Homicide Lawyer in Philadelphia Dedicated to Defending Justice

Have you or a loved one been charged with Murder or Attempted Murder? Your life and freedom are at risk. I, criminal defense lawyer Lonny Fish, accept my role as your lawyer in the fight of your life. I am the lawyer who will offer you a tactical, dynamic, comprehensive, and compassionate defense.

Whether being charged as a member of a conspiracy or as a sole participant, your defense hinges on a skilled homicide defense attorney throughout the entire process, including the preliminary hearing. Common defenses are misidentification, mere presence, self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property or insanity. It also may be advantageous to argue that even though death has occurred, a less theory of liability is applicable such as manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.

Homicide lawyers will generally begin your defense with a vigorous investigation and attack against the credibility of eye-witnesses. No stone is left unturned. In addition to hiring private investigators, accessing medical records, phone records, and social media records are also good tools to uncover exculpatory evidence.

“Criminal Homicide” is generally defined as the killing of one human being by another. Murder is a type of homicide that is characterized by malice aforethought—i.e., the intentional killing of another person without justification or excuse. Attempted murder is an attempt to kill another person that would have been successful if not for some intervening factor.

Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, is an unintentional killing that occurs as the result of recklessness or criminal negligence. For example, if a driver is speeding and runs a red light, causing a fatal accident, that driver could be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

In Pennsylvania, the penalties for homicide range from probation to the death penalty. Criminal defense lawyers find themselves on the wrong side of law enforcement officials in this area. The specific sentence will depend on the particular facts and circumstances of the case, as well as the defendant’s prior criminal history.

At Liberty Law Team, we are dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients. We understand how much is at stake, and we will do everything in our power to help you reach the best possible outcome in your case and defend you against these criminal charges. Criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia know how to deal with a law enforcement officer in relation to criminal homicide charges and under the protection of Pennsylvania law can mitigate a homicide charge.

If you or someone you love has been charged with homicide, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will review your case and discuss your legal options with you. Call us at (215) 732-3474 or contact us online to get started.

What is Homicide?

The legal definition of homicide varies from state to state, but generally speaking, homicide is the killing of another human being without justification or excuse. Justification or excuse can include self-defense, defense of others, and defense of property. Homicide can also be classified as either murder or manslaughter, depending on the circumstances surrounding the death.

In Pennsylvania, there are three degrees of homicide: first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder. Involuntary manslaughter and voluntary manslaughter finish the groupings.

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder is the most serious charge and is characterized by premeditation and deliberation. This means that the defendant planned to kill the victim ahead of time and thought about it carefully before carrying out the act. First-degree murder is punishable by a life sentence in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder is not premeditated, but it is still intentional. This means that the defendant did not plan to kill the victim ahead of time but still killed them intentionally. Second-degree murder is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.

Third-Degree Murder

Third-degree murder is punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison and is the least serious charge of the three. It is defined as a homicide that was committed with malice but without premeditation or deliberation.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter is an accidental killing that occurs as the result of recklessness or criminal negligence. For example, if a driver is speeding and runs a red light, causing a fatal accident, that driver could be charged with involuntary manslaughter. The penalties for involuntary manslaughter in Pennsylvania are 2.5 to 5 years in prison.

For a prosecutor to secure a conviction for involuntary manslaughter, they must prove all elements of the offense beyond reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot meet the burden of proof for one of the elements, the defendant cannot be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

All of the following elements of involuntary manslaughter must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction:

• The deceased’s death directly resulted from the defendant’s actions.
• The defendant must have committed the action with a reckless disregard for life or have been inherently dangerous.
• The defendant was aware that their actions could potentially result in another’s death.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing that is committed in the heat of passion. This means that the defendant was provoked into killing the victim and did not have time to cool down before committing the act. Voluntary manslaughter is punishable by 3.5 to 7 years in prison.

If you or someone you love has been charged with homicide, it is important to get legal help as soon as possible. The penalties for homicide are severe, and you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to help you fight the charges. At Liberty Law Team, we are dedicated to defending our clients’ rights and freedom. We understand what is at stake, and we hope to give you the greatest possible chance to defend your charges.

What are Common Defenses to Homicide?

The defenses to homicide will vary depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case, but some common defenses include:

Self-Defense

Self-defense is a common defense to homicide charges. This means that the defendant killed the victim to protect him or herself from death or serious bodily injury. To claim self-defense, the defendant must have reasonably believed that he or she was in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury and that the only way to escape that danger was to use deadly force against the victim.

Defense of Others

The defense of others is similar to self-defense, but it applies when the defendant kills the victim to protect someone else from death or serious bodily injury. As with self-defense, the defendant must reasonably believe that the person he or she was protecting was in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury and that the only way to escape that danger was to use deadly force against the victim.

