Facing homicide charges is among the most sobering events a person can experience. The legal penalties and consequences of a homicide conviction can reshape the remainder of your life, taking away your liberty, rights, and reputation.
Even after serving your sentence, having a homicide on your permanent criminal record can make it challenging for you to find employment and a place to live. With so much at stake, it is essential to enlist the services of an experienced and skilled Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney.
Hiring a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer from SMT Legal can give you access to an aggressive attorney with a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system in Pittsburgh. We offer tailor-made defense strategies for individuals facing homicide charges of all levels.
Call us today at (412) 765-3345 or contact us online for a free consultation with a homicide defense lawyer in Pittsburgh.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania defines homicide as the illegal killing of another human being that involves an element of intentionality, knowledge, recklessness, or gross negligence.
Homicide charges encompass three different degrees of murder and two different types of manslaughter. Penalties upon conviction depend on the defendant’s state of mind at the moment of the crime.
While some homicide charges are considered less severe than others, they are all among the most consequential criminal charges possible. Anyone accused of these crimes requires robust legal representation to have a chance of avoiding the harshest consequences of conviction.
First-degree murder occurs when an individual takes another person’s life by poisoning them, lying in wait, or otherwise acting with willfulness, deliberation, and premeditation.
While many people believe that first-degree murder charges can only apply if the defendant constructed a detailed plan to take the other person’s life, these charges do not require the defendant to have thought about the killing for a long time before the act occurred.
They must simply have thought about it and made the decision to do it after some appreciable amount of time.
Charges of murder in the second degree (also known as felony murder) apply when a killing occurs when the defendant is directly involved in the commission of a dangerous felony or violent crime. Applicable crimes include armed robbery, burglary, and rape.
It is worth noting that second-degree murder charges can apply even if the defendant was not the person who took the victim’s life. If they were committing a crime alongside an accomplice who committed the killing, the defendant can still be charged with second-degree murder.
Third-degree murder is a felony of the first degree. Yet, while most first-degree felonies carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, third-degree murder carries a 40-year maximum sentence. Pennsylvania sentencing guidelines recommend a minimum sentence of 10 years, even for those without a prior criminal record.
However, this recommendation does not constitute a mandatory minimum. Working with an experienced third-degree murder defense attorney can optimize your chances of avoiding a lengthy prison sentence.
Anyone who is facing homicide charges in Pennsylvania must understand the gravity of their situation. Even those who are certain of their innocence must take every possible precaution, as prosecutors will work tirelessly to create a convincing case and secure a conviction. Before you take any further steps or speak to anyone else, your first priority should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can begin working to protect your rights.
The seasoned criminal defense team at SMT Legal believes every defendant deserves high-quality legal representation. Do not leave your fate in the hands of a public defender who is significantly overstretched by their workload. Our attorneys are committed to giving you and your case the individualized support you deserve during this challenging time, and we will work tirelessly to secure the most favorable result possible in your case.
Call us today at (412) 765-3345 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how our Pennsylvania homicide defense attorneys can fight for you.
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