Homicide Defense Lawyer in Philadelphia

If you are facing a homicide charge in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a criminal defense lawyer can help protect your legal rights. The team at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC can ensure that you get aggressive representation throughout your case. Such representation may help you avoid a devastating conviction or get a more favorable outcome.

It is always better to start defending your case as early as possible. This way, your lawyer has more time to look for evidence and implement defense strategies. At the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC, we understand what it takes to defend clients in these criminal proceedings and will bring our energy and competence to your case. We offer free consultations for those accused of terrible crimes and those facing false allegations.

What Does a Homicide Defense Lawyer Do?

Our team understands how to develop a strong defense against homicide accusations and takes the necessary steps to do so on behalf of every client we represent. We take many steps to defend our clients. While the specifics will vary from case to case, we have helped other clients by:

Collecting evidence: We will investigate your case and find evidence that proves your innocence, shows that witnesses are incorrect or lying, or casts doubt on the prosecutor’s argument.
Suppressing the prosecution’s evidence: If the prosecutor acquired any of their evidence illegally, we will fight to ensure that the judge does not allow the jury to consider it.
Striking a plea deal: This can get you a reduced sentence, including lower fines and less prison time.
Getting the charges reduced: For example, getting your charge reduced from first-degree murder to manslaughter will avoid the death penalty or life without parole.
Getting the case dismissed: With a strong enough case, we can convince the judge to dismiss the charges or the prosecution to drop them.
Representing you at trial: Our firm is not afraid to go to court. We will be your voice in the courtroom, making oral arguments and questioning witnesses on your behalf.
Helping you make decisions: It is not always easy to decide how to handle homicide charges. We can give you the information and guidance you need to manage risks and decide how to manage your case.

We also offer all callers a free consultation. At no charge or obligation, a member of our team can explain if our firm can assist you. We can go to work for you or your family member as soon as necessary if you decide to hire us to handle your case.

This can be vital to protecting your rights and ensuring you have an attorney during interrogations, initial court appearances, and other critical parts of the process.

For a free legal consultation with a homicide defense lawyer serving Philadelphia, call 215.515.3360

We Look for Evidence that will Strengthen Your Case

The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC will often conduct its own independent investigation of your case. Unlike the prosecution, which has already decided you are guilty, we seek to help you return to your own life as soon as possible. We have years of experience helping clients prove they did not commit the crimes they are accused of, and we will work to clear your name or reduce the penalties you face.

The evidence available differs from case to case, but the evidence we use in your favor may include:

Witness statements: Anyone who witnessed the homicide can confirm you did not do it. Alternatively, anyone who was with you at the time of the homicide can testify as an alibi witness that you were not at the scene of the crime.
Character witness statements: We can call on people who know you and can testify to your good character and morals.
Surveillance footage: A video recording of the homicide or your actions at the time of the homicide can show that you did not commit the crime.
Fingerprint or DNA analysis: Such evidence can prove you are not the guilty party. Alternatively, if the prosecution took fingerprints or DNA, we can ensure they performed their tests legally and appropriately.
Police reports: We will ensure that the police behaved appropriately throughout the case. If they did not, we will suppress the evidence they collected. If they acted appropriately, we will seek information that strengthens your defense and weakens the prosecution’s case.

Remember: the burden of proof is on the prosecution. Your lawyer does not have to prove your innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt; they only have to persuade a jury of the possibility that you are innocent. This is called “creating reasonable doubt.” If we can create doubt of your guilt in the jurors’ minds, they cannot convict you in a criminal court. The types of evidence described above can help achieve that goal.

Philadelphia Homicide Defense Lawyer 215.515.3360

A Homicide Conviction Can Destroy Your Life

Homicide is the most serious charge one can face. In every case, a homicide conviction would be life-altering.

18 Pa. CSA §1101 and 1102 outline the possible penalties for a murder conviction.

These include:

A fine: Murder or attempted murder convictions come with a maximum fine of $50,000. This is true no matter your financial status or (in)ability to pay.
Prison: You could spend decades or even the rest of your life behind bars.
The death penalty: A first-degree murder conviction is potentially punishable by death in Pennsylvania.

These penalties will affect every aspect of your life, including but not limited to:

Your family life: Your spouse, children, and other dependents will be left to fend for themselves. In some cases, your children may be taken from you.
Your career: Long prison sentences can disrupt your career. Once you are released (if you are released), your record may make it difficult to find a good job.
Your mental well-being: A conviction itself is often devastating, and a prison sentence can have a significant negative impact on your mental and emotional health.
Your reputation: Friends, family, and coworkers may not believe you are innocent and refuse to associate with you.
Your rights: According to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, anyone serving time for a felony cannot vote until they have completed their sentence. You will also lose other rights, such as the right to own firearms.

In short, if you are convicted of homicide, your life will never be the same. Our attorneys at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC want to protect your rights to the fullest extent possible. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can start preparing your defense.

The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC Has Established Itself as a Firm You Can Trust

National organizations have recognized our firm as one to be trusted.

Marni Jo Snyder has even been named one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the country by the National Trial Lawyers.

More importantly, our clients know that Attorney Snyder will fight for their rights. In the words of one satisfied client, we provide “dependable and trustworthy” service to people like you in their hour of need.

