Philadelphia Homicide Defense Lawyer

Proven Criminal Lawyers Specializing in Murder & Manslaughter Defense

If you are facing a homicide charge in Philadelphia, PA, a criminal defense lawyer can help protect your legal rights. The team at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC can ensure that you get aggressive representation throughout your case. Such representation may help you avoid a devastating conviction or get a more favorable outcome.

It is always better to start defending your case as early as possible. This way, your homicide lawyer has more time to look for evidence and implement defense strategies. At the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, we understand what it takes to defend clients in these criminal proceedings and will bring our energy and competence to your case. We offer free consultations for those accused of terrible crimes and those facing false allegations.

For a free legal consultation with a homicide defense lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360

What Does a Homicide Defense Lawyer Do?

Our team understands how to develop a strong defense against homicide accusations and takes the necessary steps to do so on behalf of every client we represent. We take many steps to defend our clients. While the specifics will vary from case to case, we have helped other clients by:

• Collecting evidence: We will investigate your case and find evidence that proves your innocence, shows that witnesses are incorrect or lying, or casts doubt on the prosecutor’s argument.
• Suppressing the prosecution’s evidence: If the prosecutor acquired any of their evidence illegally, we will fight to ensure that the judge does not allow the jury to consider it.
• Striking a plea deal: This can get you a reduced sentence, including lower fines and less prison time.
• Getting the charges reduced: For example, getting your charge reduced from first-degree murder to manslaughter will avoid the death penalty or life without parole.
• Getting the case dismissed: With a strong enough case, our proven Philadelphia homicide attorneys can convince the judge to dismiss the charges or the prosecution to drop them.
• Representing you at trial: Our criminal defense firm is not afraid to go to court. We will be your voice in the courtroom, making oral arguments and questioning witnesses on your behalf.
• Helping you make decisions: It is not always easy to decide how to handle homicide charges. We can give you the information and guidance you need to manage risks and decide how to manage your case.

We also offer all callers a free consultation. At no charge or obligation, a member of our team can explain if our firm can assist you. We can go to work for you or your family member as soon as necessary if you decide to hire us to handle your case.

This can be vital to protecting your rights and ensuring you have an experienced homicide lawyer during interrogations, initial court appearances, and other critical parts of the process.

Learn how our trusted Philadelphia homicide lawyers can help you or a family member navigate the legal process and achieve a favorable outcome by scheduling a free case evaluation today.

Philadelphia Homicide Defense Lawyer 215.515.3360

Types of Homicide Charges in Philadelphia

Homicide charges in Philadelphia are classified into three different categories: first-, second-, and third-degree. Both first- and second-degree murder are intentional, with the main difference being that first- is premeditated while second-degree is typically not, but committed while in the act of another serious crime. 

Third-degree murder is the “catch all” category for any other murder that is not considered first- or second-degree. This criminal offense is when a killing may have been intentional but not premeditated or committed during another felony. Keep reading to learn more about each of the degrees of homicide below.

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder is the most severe form of criminal homicide since it involves intentionally killing another person out of malice. If you or someone you know is charged with first-degree murder in Philadelphia, the prosecutor believes that the killing was premeditated (i.e., planned or thought out, regardless of the time and effort put into it) and deliberate (i.e., a conscious decision was made to kill and the defendant was fully aware of the likely outcome of their actions).

Examples:

1. A person plans for several weeks to poison their spouse and then carries it out, leading to their death.
2. Someone lies in wait outside a person’s home and then ambushes and shoots them intentionally when they appear.

This criminal offense does not apply to situations where someone kills another person rashly on sudden impulse or as a result of strong emotion (e.g., panic, terror, or range). Additionally, the killing cannot be caused by a mental disorder, intoxication, or while the defendant believed unreasonably, they were acting in self-defense. First-degree murder convictions carry a penalty of mandatory life imprisonment without the possibility of parole and, possibly, the death penalty.

Are you or a family member charged with murder? Our experienced Philadelphia homicide lawyers can closely review your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the most favorable outcome. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder occurs when someone kills another person while actively committing another felony crime, such as rape, kidnapping, arson, robbery, or burglary — which is why it is often referred to as “felony murder.” 

If you or a family member is facing a second-degree murder charge in Philadelphia, the prosecutor views the killing as having been “committed while the defendant was engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony.” This form of criminal homicide is typically not a premeditated act.

Examples:

1. During an intense argument, a person suddenly reaches for a sharp object and fatally stabs someone without planning to kill beforehand.
2. Despite being aware of the risks, a driver speeds through a crowded area and strikes a pedestrian, showing extreme disregard for human life.

Just like a first-degree murder conviction, the sentencing judge is required to impose life imprisonment without parole; this is the case even if the defendant did not directly cause the death of another person.

Third-Degree Murder

Any murder that is not classified as either first- or second- is considered third-degree murder. If a person is charged with third-degree homicide, the prosecutor believes that the killing was intentional and done with malice, but not premeditated. 

