Erie Law Firm - Homicide

Homicide Attorneys Erie PA

Criminal Homicide is the most serious offense that can be lodged against an individual. Everyone knows that. But, what people probably don’t know is that there are five different forms of criminal homicide in Erie County. They are:

Murder of the First Degree

Someone lost their life;
The Defendant killed him or her;
And the Defendant did so with the specific intent to kill with malice.

Murder of the Second Degree

The Defendant caused the death of another;
The Defendant did so while attempting, committing or fleeing from the commission of another offense;
And the Defendant did so with malice.

Murder of the Third Degree

Someone lost their life;
The Defendant killed him or her;
And the Defendant did so with malice.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Someone lost their life;
The Defendant killed him or her;
And the Defendant had the intent to kill. *The difference here is that the killing is without malice. (i.e. heat of passion following serious provocation, etc)

Involuntary Manslaughter

Someone lost their life;
The Defendant’s conduct was a direct cause of his or her death;
And the Defendant’s conduct was reckless.

Something else people may know but it bears repeating, there is generally a big different in the volume of witnesses, evidence, and overall resources poured into a homicide prosecution by the Commonwealth.

As a result, a criminal attorney defending a homicide prosecution must have the experience, work ethic, and singular focus to be able to navigate all of these items while working towards formulating an appropriate defense. That person must also have a strong understanding of potential pre-trial challenges and in trial strategy.

As one might expect, those items represent only a snapshot of the things your loved one should be aware of as they navigate through the judicial system with one of the various homicide charges hanging over their head.

This is especially true since most people charged with such an offense will find themselves incarcerated pending trial. That complicates the defense and makes it even more important to acquire representation early so that an appropriate defense can be prepared.

I support the idea of talking to many criminal defense attorneys in Erie PA before settling on the person you want to handle the defense. Unfortunately, you will get to know the attorney very well in the months leading up to trial and as a result you must be able to get along with them both personally and professionally.

That person may not be me and I respect and understand that. Both the attorney and the client have to be comfortable because a homicide defense is often a long hard fought journey together. But, before you make that decision.

Criminal Law