Montgomery County Murder Defense Lawyers

Anyone charged with homicide faces an uncertain future. Your life, freedom, rights, and reputation are all on the line. A murder or manslaughter conviction, depending on the degree, could put you in prison for life and may even place you on death row. But being charged with murder or manslaughter might not lead to conviction. That’s where we come in.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, we’re dedicated to advocating on your behalf in state or federal courts. If you’re a suspect in a murder, homicide, or manslaughter investigation or have already been charged, talk to an experienced Montgomery County criminal defense attorney promptly to protect your legal rights, future, and freedom.

Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. to schedule an initial consultation as early in your murder or homicide case as possible. The sooner you partner with our murderer attorneys in Montgomery County, the more opportunities you may have to secure a favorable outcome.

The Different Types of Homicide Charges in Pennsylvania

There are different levels of homicide offenses that can be levied against you in Pennsylvania, and it’s important to understand the difference between the different degrees when planning a defense.

Criminal homicide is the killing of another person wherein the defendant acted intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with certain degrees of negligence. This offense is broken up into categories, including three degrees of murder and two types of manslaughter. These offenses are also punished based on the mental state of the defendant at the time of the killing, which means that it’s not enough to show that someone has died; the prosecution must also prove that death occurred due to the defendant’s actions and that the defendant intended to cause the death at some level or acted in disregard of the risk that it would occur.

Here are the different levels of homicide and manslaughter offenses that may pertain to your case:

First-Degree Murder

First-degree murder requires that the prosecutor establish the presence of malice or the specific intent to kill. Evidence used to establish the presence of malice, the intent to kill, and pre-meditated murder include the consideration of the defendant’s actions and the use of a deadly weapon.

Second-Degree Murder

Second-degree murder requires the presence of malice and the defendant’s specific intent to kill. Unlike first-degree murder, however, a defendant may be charged with second-degree murder if they committed a homicide while they were in the process of committing another felony.

Third-Degree Murder

All other types of murder will be classified as third-degree murder. A defendant may be found guilty of murder even if they didn’t have the intent to kill but did have the intent to perform unlawful acts that resulted in the death of a person.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Killing someone in the heat of passion without premeditation is different in the eyes of the law from carefully planning and deliberately carrying out a murder with malice. Homicide that occurs due to sudden and intense emotion is classified as voluntary manslaughter.

Involuntary Manslaughter

When a person dies through the unintentional recklessness or criminal negligence of another, there could be charges of involuntary manslaughter. The distinction between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter is a lack of intent.

Vehicular Homicide While Under the Influence

Anyone alleged to have caused the death of another person while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be charged with this crime, which is considered a second-degree felony in Pennsylvania.

To defend against charges of murder or manslaughter requires a team of aggressive investigators and lawyers. At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed and fighting for your legal rights throughout the entirety of your case. You can be assured of respectful treatment at the law firm. We don’t judge our clients but instead listen carefully as we prepare to advocate on your behalf in state or federal courts.

Our homicide lawyers in Montgomery County are former prosecutors and accomplished courtroom litigators. We’re confident in our ability to help our clients obtain the most favorable possible outcomes given the specific facts and circumstances. Contact us as soon as possible after your arrest.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Montgomery County Murder Attorney Today

For more than 65 years, the attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. have been serving the legal needs of clients in Montgomery County, and Bucks County, and throughout the surrounding areas. We’ve earned the trust and respect of clients facing a wide range of legal problems, and our attorneys are dedicated to protecting your legal rights.

If you’ve been arrested or charged with murder, speak with an expert criminal defense lawyer well-versed in possible defense strategies that may pertain to your case. A successful defense strategy in a murder or manslaughter case will differ greatly depending on the facts. 

The Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford are committed to fighting in your defense and protecting your interests throughout the legal process. Our highly trusted legal team understands the rules and regulations surrounding murder in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and will be with you every step of the way. Call 215-822-7575 or complete our online contact form today.