When negligence causes someone’s death, police don’t stand around waiting to see what happens; they’re looking for answers, and prosecutors are looking for someone to blame. Hire the Philadelphia manslaughter defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. if they decide it is you or a loved one. Our legal team will put heavy resources and years of experience behind your defense.
“I know it’s tough to remain calm after a manslaughter arrest. After all, and no matter what happened, you or your loved one did not mean for anything bad to happen to anyone. That’s the first thing to remember. Secondly, don’t say a word to investigators, and get in touch with my office for more information as soon as you possibly can.”
Brad V. Shuttleworth, Esq.
Founder & Philadelphia Criminal Defense Lawyer, Shuttleworth Law P.C.
Get In Touch With Brad Now for My Free Case Evaluation
Your story deserves to be understood and told. Shuttleworth Law P.C. also believes that an accused person should know where things may stand. Give our Philadelphia manslaughter defense lawyers a call now for your Free Case Evaluation at 888-529-3486 or by messaging us online.
Shuttleworth Law P.C. Steps In You When Face PA Manslaughter Charges
Police arrest people for manslaughter if they believe there is enough evidence that you negligently caused someone’s death or caused their death in the heat of passion. However, just because they believe they have a case against you does not mean they actually have one.
That is why the accused hire Shuttleworth Law P.C.: either to prove you that a) you did not do it OR b) the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not have enough evidence to convict under the law regardless of what happened.
It’s called the due process of the law when you face the courtroom and hold the justice system accountable. Our Philadelphia manslaughter defense lawyers have a deep bench of resources when dealing with violent crime accusations, such as homicide, murder and manslaughter, to accomplish this objective for your:
Involuntary Manslaughter Defense
Involuntary Manslaughter is when someone has caused the death of another person through alleged gross negligence or recklessness per 18 Pa.C.S. § 2504. It is a First-Degree Misdemeanor unless committed against a person under age 12. Hire Philadelphia involuntary manslaughter lawyers to protect your legal rights from the outset if you stand accused.
Voluntary Manslaughter Defense
Voluntary Manslaughter, charged under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2503, is when someone causes the death of another during an alleged “sudden and intense passion.” Pennsylvania law grades Voluntary Manslaughter as a First-Degree Felony, one of the most severe charges a person could face. Speak with our Philadelphia voluntary manslaughter lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C. to find out more about your options.
Homicide By Vehicle Defense
Vehicular Manslaughter is a crime involving the death of another person caused by a motor vehicle, either through gross negligence or recklessness. The law grades it as a Third-Degree Felony in 75 Pa.C.S. § 3732, carrying harsh penalties. Philadelphia homicide by vehicle defense lawyers will fight to ensure you do not pay for an unproven crime.
Find Out How Our Philadelphia Manslaughter Defense Lawyers Will Help
Manslaughter charges are some of the most intense that one can experience. Do not accept responsibility for an unproven crime and get in touch with Shuttleworth Law P.C.. Call 888-529-3486 to schedule your Free Case Evaluation now.
How Shuttleworth Law P.C. Strategically Defends Manslaughter Charges
You’ll notice, if you hire Philadelphia manslaughter defense lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C., that we may ask initial questions strategically. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, our legal team may want to see what prosecutors can actually prove before getting more information from you.
This strategy is intentional.
It doesn’t mean that we don’t want to hear your side of the story in some situations. It just means that we’re trying to approach your case the right way, and we’ll let you know if that’s what Brad is trying to do. We will never keep you in the dark about what is happening.
That being said, our initial findings and your feedback could provide you with a few legal options, which may or may not apply to every case:
Option 1. Investigate Further
This option is not necessarily an outcome in and of itself. However, it does help if you still aren’t sure if you are better off negotiating, fighting for a dismissal, or heading to trial. Our findings into evidentiary mistakes or alternate theories could help a lot.
Option 2. File a Motion
The law allows a court to drop your charges if we discover that the Commonwealth is mistaken in filing them against you. This would be an ideal outcome in many situations.
