passionate in what they do and compassionate in their treatment of their clients. You deserve a lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. We make your choice all the clearer with locations throughout the metropolitan Philadelphia Pennsylvania, including Center City Philadelphia, West Chester, Downingtown/Exton, Malvern, Kennett Square, Lancaster, King of Prussia, Plymouth Meeting, Radnor and Springfield. Now is the time for action. Choose the winning strategy of Lee A. Ciccarelli. Together our legal team will give you the edge.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, please contact us. Call us at 610-925-2500 or toll-free at 888-643-0006.
