Pittsburgh First Degree Murder Attorney

What is First Degree Murder in Pennsylvania?

To sustain a conviction for First Degree Murder, the Office of the District Attorney for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused acted with specific intent to kill, unlawfully killed another human being and did so with deliberation. The required element of "specific intent to kill" is primarily what distinguishes Murder in the First Degree in Pennsylvania from lesser grades of Murder such as Second Degree Murder, Third Degree Murder, Voluntary Manslaughter and Involuntary Manslaughter.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has held that the use of a deadly weapon on a vital part of a human body is sufficient to establish the specific intent to kill. Additionally, the Court has established that the Commonwealth can prove the specific intent to kill through circumstantial evidence.

Evidence Commonly Introduced to Prove First Degree Murder in Pennsylvania

The District Attorney will charge the accused with a general count of Homicide. The degree of Homicide will become apparent at the Coroner's Inquest, which is the same thing as a Preliminary Hearing, except for the introduction of the Autopsy Report.

The Assistant District Attorney assigned to the case will most likely introduce an eyewitness to the homicide to enter evidence against the accused. It is important that the First Degree Murder Defense Attorney carefully and tactfully cross-examine the witness to determine exactly what the witness proclaims to have witnessed. At trial, the Commonwealth will undoubtedly introduce the same eyewitness, any other witnesses, the testimony of investigative detectives, evidence of Motive, ballistic reports, evidence ofDeadly Weapons or Narcotics, DNA evidence and any other relevant evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime of First Degree Murder.

Defending a Defendant Charged with First Degree Murder in Pennsylvania

The penalty for a person convicted of First Degree Murder is Life in Prison without the Possibility of Parole. In some circumstances, the Assistant District Attorney assigned to prosecute the case will elect to pursue the Death Penalty for a penalty upon obtaining a conviction for First Degree Murder. As such, the Criminal Defense Attorney defending against a First Degree Murder Charge must be chosen wisely.

An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney will spend hours reviewing the discovery in the case, visiting the scene, speaking with witnesses, reviewing the relevant caselaw, consulting with investigators, drafting pre-trial motions and then do the same thing over and over again until every single area of the case has been investigated and all potential defensees have been reviewed. When facing the stiff penalties for a First Degree Murder Case, there is little or no room for error from the Defense Team assigned to the case.

Why Families Choose Murder Attorney Frank Walker as their Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney Frank Walker has successfully defended numerous murder cases. So much so, that Attorney Walker was commonly appointed by the Courts to Defend Cases of indigent Defendants charged with Homicide. Attorney Walker knows the enormous amount of preparation needed to defend against a First Degree Homicide Charge and does not take such task lightly.

If your loved one is facing a first degree murder charge, you need to hear from the voice of experience on how to best mount a defense against the charges. Attorney Walker has the experience you are searching for. Attorney Walker will meet with you to explain the process and review any paperwork you may have concerning the charges.

As in any case, time is of the essence. The Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure provide that certain issues must be presented by specific time, such as notice of self-defense or notice of alibi. Accordingly, the investigation into the Murder Charges must begin quickly.

Contact Attorney Walker Today to Discuss a Defense against First Degree Murder

If you are serious about retaining an Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney to defend your family member charged with First Degree Murder, Contact Attorney Walker immediately at 412-315-7441 or 412.401.1764 to schedule a Free Consultation. Having Attorney Walker on your side early in the case will prevent the possibility of repeated interrogations, ensure the preservation of evidence and help you navigate through the complex legal process during your time of need.

Contact Attorney Walker Today by clicking here or by calling 412-315-7441 or 412.401.1764 to discuss representation in the following Western Pennsylvania Areas: Glassport, South Park, Pitcarin, Allegheny County, Butler County, Westmoreland County, Etna, Pittsburgh, Washington County, Homestead, Homewood, Wilkinsburg, Dravosburg, Clairton, Coraopolis, Franklin Park, North Fayette, Munhall, West Mifflin, Plum, Shaler, Turtle Creek, Beaver County, Rankin, Upper St. Clair, Robinson, Sewickley Hills, Penn Hills, White Oak, Baldwin and many other Western Pennsylvania Areas.