Murder and manslaughter charges are among the most intimidating defendants can face because of the severe consequences upon conviction, such as mandatory life imprisonment and even the possibility of the death penalty.

Manslaughter is divided into two categories: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter is a first-degree felony, while involuntary manslaughter is only a first-degree misdemeanor, making it a much less serious offense. There are three kinds of murder in Pennsylvania: first-, second-, and third-degree murder. The higher the degree of murder charged, the less likely it is that the judge will set bail or that the defendant will be able to afford bail if it is set.

Call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 709-7431 for a free, confidential case assessment from our murder and manslaughter defense lawyers.

What Are the Differences Between Voluntary Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter in Springfield, PA?

The main differences between voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter are their definitions, grading, and penalties. Though manslaughter is a less serious offense than murder, it is still a relatively serious charge compared to other offenses.

Definition

Voluntary manslaughter involves intentional killing with provocation, which is often referred to as a crime of passion. Involuntary manslaughter involves unintentional killing because of criminal negligence or recklessness, such as drunk driving.

Grading

Voluntary manslaughter is charged as a first-degree felony in Pennsylvania, while involuntary manslaughter is typically a first-degree misdemeanor, a much less serious offense.

Penalties

The penalties for voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter also differ substantially. Since voluntary manslaughter is a first-degree felony, the maximum prison sentence if convicted is 20 years. You might also have to pay a fine of up to $25,000 for a voluntary manslaughter conviction.

If you are convicted of involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree misdemeanor, you could spend up to 5 years in jail and be ordered to pay $10,000 in fines.

How Many Kinds of Murder Are There in Springfield, PA?

Murder is the most serious offense in Pennsylvania and is in a category of its own. There are three kinds of murder defendants can be charged with, all of which carry different consequences.

Pennsylvania has third-, second-, and first-degree murder charges. First-degree murder is premediated intentionally killing, second-degree murder is killing someone during the commission of another crime, and third-degree murder is all other types of murder involving malice.

Is There a Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Murder in Springfield, PA?

You might face a mandatory minimum sentence if you are convicted of murder in Springfield, depending on the grading of the offense you were convicted of.

Third-Degree Murder

There is no mandatory minimum sentence for third-degree murder in Pennsylvania, though there is a maximum, which is 40 years’ incarceration.

Second-Degree Murder

Pennsylvania has long required mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole for both first- and second-degree murder convictions until a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision that held life without parole for second-degree murder is unconstitutional.

First-Degree Murder

In addition to life without the possibility of parole, the other sentencing possibility for first-degree murder convictions in Pennsylvania is the death penalty.

How Do You Prove Self-Defense in a Murder Case?

Self-defense is one of the most used defenses in murder trials. It is considered an “affirmative defense,” meaning that, for it to succeed, our lawyers must produce evidence that shows you responded with proportional force to threats or force directed at you.

To prove self-defense, our murder and manslaughter defense lawyers may present evidence that confirms you did not provoke or initiate the confrontation and that you did not have a duty of retreat at the time, or, if you did, you attempted to retreat safely but were unable to.

Can You Get Released on Bail in a Murder Case in Springfield, PA?

Bail is not guaranteed in any criminal case, even for a low-level offense. For such a serious and violent offense as murder, it is less likely the defendant will be released on bail.

Depending on the nature of the crime and the facts alleged by the prosecution, the judge might deny bail altogether and remand the defendant to police custody for the entire murder trial.

Even if the judge does set a bail amount in a murder case, it is often very high and hard for many defendants and their families to afford. We can explain the different options available to you and your loved ones when it comes to posting bail so you are prepared if bail is set.

What Evidence Can You Challenge in a Murder Trial?

Before a murder trial begins, our lawyers can file pre-trial motions to suppress and exclude certain evidence that should not be allowed in the case or seen by the jury.

We can file pre-trial motions to suppress any illegally obtained evidence, from coerced confessions to illegally seized items. Tell us if the police formally interrogated you without informing you of your right to remain silent or your right to an attorney. Miranda rights violations can make anything said during an interrogation inadmissible.

What is a Good Plea Deal for Murder Charges in Springfield, PA?

Even if prosecutors have a lot of evidence, they might offer defendants plea deals to avoid spending the time and resources needed to try a case in court. If you are considering accepting a plea deal, make sure it favors you before agreeing.

A good plea deal for murder charges would lower the actual charge you are facing. For example, instead of first-degree murder, a defendant might plead guilty to second-degree murder to avoid the possibility of a death sentence.

We may negotiate a plea deal that reduces the charges more dramatically so you do not face as severe consequences as you might if you were found guilty of the original charges.

Get Our Help with Manslaughter and Murder Charges in Springfield, PA

Call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 709-7431 for help from our murder and manslaughter defense lawyers.