Murder Lawyer in Central Pennsylvania
Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being and is considered the most heinous and fearful crime that can be committed. Few charges of criminal activity are more serious than a murder charge. This is why, if you’ve been charged with murder in Central Pennsylvania, you need a defense attorney who is experienced in murder cases.
A first-degree murder conviction can result in the death penalty or life in prison. A skilled murder lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case to determine whether or not there are factors that may reduce the charges to those of a lesser crime. Attorney Corky Goldstein has nearly forty years of experience working with criminal law cases of all kinds and can use his knowledge to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. If not an acquittal, a possible reduction to a lower homicide.
Types of Criminal Homicide
In the state of Pennsylvania, the unlawful death of a human being comes under the general classification of criminal homicide. The category of criminal homicide includes three types of murder and two types of manslaughter. The types of criminal homicide are first, second and third-degree murder (with felony murder usually in the second-degree category), and voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. First-degree murder and felony murder are the most serious. First-degree murder is premeditated, planned ahead of time, and motivated by malice. Felony murder is a murder that is committed during some other type of felony crime, like a robbery or kidnapping. Murder is distinguished from the lesser charge of manslaughter by proof of malice.
Defenses Against a Murder Charge
A murder charges defense attorney in Central Pennsylvania will be familiar with the defenses against a murder charge. Mental insanity is a possible defense for both first and second-degree murder. Another defense is the claim of self-defense or battered women’s syndrome, as in the case of the murder of an abusive spouse. The diminished mental capacity of the defendant may be another kind of defense for murder if the defendant was deemed unable to form intent. In this case, the charges may be reduced. Even voluntary intoxication can sometimes be used as a defense for murder. Seldom will all of the charges be dropped, but it is not uncommon for murder charges and sentencing to be reduced.
Call Today to Schedule a Professional Legal Consultation with a Criminal Homicide Defense Attorney in Central Pennsylvania
If you’ve been charged with criminal homicide, you need the expert advice of a murder charges lawyer. Call 717-991-5919 (Use Direct Line) today to schedule a professional legal consultation with an expert criminal homicide defense attorney in Central Pennsylvania. Attorney Corky Goldstein can work with the judicial system to find ways to properly represent you. Corky Goldstein has his executive offices based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and serves Dauphin County, Cumberland County, and ALL of the surrounding Central Pennsylvania counties.
Please Call 717-991-5919 (Use Direct Line) for our HOTLINE on all criminal matters. We ask you to call this number during normal workday hours (M-F 8 AM to 5 PM). Evening appointments are also available. Most consultations are done in the office, but, if needed, phone consults may be established. HOWEVER, IF A CRIMINAL MATTER, and if it’s an “EMERGENCY”, we urge you to call us “anytime” after regular business hours, on weekends & on holidays.