Chester County Homicide Arrest Attorney
Chester County Homicide and Manslaughter Charges
Are you facing criminal charges for manslaughter, homicide or attempted homicide in or around Chester County PA? The most serious of charges requires 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 Chester County 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.
Contact a West Chester Defense Lawyer
While there are no guarantees in criminal defense law, understanding your rights and the legal options available to you can improve your chances when defending yourself. As a criminal defense attorneys with years of experience in our criminal justice system, we understand how to negotiate with the court, how to identify questionable police conduct and suspicious testimony, and prevent clients from making certain kinds of mistakes.
You also need Chester County criminal lawyers both passionate in what they do and compassionate in their treatment of their clients. You deserve a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. We make your choice all the clearer fighting for clients throughout Chester County. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer, contact us at (610) 692-8700.