Pittsburgh Murder Lawyer

There may be no criminal charge more serious than homicide or manslaughter. Being in the unfortunate position of facing a homicide accusation can wreak havoc on your well-being as your future and freedom hang in the balance. A Pittsburgh murder lawyer can help you fight your criminal charges so you do not face the most serious penalties under the law.

Why Choose The Levenson Law Firm?

For over two generations, our father-daughter legal team at Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices, has taken pride in being accessible to our clients in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area. Though we focus on limiting our caseload to offer personalized and thoughtful representation to each client, we have garnered a reputation as a premier criminal defense firm, causing clients from across the United States to seek our services when charged with a violent crime.

Understanding the Impact of Murder Charges in Pittsburgh

Murder charges in Pittsburgh carry life-changing consequences and demand a serious legal defense. Some progress has been made. Homicides involving teenagers dropped from 26 in 2022 to 16 in 2023. Still, firearms remain a dominant factor in these cases.

In 2024, guns were used in 80% of the 41 homicides. Neighborhoods like Homewood, the Hill District, and Larimer continue to experience the ripple effects of gun violence. The first nine months of 2024 saw just three homicides, down from 13 during the same period in 2023, reflecting a shift that underscores the stakes in every murder case.

What Constitutes A Homicide Charge?

When someone takes the life of another person, they could end up facing homicide charges. However, there are multiple types of homicide under the law, which include the following:

• Murder
• Involuntary manslaughter
• Voluntary manslaughter

For a homicide accusation to develop into a murder charge, there must be evidence that the defendant had malicious intent and engaged in premeditation. Additionally, depending on the circumstances, courts may charge the defendant with first or second-degree murder. In Pennsylvania, specifically, third-degree murder charges could also be on the table.

If the accused did not intend to kill the victim prior to the event, but they were intentional with their actions, the court could charge them with voluntary manslaughter. Lastly, a person could face involuntary manslaughter charges if they did not have an intent to kill the victim and did not act intentionally. A drunk driving accident, where the motorist accidentally murders the victim, is a common example of involuntary manslaughter.

The Consequences Of A Homicide Conviction

Homicide is a felony, regardless of whether the accused is facing murder, voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter charges. Due to the differing severity of each of these offenses, Pennsylvania residents could spend up to 20 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for involuntary manslaughter or a life sentence for first-degree murder.

Beyond prison time, a conviction can permanently impact employment opportunities, housing, gun rights, and relationships. In Pittsburgh, these consequences are especially harsh for individuals with prior records.

What Happens After a Homicide Arrest in Pittsburgh?

For residents of areas like East Liberty, Hazelwood, or the South Side, a homicide charge can send shockwaves through their community and family. Following an arrest for homicide in Pittsburgh, the accused is booked, held for arraignment, and considered for bail. In cases that involve homicide, bail is often denied due to the severity of the charge.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled at the Allegheny County Courthouse on Grant Street, where the prosecution must show probable cause. As the case proceeds, it moves through the pretrial period. During this time, prosecutors, investigators, and the defense attorney continue gathering evidence to support their respective cases.

Common forms of evidence used in homicide cases include statements from witnesses, forensic data like fingerprints, ballistics, and other forms of evidence. The District Attorney’s Office, located in the Allegheny County Courthouse, plays a central role in determining whether to pursue charges such as first-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter.

If the defendant is held in Allegheny County Jail, located in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood, their attorney can visit periodically to update them and discuss the case. As the case moves forward, prosecutors and the defense work to strengthen their cases ahead of a plea bargain offer or trial.

Potential Defenses for Murder Charges

Common defenses for murder charges in Pittsburgh include self-defense, mistaken identity, accidental death, and a lack of intent. For example, a fatal shooting in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood might be framed as self-defense if there’s evidence the accused faced an imminent threat. A confrontation in the Strip District that resulted in death could have involved provocations by the victim.

As with any crime, the prosecution has a high bar to reach when proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If they cannot provide substantial and credible evidence that the defendant committed the crime, the defense attorney can push to have the charges reduced or even dropped.

The defense may challenge the prosecution’s evidence, especially if there are gaps in surveillance footage, inconsistent witness statements, or flawed forensic reports. For residents in areas like Bloomfield or Carrick, a skilled attorney can scrutinize the testimony used to determine if their client was misidentified or if the witness statements are unreliable.

The Role of Plea Bargaining

The majority of criminal cases are resolved without the need to go to trial. Plea bargaining is the process of negotiating a resolution to the case that both the defense and prosecution can agree upon. In return for a guilty plea that saves the courts considerable time and resources, prosecutors have the authority to offer reduced penalties or charges. A judge would still need to sign off on any agreement.

Plea bargains can also reduce the strain the victim’s family would go through during a lengthy trial. Defense attorneys must weigh various factors when advising their clients, including the strength of their evidence and the risk of a guilty verdict at trial. Ultimately, the defendant decides whether or not to accept a plea bargain offer.

The Critical Role of Legal Representation When Fighting Criminal Charges

The quality of a defendant’s legal representation can greatly influence the outcome of a case. Defense attorneys bring years of experience and a deep understanding of criminal law to the benefit of their clients. They understand how to chip away at the prosecution’s case so their client stands a stronger chance of having their charges reduced or dropped. If the case goes to trial, a defense attorney can argue their case before a judge or jury.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Punishment for Murder in Pennsylvania?

A: In Pennsylvania, the punishment for murder varies based on the degree of the crime. First-degree murder involving premeditation can result in a life sentence or the death penalty. Second-degree murder typically leads to life imprisonment. Third-degree murder can result in a lengthy prison sentence. Factors like the severity of the crime and mitigating circumstances influence the final sentence.

Q: How Many Years Do You Get for Criminal Homicide in PA?

A: The penalty for criminal homicide in Pennsylvania depends on the degree of the offense. The consequences can range from long-term imprisonment to life sentences, with certain crimes carrying more severe penalties. A skilled defense attorney can help navigate the complexities of the case, possibly reducing the severity of the sentence through negotiations or legal defenses.

Q: What Happens if You Admit Murder to Your Lawyer?

A: If you admit to committing murder to your lawyer, the lawyer is ethically bound to represent your interests while maintaining confidentiality. Lawyers cannot reveal information shared in confidence unless there’s a threat to public safety. However, the attorney will still work on strategies that protect your rights and may attempt to reduce the charges or sentence.

Q: Can You Be Charged With Murder Without Intending To Kill Someone?

A: In Pennsylvania, you cannot be charged with murder if there was no intent to kill. The charge would likely be another type of homicide, such as involuntary manslaughter. These charges apply when a person’s reckless or negligent behavior results in another person’s death. Although the intent to kill is not required, the legal consequences can still be severe and may include jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

How Can We Defend Your Rights?

The thought of being accused of a violent crime, such as homicide or manslaughter, can negatively impact your life in nearly every way possible. To potentially minimize the consequences of a conviction, be sure to seek prompt legal support from our attorneys by calling our office at 412-837-8757 or by contacting us online at your earliest convenience.