Are you or someone you love facing involuntary manslaughter charges in Philadelphia? The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC., wants to defend you. We can investigate every aspect of the alleged crime and build the strongest possible case in your defense.
Involuntary manslaughter charges can have serious, long-term consequences. The sooner you speak with an involuntary manslaughter defense attorney in Philadelphia, the sooner we can get started defending you and allowing you to resume a normal life.
Our Firm Can Protect Your Rights
A defense attorney in our Philadelphia office stands ready and willing to defend you against charges of involuntary manslaughter. Depending on the specifics of your case, we might approach your defense in different ways and fight for:
- Reduction in charges: We’ll ask that the charges against you be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. If successful, your sentence will be lighter.
- Dismissal: Sometimes, the evidence we find is so strong that it discredits the prosecution’s case against you. If this happens, we can ask the judge to dismiss all charges and let you go home right away.
- Plea: We can negotiate a plea agreement where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. This resolution of the case protects you against the most severe penalties.
- Trial: Not all cases go to trial. For those that do, we are more than willing and able to represent our clients in the courtroom. We can protect your rights by ensuring that the prosecution follows the law and presenting the strongest possible case to the jury.
Legal Support Will Be Beneficial
We know this is a challenging time in your life, and we want to do all we can to make things easier on you. One of our clients, Tiffany Coley, called our defense team a “bright light of sunshine” during a very arduous period in her family’s life. We can support you throughout the case by:
- Providing a free consultation: During this confidential session, we can explain how our services may be applied to your situation.
- Responding quickly to questions: No matter what time a client calls, we’ll answer in a timely manner. This way, you do not have to spend a lot of time waiting for information.
- Being friendly yet professional: Since your future is on the line, you may find it difficult to remain detached enough to make sound legal decisions. We can lend you our expertise whenever you are unsure about what to do or confused about a legal concept.
- Contacting you with updates: We will work closely with you throughout the case. This includes updating you as soon as there are any major changes and explaining what each development means for you.
For a free legal consultation with a involuntary manslaughter lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360
Involuntary Manslaughter Penalties You May Face
Whether a prosecutor charges involuntary manslaughter as either a felony or a misdemeanor depends on who the victim is. 18 Pa. C.S.A § 11 spells out the different levels of penalties levied for felonies and misdemeanors.
Felony Penalties
If the victim is under 12 years old and was under your care or custody, you could face a second-degree felony charge per 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 2504(b). The penalties for second-degree felonies include:
- A prison sentence of up to 10 years
- A fine of up to $25,000
- Probation and restitution
Restitution is money paid to the survivors of the alleged crime. If a judge orders you to pay restitution, you will have to be diligent about keeping up with restitution payments. Failure to pay could result in additional penalties.
Misdemeanor Penalties
Many involuntary manslaughter cases are categorized as first-degree misdemeanors. This is the most serious type of misdemeanor. If you are convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, you could face:
- A prison sentence of up to five years
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Probation and restitution
Philadelphia Involuntary Manslaughter Lawyer 215.515.3360
How Manslaughter Penalties Could Impact You
The penalties involved with an involuntary manslaughter conviction are serious enough to upend your life as you know it. A conviction could:
- Affect your mental health: The knowledge that you have been convicted and will spend time in prison can negatively affect your well-being and self-image.
- Deplete your finances: Fines can take a big chunk out of your savings, while a prison sentence prevents you from working and supporting your family.
- Stall your career: A conviction could make it more difficult to keep your old job or find a new one. You may also have difficulty finding a place to live.
- End relationships: Your spouse or significant other, friends, and relatives might decide they no longer wish to be associated with you after a conviction.
It is unfair that those with criminal records receive such harsh treatment, even if the case against them was unjust. The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC., will work hard to keep you from being convicted and facing these types of consequences.
Involuntary Manslaughter Versus Other Charges
When one person kills another, 18 Pa. C.S.A § 25 outlines the three broad categories under which they may be charged:
- Murder or homicide: Someone died because of a premeditated, intentional attack. Alternately, someone died while another person committed a felony, such as arson.
- Voluntary manslaughter: Someone died after they (or someone else) provoked another person into committing the offense. Alternately, someone died because another person falsely believed they had done something to warrant the attack.
- Involuntary manslaughter: Involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone’s “reckless or grossly negligent” behavior results in a fatality. For example, if someone speeds through a stop sign and kills a pedestrian, they might face involuntary manslaughter charges.
We can help you better understand these categories, why you face an involuntary manslaughter charge, and how you can best defend yourself.
Call for a Consultation Today
The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC., offers free and confidential consultations to everyone who calls our office at (215) 515-3360. If you face involuntary manslaughter charges in Philadelphia, contact us as soon as possible. We would be happy to explain what a defense attorney from our office can do for you.
