Third Degree Murder
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Those homicides that are not deliberately planned or part of the process of committing a felony, are classified as murder in the third degree.
Murder is one of Pennsylvania’s most serious crimes, and you may face an extremely long prison term. You will need to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately who will stand by you in this stressful time and provide a strong and effective defense.
Murder In The Third Degree
Murder in the third degree means that you killed someone in a way that was not intentional and that was not perpetrated while you were committing a felony.
Murder in the third degree homicides are committed with malice.
You can commit murder in the third degree if you give someone or sell them a controlled substance or a counterfeit controlled substance, and that person dies as a result of using that drug.
Murder in the third degree is punishable by up to as many as 40 years in prison.
What To Do If You Are Charged
If you are charged, do not anger the arresting officer unnecessarily.
You will probably be held in jail overnight. At this stage, do not discuss what happened with the police or claim your innocence.
- As with most criminal charges, you should not talk to the police or prosecutors without your attorney by your side. What you say can be taken out of context and used against you.
If the police question you, tell them you want a lawyer and politely refuse to answer their questions.
What Your Lawyer Can Do
Your attorney will carefully review every aspect of your case to determine if there is evidence for all you have been accused of.
- Your lawyer will make every effort to discredit any evidence not in your favor.
- Much of what your lawyer can do to help you will depend on the exact circumstances of your case.
Your lawyer will be looking at every avenue that can help you, so it’s important that you give them all of the information that can support your case.
How A Pennslyvania Murder Attorney Will Help
When you are up against a murder in the third degree charge, even before your first hearing you will be facing a determined prosecutor. You need an attorney who will stand by you every step of the way, work hard to discredit any evidence – and work with you to determine your best course of action.
Pennsylvania Murder In The Third Degree Law
Murder in the third degree is described and defined under The Pennsylvania Criminal Code under Title 18, Chapter 25. Read the code here.
Questions? Contact us today.
Based on the evidence, Fienman Defense will try to show that the charges should be dismissed. If it’s in your best interest, we will work to negotiate a lesser sentence. Should the case go to trial, we will fight to present the strongest defense possible for your situation.