Defense of Property

The defense of property is a valid defense to homicide charges in some circumstances. This means that the defendant killed the victim to protect his or her property from being damaged or destroyed. In order to claim this defense, the defendant must reasonably believe that the victim was about to damage or destroy his or her property and that the only way to stop the victim was to use deadly force.

Accident

If the defendant did not intend to kill the victim, he or she may be able to claim that the homicide was an accident. This means that the defendant did not mean to kill the victim and that the death was the result of an unintentional act.

Insanity or Mental Illness

If the defendant was suffering from a mental illness or defect at the time of the killing, he or she may be able to use that as a defense to homicide charges. This means that the defendant did not understand that his or her actions were wrong at the time of the killing and cannot be held responsible for his or her actions.

Diminished Capacity

Diminished capacity is similar to the insanity defense, but it applies even if the defendant did not have a mental illness or defect. This means that the defendant’s ability to understand that his or her actions were wrong was diminished at the time of the killing and that he or she cannot be held responsible for his or her actions.

You should always consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss the specific defenses that may be available to you.

The Difference Between Murder and Manslaughter

When it comes to homicide, there is a big distinction between murder and manslaughter. Murder is the premeditated killing of another person, while manslaughter is an accidental killing that occurs as the result of recklessness or grossly negligent behavior. The penalties for murder are much harsher than the penalties for manslaughter, and it is important to know the difference if you are facing charges.

If you are charged with murder, you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. The penalties for murder can include life in prison or the death penalty, so it is important to have someone who can fight for your rights.

What are the Consequences of a Homicide Conviction?

A homicide conviction can lead to several different consequences, depending on the severity of the crime and the jurisdiction in which it was committed. In some cases, a homicide conviction may result in a prison sentence, while in others, the convicted individual may be sentenced to death. Additionally, a homicide conviction may also result in the loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote or possess a firearm.

The specific consequences of a homicide conviction will vary depending on the facts of the case and the laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime was committed. However, some common consequences of a homicide conviction include prison time, fines, and probation.

When someone is convicted of homicide, it can be an incredibly traumatic experience. Not only do they have to face the consequences of their actions, but they may also have to contend with the emotional damage that comes with spending time in jail or prison. The stress and trauma of being incarcerated can be enormous and can take a toll on both the individual and their loved ones. In some cases, inmates may suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, or may even attempt suicide.

Additionally, the stigma of being a convicted murderer can be incredibly damaging and can follow an individual for the rest of their life. This can make it difficult to find housing or employment and can lead to social isolation. All of these factors can make it incredibly difficult for someone to rebuild their life after a homicide conviction.

If you are facing charges of homicide, it is important to protect your freedom. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you build a defense and may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. Additionally, an attorney can provide emotional support during this difficult time and can help you understand the legal process.

If you or someone you know has been charged with murder, you should seek legal assistance right away. An experienced homicide lawyer will be able to examine the details of your case and advise you on the best strategy moving forward. They’ll also be able to provide moral support and direction throughout the legal procedure. The consequences of a homicide conviction may be severe, but working with a skilled attorney can help you achieve the finest possible result in your case and among your circumstances.

How Can a Homicide Lawyer Help Me?

Under Pennsylvania Code Rule 801, anyone charged with a homicide offense with capital punishment ramifications has the right to legal representation by specifically qualified lawyers. Our attorney can provide a number of services for those accused of homicide, including investigating the crime, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence, as well as the qualified representation you might need in a capital case.

Our team of attorneys and staff can also help you navigate the criminal justice system, which may be complex and perplexing. They will strive for the best possible outcome in your case and will defend your rights throughout the legal procedure.

Additionally, a lawyer can provide support and guidance during what is likely to be a difficult and stressful time. If you or someone you know has been charged with homicide, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

An accused has the right to have an attorney defend them against homicide charges in Pennsylvania. If you or someone close to you is facing these types of charges, it’s essential to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the better chance you have of achieving a more favorable outcome.

The team at our law firm has significant experience defending clients against all types of homicide charges, including murder and manslaughter. We understand the seriousness of these accusations, which is why we will aggressively defend your rights and work tirelessly on your behalf to hopefully achieve a result that you can be happy with. We will review the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action moving forward.

Contact Liberty Law Team Today for Your Homicide Defense

If you have been accused of homicide, it is important to seek legal representation from a qualified homicide lawyer. The penalties for homicide are severe, and you will need an experienced advocate on your side. A homicide lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your case and develop a strong defense strategy. Your freedom is at stake, so do not hesitate to contact a qualified homicide lawyer today.

The consequences of a homicide conviction are severe, so it is important to have an experienced and dedicated lawyer on your side. Our firm is committed to fighting for justice for our clients. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive a fair trial and the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today at (215) 732-3474 to schedule a free consultation with our Attorney Lonny Fish.