Option 3. Negotiate with Prosecutors
Yes, sometimes prosecutors have enough evidence to convict, and clients don’t have the time or money to investigate further. It’s not our first stance or position, but we will negotiate with prosecutors if that is what our clients want.
Option 4. Get Charges Dismissed During Pre-Trial
It’s time-consuming and expensive for the Commonwealth to present and argue at trial. The judicial process gives you time to investigate the facts of your case and present them during hearings before a jury trial.
Option 5. Fight Your Charges at Trial
This is the World Series of legal moments in a manslaughter case. If we reveal that you have a chance of beating your case at trial, or you simply want to make sure it gets there, Shuttleworth Law P.C. will have your back throughout the process.
As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to obtain a more favorable outcome than pleading guilty and accepting responsibility. The Philadelphia manslaughter defense lawyer at Shuttleworth Law P.C. will explain how we could help you approach things and what we will do to keep you as safe as possible from consequences.
Our Firm Has Helped the Accused Walk Away Free
Shuttleworth Law P.C. is a results-oriented law firm. Our #1 goal is to get you the outcome you want. While every case is unique, it can be reassuring to know that others in your situation have genuinely been blown away by our work.
Our legal team has accomplished excellent results for clients. Check out some of our recent case results below:
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. C.L.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client charged with armed robbery of a bank in Philadelphia. The incident was caught on video. Trial was held in front of a judge, and client was found NOT GUILTY of all charges. The defense was mistaken identification. As a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia, I take great pride in achieving the most advantageous outcome.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.A.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client was charged with aggravated assault of a correctional officer while in custody at the Detention Center in Philadelphia, PA (part of the Philadelphia Prison System). He testified that he had to punch the correctional officer in self-defense, because he was attacked by two officers. Client was found NOT GUILTY.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. D.C.
Ruling: Not Guilty
Client accused of burglarizing a home at night. A neighbor witness claimed to have seen the burglar and recognized him as client. Witness also claimed he knew client from the neighborhood, which is why he recognized him. Mistaken identification was the defense. Client found NOT GUILTY of all charges.
Why Hire Philadelphia Manslaughter Defense Lawyers at Shuttleworth Law P.C.
REASSURANCE is the most compelling reason to hire Philadelphia manslaughter defense lawyers. Who knows what could happen to your future if you face the courts unrepresented?
Legal mistakes can lead to lifelong consequences that no one would ever want to endure, such as fines and time in prison. Stop them from happening in the first place: hire Shuttleworth Law P.C. to represent your rights as soon as possible.
Ready for a Free Case Evaluation? Take the First Step Now
Shuttleworth Law P.C. is a case-winning and experienced defense and trial law firm, taking a very compassionate approach toward every matter we represent. Essentially, you will have a legal champion on your side at every critical moment in your defense.
Get your Free Case Evaluation now by calling 888-529-3486. You can also send us a confidential message about your or your loved one’s situation via the form below. Our firm is happy to meet via secure video chat if you prefer.
FAQs: Pennsylvania Manslaughter Charges
What Is the Punishment for Manslaughter in Pennsylvania?
The punishment for manslaughter in Pennsylvania depends on whether you face charges under the voluntary or involuntary statute. Voluntary manslaughter is more consequential and severe than involuntary manslaughter, but both are still very serious crimes.
Involuntary manslaughter could carry up to ten years in prison and $25,000 in fines. Voluntary manslaughter brings up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines if convicted.
Is Manslaughter a Felony in Pennsylvania?
Manslaughter could be a felony in Pennsylvania if specific facts are present and proven in a criminal court beyond a reasonable doubt. The Commonwealth charges manslaughter as either a misdemeanor or felony. It would be a misdemeanor if negligence was the cause, whereas you face a felony if it involved a crime of intense passion or a person under age 12 in your care.
Related Article: Is Manslaughter a Felony in Pennsylvania?