If you or someone in your family is charged with homicide, finding an experienced attorney is essential. The consequences of a homicide conviction are severe, including fines, jail time, and more.
Along with contacting our office immediately, understanding Pennsylvania homicide law is equally important. Learn more here.
Understanding Philadelphia, PA Homicide Laws and Charges
According to Pennsylvania law, homicide is the intentional or unintentional killing of another person. This is broken down into the following:
- Murder: The intentional or premeditated killing of someone.
- Manslaughter: Killing someone due to negligence or an accident.
- Charles Peruto has defended clients facing several homicide charges, including:
- First-degree murder: The intentional murder of another person.
- Second-degree murder: A murder that is committed while committing another felony crime.
- Third-degree murder: Includes all other types of murder situations.
- Voluntary manslaughter: This means killing someone without calculation. It is often described as a “crime of passion” in the heat of the moment or after being provoked.
- Involuntary manslaughter: Killing someone else under unlawful, lawful, or gross negligence or recklessness.
- Vehicular homicide: Killing someone while driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is important to note that Pennsylvania law recognizes another type of homicide, This is called “Drug Delivery Resulting in Death.” It is similar to the state’s third-degree murder charges.
Do not wait to seek legal representation if you are facing criminal charges. Contact The Law offices of A. Charles Peruto Jr. to schedule a free and confidential case review. Call us today at 215-735-1010
This classification was created to deal with the increase in opioid-related deaths across the state. Once enacted, more people are being charged and prosecuted after selling or giving another person drugs who died. The purpose of “Drug Delivery Resulting in Death” charges is to target alleged drug dealers who provided a drug that someone later died from. This crime is punishable by up to 40 years in prison.
Aggravating Factors in Philadelphia, PA Homicide Cases
The charges someone faces after committing homicide depend on the circumstances of the case. If aggravating circumstances are involved, more serious penalties will likely be applied. Common aggravating factors in Pennsylvania homicide cases include:
- Murder targeting specific people in certain positions (i.e., police officers, firefighters, judges, etc.)
- Lack of remorse
If you are charged with any of the homicide charges mentioned here, it is essential to seek representation from a homicide defense lawyer in Pennsylvania. They can review the facts of your case and begin building a solid defense strategy on your behalf.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Manslaughter Charges
Manslaughter refers to killing someone else, but it is not the same as murder. This is because manslaughter can be intentional or unintentional or voluntary or involuntary.
In most cases, it is treated as a less serious/severe crime than murder.
Even though voluntary manslaughter is a type of intentional killing, it is done when the defendant acts under an intense or sudden passion caused by provocation by the killed individual. It also applies to cases where the defendant accidentally kills another person while trying to keep the individual who provoked them.
Understanding the Challenges of Homicide Cases in Philadelphia, PA
Every homicide case is unique. However, they are all equally challenging because of how serious the crime is.
When someone is charged with homicide, the government puts the best detectives and prosecutors on the case. You need the same aggressive representation from your homicide defense lawyer in Pennsylvania, and that lawyer is Mr. Peruto.
While homicide cases are usually prosecuted on the state level, there are situations where they will be elevated to federal court. This is especially the case in Drug Delivery Resulting in Death situations. In this case, state and federal detectives and prosecutors will work to find evidence to get a conviction. While this can be scary, it illustrates the importance of hiring a competent attorney to protect your rights.
Let A. Charles Peruto Help with Your Case
As a homicide defense lawyer in Pennsylvania, Mr. Peruto has the expertise and ability to challenge the charges against you. With over 44 years of experience, he understands how to work with expert witnesses and challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.
Do not wait to seek legal representation if you are facing criminal charges. Contact The Law offices of A. Charles Peruto Jr. to schedule a free and confidential case review. Call us today at 215-735-1010