Although third-degree murder is considered a felony of the first degree, unlike other first-degree felonies, it is punishable by up to 40 years of incarceration as opposed to 20 years. While there is no mandatory minimum, Pennsylvania Sentencing guidelines recommend a minimum sentence of up to ten years even if the defendant does not have an existing record.

If you or a close one is charged with homicide, schedule your free consultation with the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC’s proven homicide defense attorneys in Philadelphia today. We can thoroughly evaluate your case, help protect your rights, and fight for the best possible result.

Types of Manslaughter Charges in Philadelphia

While murder is the intentional killing of another person with malice and usually premeditated, manslaughter involves killing someone unintentionally either in the “heat of passion” or through negligent or reckless behavior. 

The primary difference between murder and manslaughter lies in the killer’s intentions and the circumstances of the act. Explore more insight on the two different types of manslaughter charges in Philadelphia below.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter is when someone intentionally kills another person as a result of serious provocation, which would cause a reasonable person to lose self-control. When someone is charged with this criminal offense, the prosecution suspects that the defendant experienced sudden and intense passion, and killed another person in the “heat of the moment”; in other words, the killing was not premeditated or done out of malice. 

Examples:

1. A person returns home to discover their spouse in bed with someone else and, in an episode of rage, delivers a fatal blow to the lover.
2. During a heated bar fight, someone loses control and fatally attacks another person.

Voluntary manslaughter can apply to situations where the defendant was under a truthful but unreasonable belief that killing another person was necessary and therefore (in the defendant’s view) justified (known as imperfect self-defense). This form of criminal homicide is considered a first-degree felony and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter refers to the unintentional killing of another person while engaging in reckless or grossly negligent behavior, regardless of whether the act was lawful or unlawful. 

Examples:

1. A person texting while driving goes through a red light and accidentally kills a pedestrian
2. A parent leaves a young child unattended in a hot car, resulting in the child’s death because of negligence

This form of criminal homicide is considered a first-degree misdemeanor and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. However, if the victim is under 12 years old and in the care, custody, or control of the person who caused the death, the offense becomes a second-degree felony and is punishable by up to 10 years and fines up to $25,000.

Our leading manslaughter attorneys in Philadelphia want to help protect your (or a loved one’s) rights and advocate for a favorable outcome. We can assess and explain your charges through the lens of a legal expert. Schedule your free case consultation today.

Other Types of Homicide Charges

Drug Delivery Resulting in Death (DDRD)

Drug Delivery Resulting in Death (DDRD) happens when someone dies as a result of a real or counterfeit controlled substance that they intentionally provided (e.g., delivered, dispensed, prescribed, sold, administered, etc.). When someone faces this charge, the prosecution believes that the defendant was intentional about supplying the drug and acted recklessly in doing so — ultimately leading to the victim’s death. 

Examples: 

• Someone sells heroin to a friend, who uses it that evening and dies of an overdose.
• A person gives fentanyl-laced pills to another person during a party, and that person dies soon after from taking them.

DDRD charges can apply to drug dealers, friends, or anyone who delivers the fatal dose. This criminal offense is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison.

A Homicide Conviction Can Destroy Your Life

Homicide is the most serious charge one can face. In every case, a homicide conviction would be life-altering.

18 Pa. CSA §1101 and 1102 outline the possible penalties for a murder conviction. 

These include:

• A fine: Murder or attempted murder convictions come with a maximum fine of $50,000. This is true no matter your financial status or (in)ability to pay.
• Prison: You could spend decades or even the rest of your life behind bars.
• The death penalty: A first-degree murder conviction is potentially punishable by death in Pennsylvania.

These penalties will affect every aspect of your life, including but not limited to:

• Your family life: Your spouse, children, and other dependents will be left to fend for themselves. In some cases, your children may be taken from you.
• Your career: Long prison sentences can disrupt your career. Once you are released (if you are released), your record may make it difficult to find a good job.
• Your mental well-being: A conviction itself is often devastating, and a prison sentence can have a significant negative impact on your mental and emotional health.
• Your reputation: Friends, family, and coworkers may not believe you are innocent and refuse to associate with you.
• Your rights: According to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, anyone serving time for a felony cannot vote until they have completed their sentence. You will also lose other rights, such as the right to own firearms.

In short, if you are convicted of homicide, your life will never be the same. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC want to protect your rights to the fullest extent possible. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start preparing your defense.

The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC Has Established Itself as a Firm You Can Trust

National organizations have recognized our firm as one to be trusted.

Marni Jo Snyder has even been named one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the country by the National Trial Lawyers.

More importantly, our clients know that Attorney Snyder will fight for their rights. In the words of one satisfied client, we provide “dependable and trustworthy” service to people like you in their hour of need.

We provide criminal defense representation for clients facing serious allegations, including homicide. We can discuss your options if law enforcement wants to question you about a murder, has named you a person of interest, issues a warrant, or arrests you.

The sooner you or a family member calls us, the faster we can begin protecting your rights and developing an effective defense strategy.

