Homicide & Manslaughter Defense

If you or someone you love has been accused, charged or arrested for a homicide, murder or manslaughter in Bucks County, you need an accomplished, award-winning criminal defense attorney who will fight passionately for you and treat you with respect.

There are very few lawyers you can turn to in Bucks County who meet the rigorous qualifications to defend you against homicide, murder and manslaughter charges. Keith J. Williams is certified by the state of Pennsylvania to fiercely defend your rights and fight for your freedom.

Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 801

In order to be certified to provide legal representation for capital punishment cases, Pennsylvania Criminal Procedure Rule 801 states that attorneys must complete relevant CLE-training and meet an experience requirement.

Keith J. Williams is one of the few criminal defense attorneys in Bucks County certified to represent homicide and murder defendants in Pennsylvania who may be subject to the death penalty. He has fulfilled all necessary capital case educational and training requirements and is committed to representing his clients through resourceful and effective defense strategies, skillful negotiations and exceptional courtroom skills.

Capital Punishment is a Legal Penalty in Pennsylvania.

In February 2015, Governor Wolf announced a moratorium on executions that is still in effect today. However, capital crimes are still prosecuted, and the death penalty is still being imposed.

Who Can Be Sentenced to the Death Penalty in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, there are different degrees of murder and homicide. First degree murder is the highest degree of murder and is defined as an unlawful killing that is willful and premeditated. A defendant convicted of first-degree murder faces a minimum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole and maximum sentence of the death penalty if the jury unanimously agrees with the decision.

Charges of homicide, murder or manslaughter are not the same as a conviction. You are innocent until proven guilty. Keith J. Williams is dedicated to defending the rights of the accused and the presumption of innocence throughout Bucks County and works diligently to ensure the best possible results for his clients with an unwavering commitment to their defense.

What are the Murder, Homicide and Manslaughter Charges in PA?

There are different degrees of murder, homicide and manslaughter charges in Pennsylvania. Criminal defense attorney Keith J. Williams is ready to defend you against:

First Degree Murder
Second Degree Murder
Third Degree Murder
Voluntary Manslaughter
Involuntary Manslaughter
Attempted Homicide

Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Vehicular Homicide
Homicide by DUI
Drug Delivery Resulting in Death
Causing or Aiding Suicide

What is the difference between First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Murder, Third-Degree Murder and Manslaughter Charges in PA?

First-Degree Murder

An unlawful, intentional, willful, deliberate and premeditated killing constitutes first-degree murder. A first-degree murder conviction is punishable by either mandatory life imprisonment or the death penalty. It also is punishable by a maximum $50,000 fine.

Second-Degree Murder

Any death that occurs during the commission of a felony crime, even if it was accidental, constitutes second-degree or felony murder. An intent to kill the victim is not necessary for a defendant to be convicted of felony murder. An accomplice as well as the perpetrator of the felony can also be convicted of second-degree murder. A second-degree murder conviction is punishable by a mandatory life term in prison. It is also punishable by a maximum $50,000 fine.

Third-Degree Murder

Third-degree murder is defined as any other kind of murder and is a first-degree felony. A third-degree murder conviction is punishable by 20 to 40 years in prison with a maximum $50,000 fine.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Voluntary manslaughter is a killing that is done without prior intent and in the heat of the moment, but without legal justification. A voluntary manslaughter conviction is a first-degree felony and is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison with a maximum $25,000 fine.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary manslaughter refers to an unintentional, and possibly accidental, killing of a human being caused by recklessness or criminal negligence. If the victim is a child under the age of 12 and is in the care of the person who caused the death, it is a felony of the second and includes a fine of up to $25,000. Otherwise, it is a misdemeanor of the first degree and a fine of up to $10,000.

What are Some Defenses to Homicide, Murder & Manslaughter Charges?

Criminal defense attorney, Keith J. Williams knows what to expect from the prosecution and will take the time to fully understand your circumstances to formulate an aggressive defense. Some defenses include:

Innocence
Reasonable Doubt
Mental Insanity
Diminished Mental Capacity
Self-Defense
Defense of Others
Duress

Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony
Lack of Corroboration
Mitigating Allegations of Premeditation
No Intent to Commit the Underlying Felony
Motivation of Co-Defendants who Testify Against the Defendant
Justification

Homicide, Murder and Manslaughter Defense Attorney

If you or someone you love is charged with homicide, murder or manslaughter you are innocent until proven guilty. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, Keith J. Williams has the qualifications and certifications by the state of Pennsylvania to represent you and protect you from life-long consequences.