If you are facing a homicide charge, do not hesitate to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our team at the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC can ensure that you get aggressive representation throughout your case. Such representation may even help you avoid a devastating conviction or get a more favorable outcome in your case.
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. There are many steps that we take 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 on hand during interrogations, your initial court appearances, and other key 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 that you are guilty, we seek to help you to return to your own life as soon as possible. We have years of experience helping other clients prove they did not commit the crimes they stand accused of committing, and we will work to clear your name or reduce the penalties you face, as well.
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 make sure they performed their tests legally and appropriately.
- Police reports: We will make sure that the police behaved appropriately throughout the case, and, if they did not, we will suppress the evidence they collected. If they did behave appropriately, we will look for 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 minds of the jurors, 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 that 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 get started on preparing your defense.
The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC Has Established Itself as a Firm You Can Trust
Our firm has been recognized by national organizations as a firm 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 hard for their rights. In the words of one satisfied client, we provide “dependable and trustworthy” service to people just like you in their hour of need.
We provide criminal defense representation for clients facing many 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 gives us a call, the faster we can go to work protecting your rights and developing an effective defense strategy.
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, there is a wide range of outcomes, and most of them fall somewhere in between. 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 have your charge reduced. 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
To receive a free consultation, call the Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC. We can provide you with a homicide defense lawyer who serves Philadelphia––and we will do everything possible to protect your interests. 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 any time you must appear in court.
