According to statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, there were 39,228 reported cases of violent crimes in Pennsylvania, comprising 669 murder and non-negligent manslaughter incidents in 2019. In the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a person may be facing criminal homicide charges for killing another person intentionally. If convicted, the offender could face substantial fines, life without the possibility of parole, and other life-changing ramifications.
If you're facing homicide or murder charges in Pennsylvania, it is paramount that you retain an aggressive and highly-skilled criminal defense attorney immediately to strategize your defense. At Marc V. Taiani, Esquire and Allegheny Attorneys at Law, P.C., I'm dedicated to offering experienced legal guidance and reliable representation to individuals facing homicide allegations. As your legal counsel, I can review and investigate the facts of your personal situation and outline an effective defense strategy to maximize your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case.
My firm, Marc V. Taiani, Esquire and Allegheny Attorneys At Law, P.C., proudly serves clients across Pittsburgh, Fox Chapel, Shaler Township, Aspinwall, Ross Township, and Penn Hills, Pennsylvania.
Homicide can be described as an act of killing another human being, be it lawfully or unlawfully. According to the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 2501, a person is guilty of criminal homicide if they intentionally, recklessly, or negligently cause the death of another human being. Some common examples of homicide include:
Under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 2501(b), criminal homicide is classified into murder, voluntary manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the criminal offense, murder may be charged in Pennsylvania as first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or third-degree murder (Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 2502).
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 2503(a), a person who kills someone without lawful justification commits voluntary manslaughter, if at the time of the killing they are acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation by:
According to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 2504(a), a person is guilty of involuntary manslaughter when they cause the death of another person while doing a lawful or unlawful act in a reckless or grossly negligent manner.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 2505(a), a person may be convicted of criminal homicide for causing another to commit suicide only if they intentionally cause such suicide by force, duress, or deception.
According to Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Section 2506(a), a person commits a felony of the first degree if the person intentionally administers, dispenses, delivers, gives, prescribes, sells, or distributes any controlled substance or counterfeit controlled substance, and another person dies as a result of using the substance.
If convicted on any charge of murder or non-negligent manslaughter in Pennsylvania, the possible penalties include:
When facing criminal homicide or murder charges, your attorney may attempt to fight the allegations against you by building a defense strategy on the basis of:
When facing homicide or murder allegations, defending yourself against those charges could easily expose you to being convicted and receiving the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could be facing serious consequences, including hefty fines, life without the possibility of parole, and other devastating social consequences. Retaining an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney is imperative to defend your rights and determine your most effective defense strategy.
At Marc V. Taiani, Esquire and Allegheny Attorneys at Law, P.C., I'm devoted to handling a variety of legal matters, including criminal homicide cases. As your legal counsel, I will investigate the facts surrounding your personal situation, explore your possible legal defenses, and strategize an effective defense in pursuit of a favorable outcome for your case. Having me on your side can make a huge difference between being convicted and staying out of jail.
If you are facing criminal homicide charges, call me at Marc V. Taiani, Esquire and Allegheny Attorneys At Law, P.C., today to schedule a consultation. I will fight aggressively to defend your rights and offer you the comprehensive counsel and representation you need. My firm represents clients across Pittsburgh, Fox Chapel, Shaler Township, Ross Township, and Penn Hills, Pennsylvania