Are you or someone you know facing involuntary manslaughter charges in Philadelphia? Being charged with involuntary manslaughter in Pennsylvania is a serious matter that can have life-changing consequences. Even though it is considered a lesser offense than murder, a conviction can still result in years of incarceration, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. Anyone facing such charges should understand how the law defines involuntary manslaughter and exactly how the legal system deals with it.
Our criminal defense firm wants to help you. At the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, our experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys represent individuals accused of serious criminal offenses, including homicide and manslaughter cases. We can investigate every aspect of the alleged crime and build a solid case in your defense.
The sooner you speak with an involuntary homicide defense lawyer in Philadelphia, the sooner we can get started defending you so you can resume a normal life.
Reach out to one of our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys for a free legal consultation.
What is Involuntary Manslaughter in Pennsylvania?
A common question people ask is “what is involuntary manslaughter?” In Pennsylvania, involuntary manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another individual through reckless or grossly negligent conduct, but without the intent to kill.
Unlike murder or voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter does not involve premeditation or an intentional act to take a life. Instead, the law focuses on whether a person’s actions were so careless or reckless that they were negligent and created an unjustifiable risk of death.
Examples that may Lead to Involuntary Manslaughter Charges in Philadelphia
- Accidental Firearm Discharges – Improper firearm handling or reckless use of a weapon may lead to fatal accidents. Prosecutors may argue that the conduct was reckless enough to justify criminal charges.
- Vehicle-Related Deaths – Fatal car accidents caused by reckless driving, intoxication, or severe traffic violations may lead to charges ranging from negligent homicide to involuntary manslaughter.
- Workplace or Safety Violations – In some cases, unsafe working conditions or failure to follow safety regulations may result in fatal accidents that trigger criminal liability.
- Reckless Conduct – Any situation where a person’s actions create an obvious and substantial risk of death may lead to involuntary manslaughter allegations.
Although the death may not have been intentional, prosecutors may still pursue criminal charges if the conduct involved a high level of risk or disregard for human life. This charge can be applied even if the act committed wasn’t directly causing the loss of life.
For a free legal consultation with a involuntary manslaughter lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360
Our Criminal Defense Legal Firm Can Protect Your Rights
Our defense lawyer firm in Philadelphia stands ready and willing to defend you against charges of involuntary manslaughter. A defense attorney may challenge whether the defendant’s conduct truly met the legal threshold for recklessness or criminal negligence. Depending on the specifics of your case, we might approach your defense in different ways and fight for the following:
- Reduction in charges: We could 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 immediately.
- Plea: We can negotiate a plea agreement where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. This case resolution 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. We will also present 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 for 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 we may apply our services to your situation.
- Responding quickly to questions: No matter what time a client calls, we’ll answer promptly. This way, you do not have to spend much 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.
Learn how we’ve helped previous clients by visiting our case results page. For a free legal consultation with an involuntary manslaughter lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360.
Philadelphia Involuntary Manslaughter Lawyer 215.515.3360
Involuntary Manslaughter Sentence Penalties in Pennsylvania
The potential involuntary manslaughter sentence depends on the circumstances of the case and whether aggravating factors are present. Sentencing can vary depending on factors such as the defendant’s criminal history, the circumstances of the death, and the sentencing guidelines applied by the court.
Under Pennsylvania law, involuntary manslaughter is typically charged as a first-degree misdemeanor. Whether a prosecutor charges involuntary manslaughter as a felony or a misdemeanor depends on who the victim is. The charge can be elevated if the victim was a child or if the conduct occurred during the commission of certain unlawful acts.
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 in 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 the following:
- A prison sentence of up to 10 years
- Significant fines of up to $25,000
- Probation and restitution
- A permanent criminal record
Restitution is money paid to the survivors of the alleged crime. If a judge orders you to pay restitution, you must 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 the following:
- A prison sentence of up to five years
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Probation and restitution
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, especially if the case against them was unjust. We will work hard to keep you from being convicted and facing these adverse consequences.
Involuntary Manslaughter Versus Other Charges in Pennsylvania
Under Pennsylvania law, involuntary manslaughter is typically charged as a first-degree misdemeanor. But there are many different nuances to be aware of. When one person kills another, there are three broad categories under which they may be charged:
Involuntary Manslaughter vs Negligent Homicide
Another closely related offense is negligent homicide. While both involve deaths caused by careless behavior, there are important legal differences. Negligent homicide typically arises when someone causes a death through ordinary negligence, such as violating traffic laws or safety regulations. It is often charged in cases involving fatal car accidents like vehicular manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, involves a higher degree of recklessness. Prosecutors must show that the defendant’s actions went beyond simple negligence and demonstrated a conscious disregard for a substantial risk.
Involuntary Manslaughter vs Murder or Homicide
Murder generally involves intentional killing or extreme indifference to human life. In Pennsylvania, murder charges may include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or third-degree murder depending on the circumstances and intent involved. To be classified as murder, the case involves an intent to kill or shows extreme recklessness. Alternatively, someone died while another person committed a felony, such as arson. First-degree murder is a common murder charge in these situations and, if serious enough, may carry the death penalty.
Voluntary vs Involuntary Manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter is when someone died after they (or someone else) provoked another person into committing the offense. Or someone died because another person falsely believed they had done something to warrant the attack. Whereas involuntary manslaughter occurs when someone’s “reckless or grossly negligent” behavior results in a fatality, but it is still considered an accidental killing. The intent to kill wasn’t there.
Any homicide charge, including involuntary manslaughter, carries significant consequences. These cases often involve complex investigations, expert witnesses, forensic evidence, and extensive courtroom litigation.
Working with experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys ensures that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. We can help you better understand these categories, why you face an involuntary manslaughter charge, and how you can best defend yourself.
Early legal representation can also be critical in preventing statements or evidence from being misinterpreted during an investigation.
If You’ve Already Been Convicted
If you or someone in your family has already been convicted of involuntary manslaughter, don’t worry. We may still be able to fight it. We can review the evidence and determine if there were errors in the investigation or trial process. Depending on what we find, we might be able to get your conviction overturned or reduced.
As appellate attorneys with years of experience and extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania’s criminal laws, we know there are plenty of reasons to appeal a conviction. No matter what stage of criminal proceedings or sentencing you’re in, it’s not too late to hire an attorney.
During our initial consultation, we will look for unfair practices during court proceedings and discuss your defense options. We are here to present your side and try to fight the conviction. With our help, you can be sure that your rights will be protected and that you will get the best possible result for your situation.
Call for a Consultation With a Philadelphia Involuntary Manslaughter Lawyer
The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC., offers free and confidential consultations to everyone who calls our firm. We understand how serious an involuntary manslaughter charge is and how it can affect your life. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone.
If you face involuntary or voluntary manslaughter charges in Philadelphia, contact us as soon as possible. We would be happy to explain what a criminal defense lawyer from our office can do for you. The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC today to discuss your situation and learn more about how our legal team may assist you.