We provide criminal defense representation for clients facing serious allegations, including homicide. We can discuss your options if law enforcement wants to question you about a murder, has named you a person of interest, issues a warrant, or arrests you.

The sooner you or a family member calls us, the faster we can begin protecting your rights and developing an effective defense strategy.

How a Defense Attorney Can Help Defend Against Homicide Charges and Possible Outcomes

Homicide charges are among the most serious criminal accusations a person can face, often carrying severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty in some jurisdictions. A defense attorney plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of these charges, ensuring the defendant’s rights are protected, and striving for the best possible outcome. Here’s a detailed look at how a defense attorney can help in homicide cases and the potential outcomes.

Initial Steps and Investigation

Case Assessment: A defense attorney begins by thoroughly assessing the case. They review the charges, examine the evidence, and understand the prosecution’s strategy.
Client Interviews: The attorney will conduct detailed interviews with the defendant to gather their version of events and possible alibis.
Evidence Gathering: Defense attorneys gather evidence to support the defendant’s case, including physical evidence, witness statements, or expert testimonies.
Investigation: They may hire private investigators to uncover new evidence or witnesses that can challenge the prosecution’s case.

Legal Strategy Development

Legal Research: The attorney conducts in-depth legal research to find precedents and laws that support the defense case.
Strategy Formulation: Based on the evidence and legal research, the defense attorney formulates a comprehensive defense strategy, which could include disputing the evidence, challenging the credibility of witnesses, or arguing for mitigating circumstances.

Challenging the Prosecution’s Case

Cross-Examination: A crucial role of the defense attorney is to cross-examine prosecution witnesses to challenge their credibility and the reliability of their testimonies.
Suppression of Evidence: The attorney may file motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally or otherwise inadmissible.
Expert Witnesses: Defense attorneys often call upon expert witnesses to provide testimony that can refute the prosecution’s claims or provide alternative explanations.

Plea Bargaining

Negotiation: In some cases, the defense attorney may negotiate with the prosecution for a plea bargain. This could result in reduced charges or a lighter sentence.
Advising the Defendant: The attorney advises the defendant on the potential benefits and drawbacks of accepting a plea deal versus going to trial.

Trial Preparation and Defense

Pre-Trial Motions: The defense attorney files pre-trial motions that can shape the trial, such as motions to dismiss charges or to exclude certain pieces of evidence.
Jury Selection: They are involved in selecting an impartial and unbiased jury.
Opening Statements: The defense attorney presents opening statements that outline the defense’s case and set the stage for the evidence that will be presented.
Presentation of Defense: The attorney presents the defense’s case, which may include witness testimonies, evidence, and expert opinions.
Closing Arguments: In closing arguments, the defense attorney summarizes the evidence and argues why the defendant should be acquitted.

Post-Trial Actions

Sentencing Advocacy: If the defendant is convicted, the defense attorney argues for a lenient sentence, presenting mitigating factors that could reduce the severity of the punishment.
Appeals: The attorney may file an appeal if legal errors in the trial affected the outcome, seeking to overturn the conviction or secure a new trial.

Emotional and Psychological Support

Support for the Defendant: Beyond legal defense, attorneys often provide emotional support and guidance to defendants and their families during the stressful legal process.
Counseling Referrals: They may refer clients to counseling services to help them cope with the emotional strain of facing serious charges.

A defense attorney is vital in homicide cases, offering expertise, strategic defense, and support to navigate the legal system. While outcomes can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case, a skilled attorney can significantly impact the defendant’s fate, striving to achieve the best possible result under the circumstances.

Common Outcomes in Philadelphia Homicide Cases

There are several ways a Philadelphia homicide case can turn out. Many people only consider the two extremes:

Clearing your name
Getting convicted and serving life in prison or getting the death penalty

The truth is that there is a wide range of outcomes, and most of them fall somewhere in between.

Acquittal: The best possible outcome for a defendant is an acquittal, where the jury finds them not guilty, resulting in their immediate release.
Reduced Charges: Through plea bargaining or a successful defense, charges might be reduced to a lesser offense with lighter penalties.
Conviction with Lenient Sentence: Even if convicted, the defense attorney can sometimes secure a more lenient sentence by presenting mitigating factors.
Hung Jury: If the jury cannot reach a unanimous decision, it results in a mistrial, and the prosecution must decide whether to retry the case.
Appeal and Retrial: A successful appeal can result in a new trial, where the defense has another opportunity to achieve a better outcome.

In some cases, we can provide a solid alibi, show police identified the wrong person, or prove someone else committed the crime and get the charges dropped against our client. We may also complete a trial and secure a “not guilty” verdict.

Sometimes, a “not guilty” verdict isn’t possible. In that instance, we may fight to reduce your charge. This may involve negotiating for a reduced sentence, arguing that the charges against you aren’t valid, or claiming self-defense.

Call Our Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one faces federal or state criminal charges, you can speak with experienced defense attorney Marni Jo Snyder one-on-one for free.

You do not want to represent yourself when facing charges this serious. Let us be there if the police want to question you, if you are arrested, and when you must appear in court.

Call the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC today to receive a free consultation.