How a Defense Attorney Can Help Defend Against Homicide Charges and Possible Outcomes

Homicide charges are among the most serious criminal accusations a person can face, often carrying severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty in some jurisdictions. A defense attorney plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of these charges, ensuring the defendant’s rights are protected, and striving for the best possible outcome. Here’s a detailed look at how a Philadelphia defense attorney can help in homicide cases and the potential outcomes.

Initial Steps and Investigation

• Case Assessment: A defense attorney begins by thoroughly assessing the case. They review the charges, examine the evidence, and understand the prosecution’s strategy.
• Client Interviews: The attorney will conduct detailed interviews with the defendant to gather their version of events and possible alibis.
• Evidence Gathering: Homicide defense attorneys gather evidence to support the defendant’s case, including physical evidence, witness statements, or expert testimonies.
• Investigation: They may hire private investigators to uncover new evidence or witnesses that can challenge the prosecution’s case.

Legal Strategy Development

• Legal Research: The attorney conducts in-depth legal research to find precedents and laws that support the defense case.
• Strategy Formulation: Based on the evidence and legal research, the defense attorney formulates a comprehensive defense strategy, which could include disputing the evidence, challenging the credibility of witnesses, or arguing for mitigating circumstances.

Challenging the Prosecution’s Case

• Cross-Examination: A crucial role of a Philadelphia homicide lawyer is to cross-examine prosecution witnesses to challenge their credibility and the reliability of their testimonies.
• Suppression of Evidence: The attorney may file motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally or otherwise inadmissible.
• Expert Witnesses: Defense attorneys often call upon expert witnesses to provide testimony that can refute the prosecution’s claims or provide alternative explanations.

Plea Bargaining

• Negotiation: In some cases, the defense attorney may negotiate with the prosecution for a plea bargain. This could result in reduced charges or a lighter sentence.
• Advising the Defendant: The homicide attorney advises the defendant on the potential benefits and drawbacks of accepting a plea deal versus going to trial.

Trial Preparation and Defense

• Pre-Trial Motions: The defense attorney files pre-trial motions that can shape the trial, such as motions to dismiss charges or to exclude certain pieces of evidence.
• Jury Selection: They are involved in selecting an impartial and unbiased jury.
• Opening Statements: The defense attorney presents opening statements that outline the defense’s case and set the stage for the evidence that will be presented.
• Presentation of Defense: The homicide lawyer presents the defense’s case, which may include witness testimonies, evidence, and expert opinions.
• Closing Arguments: In closing arguments, the defense attorney summarizes the evidence and argues why the defendant should be acquitted.

Post-Trial Actions

• Sentencing Advocacy: If the defendant is convicted, the defense attorney argues for a lenient sentence, presenting mitigating factors that could reduce the severity of the punishment.
• Appeals: The attorney may file an appeal if legal errors in the trial affected the outcome, seeking to overturn the conviction or secure a new trial.

Emotional and Psychological Support

• Support for the Defendant: Beyond legal defense, attorneys often provide emotional support and guidance to defendants and their families during the stressful legal process.
• Counseling Referrals: They may refer clients to counseling services to help them cope with the emotional strain of facing serious charges.

A defense attorney is vital in Philadelphia homicide cases, offering expertise, strategic defense, and support to navigate the legal system. While outcomes can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case, a skilled attorney can significantly impact the defendant’s fate, striving to achieve the best possible result under the circumstances.

Common Outcomes in Philadelphia Homicide Cases

There are several ways a Philadelphia homicide case can turn out. Many people only consider the two extremes:

• Clearing your name
• Getting convicted and serving life in prison or getting the death penalty

The truth is that there is a wide range of outcomes, and most of them fall somewhere in between.

• Acquittal: The best possible outcome for a defendant is an acquittal, where the jury finds them not guilty, resulting in their immediate release.
• Reduced Charges: Through plea bargaining or a successful defense, charges might be reduced to a lesser offense with lighter penalties.
• Conviction with Lenient Sentence: Even if convicted, a skilled homicide defense attorney can sometimes secure a more lenient sentence by presenting mitigating factors.
• Hung Jury: If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, it results in a mistrial, and the prosecution must decide whether to retry the case.
• Appeal and Retrial: A successful appeal can result in a new trial, where the defense has another opportunity to achieve a better outcome.

In some cases, we can provide a solid alibi, show police identified the wrong person, or prove someone else committed the crime and get the charges dropped against our client. We may also complete a trial and secure a “not guilty” verdict.

Sometimes, a “not guilty” verdict isn’t possible. In that instance, we may fight to reduce your charge. This may involve negotiating for a reduced sentence, arguing that the charges against you aren’t valid, or claiming self-defense.

Call Our Proven Homicide Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one faces federal or state criminal charges, you can speak with experienced Philadelphia homicide attorney Marni Jo Snyder one-on-one for free.

You do not want to represent yourself when facing charges this serious. Let us be there if the police want to question you, if you are arrested, and when you must appear in court.

Call the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC today to receive a free consultation.