Charged with Homicide or Manslaughter?
Experienced Bucks County Criminal Defense Attorney
In Pennsylvania, criminal homicide, the unlawful death of a human being, includes murder and manslaughter. Pennsylvania state laws require proof of malice to distinguish murder from manslaughter. To prove malice in a murder case, the prosecutor must show the defendant’s general intent to commit an unlawful act or achieve a harmful result and must prove that the defendant had a specific intent to kill.
There are three types of murder charges in Pennsylvania:
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First Degree Murder: a premeditated, intentional killing of a human being.
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Second Degree Murder: homicide committed during the commission of an underlying felony such as burglary, rape, or kidnapping.
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Third Degree Murder: the killing of another with malice.
There are two types of manslaughter charges in Pennsylvania:
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Involuntary Manslaughter: death caused by reckless or grossly negligent conduct while engaging a lawful or unlawful activity without malice.
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Voluntary Manslaughter: a killing that happens with sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation by the individual killed.
Strategic Criminal Defense Against Homicide & Manslaughter Charges
As a former prosecutor, Sharif Abaza has in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system. Sharif Abaza is equipped with the legal resources needed to build a solid and arguable defense to meet and challenge the allegations being leveled against you and will explore every possible defense in order to vigorously defend you against these charges. Advances in DNA and forensic sciences enable us to challenge even the most incriminating circumstantial evidence provided by law enforcement officials. Sharif Abaza will conduct a thorough investigation including DNA evidence as well as witness testimony and police conduct in order to build the best possible defense.
