What is Voluntary Manslaughter?
You can read PA’s Voluntary Manslaughter law here: Title 18 Pa.C.S.A. Crimes and Offenses § 2503. It states that:
-
General rule.–A person who kills an individual without lawful justification commits voluntary manslaughter if at the time of the killing he is acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation by:
- the individual killed; or
- another whom the actor endeavors to kill, but he negligently or accidentally causes the death of the individual killed.
-
Unreasonable belief killing justifiable.–A person who intentionally or knowingly kills an individual commits voluntary manslaughter if at the time of the killing he believes the circumstances to be such that, if they existed, would justify the killing under Chapter 5 of this title (relating to general principles of justification), but his belief is unreasonable.
When selecting which attorney to hire, please consider:
- Can you call anytime and talk to a live person?
- Do they offer payment plans with no credit checks?
- Will your attorney be attentive and explain what’s going on?
At The McShane Firm, we answer yes to all of these questions. We strive to provide you with a great customer service experience during this tough time.
The law makes for two rules for voluntary manslaughter. In the first, the killer was seriously provoked and acted in the heat of passion. This is different from murder because of the emotional context of what took place. You have to be so overcome with emotion that you “lost your mind.”
The second scenario is when a person believes he is justified in killing someone (because of self-defense), but that belief is objectively unreasonable. In this scenario, there is room for interpretation of whether or not the person was under a severe and imminent threat that led to this killing.
Voluntary Manslaughter is a homicide. Even if you did not intend to kill someone, you will be labeled by society as a killer.
Free Guide to Self-Defense in PA
What are the Penalties for Voluntary Manslaughter?
- Type:
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Grading:
- Felony of the 1st Degree
- Maximum Penalty:
- 20 years in prison
How a Voluntary Manslaughter can Affect Your Life?
Just because the other person provoked it, does not mean the court will let you off easy. Someone died and the government will be looking to hold you responsible for that death.
Voluntary Manslaughter is a very serious offense and you could be facing up to 20 years in prison. Furthermore, if you are convicted you will also have a homicide on your criminal record. With background check apps and websites, people will be able to see your homide and label you as a killer.
Now ask yourself:
- What employer wants to hire a killer?
- Who wants to date a killer?
- Who wants to live near a killer?
What is The McShane Difference?
- We take time to understand your personal needs and goals. Then we cater our legal strategy to fit you.
- We care about you. We listen and return phone calls. We will take time to explain things so you are not left anxious in the dark.
- We will make this as easy as possible. We will try to minimize the number of times you have to be in court which means less disruption of your work and family life.
Does this sound like what you are looking for in an attorney? If yes, then take the next step and call (717) 657-3900.
People with “just” a voluntary manslaughter on their criminal history face challenges. They may not gain steady meaningful employment even for minimum wage jobs. If you have a professional license, that will most certainly be revoked.
On top of all that, the family of the victim may take civil action against you and sue you for everything you have.
What are some Possible Defenses against a Voluntary Manslaughter Charge?
One of the worst things is, police charge Voluntary Manslaughter even when they haven’t committed a crime! The killing may be justified and in complete self-defense. The police often don’t investigate the facts. They frequently just slap charges on people.
Proving that the officers were wrong takes a lot of investigating. It requires deep knowledge of the laws and procedures involved. When the stakes are this high, do not make the mistake of trusting your case to a cheap or free lawyer. Chances are, that attorney will not be able to spend the time need to prepare a strong defense and will mess things up beyond repair.
Don’t let a manslaughter conviction rob you of your freedom for years to come. Call The McShane Firm now at 7176573900 for your free case consultation. Our experienced attorneys will help you plan out a course of action to fight these charges.
Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:
- Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
- Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
- Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.
This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.
According to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts in 2017, there were 25,878 offenses committed against a person. These are mostly assault and related offenses.
The Most Dangerous
Counties
When measured by the number of assault offenses per 1,000 people, the counties that
had the most offenses were:
Counties with the Highest Rate of Assault Offenses
Different Types of
Assault Charges
| Type of Offense | PA Statute | Description | Penalty Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault | 18 § 2701 | Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another. |
|
| Aggravated Assault | 18 § 2702 | Attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another. There are many other aggravating factors such as assaulting a law enforcement officer, school teacher or employee. |
|
| Involuntary Manslaughter | 18 § 2504 | A person is guilty of involuntary manslaughter when as a direct result of the doing of an unlawful act in a reckless or grossly negligent manner, or the doing of a lawful act in a reckless or grossly negligent manner, he causes the death of another person. |
|
| Voluntary Manslaughter | 18 § 2503 | A person who kills an individual without lawful justification commits voluntary manslaughter if at the time of the killing he is acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation. |
|
| Murder | 18 § 2502 | A criminal homicide constitutes murder of the first degree when it is committed by an intentional killing. |
|
An Assault Conviction can Shatter your Life
Beyond the penalties in court, an assault conviction can ruin your life in many ways.
- 1 An assault conviction will stay on your criminal record forever. Future employers, friends, even someone you ask out to dinner can easily use common apps to see your assault conviction.
- 2 Depending on the nature and severity of the crime, you can lose your professional license. This affects people from many professions such as doctors, lawyers, massage therapists and even barbers.
- 3 Many companies have policies not to hire someone who has been convicted of a violent crime.
- 4 If your conviction is a sexual offense, you may have to register as a sex offender which may make it difficult to find a place to live.
Our Clients Love us!
You will too!
winners. Thank you for giving your all! ”
I trust along with the whole firm. ”
3601 Vartan Way, 2nd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Additional recommended reading:
- Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Attorney Now
- Read our over 400+ reviews from clients and peers
Professional, Reliable, and Trustworthy
I reached out to a few different firms after receiving my court details in the mail, but I quickly realized that the McShane firm felt the most consistent and genuinely interested in my case. They’re very passionate about getting you the best results, and communication with attorney Corey Fahnestock was quick and easy. Both attorney Corey Fahnestock and Cassandra Frantz were very helpful and informative as they were consistently updating me whenever a delay or change in terms would occur. Worth every dollar! I highly recommend Corey Fahnestock for anyone serious about seeking true justice!
Anonymous
Justin McShane and his firm are the best in the nation. They handle and win the toughest cases on a regular basis. Justin and his wife are not only trial lawyers but they are also scientist. When a lawyer can combine this type of knowledge, tenacity and trial skills…it’s a work of art. If they will take your case, you are very lucky. When you can’t afford to lost, you call the McShane firm.
M.T.
I cannot thank them enough for the outcome of my case. Attorney Tim Barrouk was dealing with a client who was on edge, never been arrested, and didn’t trust him 100% in the beginning, but he came recommended so he was my lawyer. I remember offering to hire a second attorney to help and he reassured me he had it under control. After a while it appeared I made a great choice. He knew the pros & cons of every judge my case was assigned to, he knew when to talk and when to listen in court, he didn’t let me take a bad deal, never pressured me, and responded to every text or call I ever placed to him. Cathi Lee kept me updated on where to be and when to be there. and was always available also. I was facing an Aggravated Assault charge causing serious bodily injury, simple assault, unlawful restraint, and 4 other misdemeanor charges and facing up to 10+ years in state prison. I never denied what I did and there was even video of me doing it. At the end of the day, All my charges were dropped and replaced with one summary offense of disorderly conduct and I was sentenced to pay a $25 fine plus court costs. Tim was always honest, and even told me flat out, these charges fit what you did but your case is triable and we’re gonna work for the best outcome. There were no promises or bs, just facts and business. Thank you Tim and the rest of The McShane Firm for getting me justice and not letting me get lost in the system.
