Lackawanna Homicide Lawyer

Understanding Your Rights After a Violent Crime Charge

Being accused of homicide or any violent crime in Carbondale, PA is overwhelming and can be confusing without skilled guidance. At Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, we believe that empowering clients with knowledge is the foundation for a strong defense. Our experienced legal team, led by a recognized homicide attorney in Lackawanna County, is dedicated to thoroughly protecting the rights of every client from the moment of the first police interview through the entire trial process.

In both Carbondale and throughout Lackawanna County, law enforcement and prosecutors must observe your constitutional and statutory rights at each phase of the case. If you are held for questioning or face arrest by the Carbondale Police Department, understanding your legal protections—especially regarding statements to investigators and your right to counsel—can dictate the outcome of your defense. We routinely advocate for clients during these critical stages, ensuring all local agency procedures are followed and advising you on how to avoid common mistakes that may harm your case. Our knowledge of the community's court systems and prosecution teams allows us to challenge improper evidence from the outset.

Here are some key rights everyone should know when facing homicide or violent crime charges in Carbondale or Lackawanna County:

• The right to remain silent: You do not have to speak to law enforcement without your lawyer present. Exercising this right can prevent misunderstandings and avoid evidence being used against you.
• The right to legal counsel: Every person charged with a felony or misdemeanor, including homicide, has the right to a defense attorney at every step. We make ourselves available around the clock for urgent legal needs to help protect your rights immediately.
• The right to a fair trial: You are entitled to a trial by jury, with the opportunity to confront witnesses and challenge evidence presented by the prosecution. Our firm pursues every legal remedy to ensure your case is considered fairly.
• The right to appeal: If convicted, our team will guide you through the real opportunities for post-conviction relief and the appeals process relevant in Lackawanna County courts.

When you reach out to a homicide attorney in Carbondale early, you increase your chances of asserting all your rights and building a more robust defense. We are committed to helping clients and their families understand their options and take proactive steps after charges are filed.

Potential Penalties for Homicide & Related Offenses in Lackawanna County

Anyone facing homicide charges in Lackawanna County should be aware of the potential penalties associated with these offenses under Pennsylvania law. The degree of homicide—such as first-degree murder, second-degree murder (also known as felony murder), third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, or involuntary manslaughter—determines possible sentences. First-degree murder generally results in life imprisonment and may be eligible for capital punishment under very limited circumstances. Voluntary manslaughter convictions can result in up to 20 years in state prison, while involuntary manslaughter is often a misdemeanor but can still carry substantial jail time and fines. Additional enhancements and aggravating circumstances—such as alleged offenses against law enforcement or multiple victims—may increase penalties, particularly in major cases prosecuted in the Carbondale area or Lackawanna County court system.

As a homicide attorney serving Carbondale and throughout Lackawanna County, we carefully analyze the facts of each case alongside applicable sentencing guidelines to argue for lesser classifications or reduced sentences wherever possible. Our readiness to defend in capital cases is backed by important certifications, and our ability to negotiate with the Lackawanna County District Attorney comes from many years of rigorous criminal defense work in local courts. This means you receive a comprehensive and knowledgeable approach tailored to the specifics of your case and the realities of Carbondale’s justice system.

Get the guidance you need in homicide allegations from our Lackawanna homicide attorney. Request a consultation with Attorney Bernie Brown by contacting our firm via email or by phone at (570) 676-1553. We serve clients throughout the counties of Lackawanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Pike, and Susquehanna.

What Is Homicide in Pennsylvania?

The types of criminal homicide are established under Chapter 25 of Title 18 in the Statutes of Pennsylvania. 

Understanding Different Types of Homicide & Violent Crimes

Violent crime cases in Carbondale and Lackawanna County include a spectrum of serious offenses. Homicide covers several charges, each with different legal definitions and defense strategies. At Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law, we bring many years of experience representing clients facing these life-changing charges. Below are the most common types of homicide offenses we see in Carbondale and throughout the county:

Per the law, homicide may include the following types:

• Criminal homicide
• Murder (1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree)
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Involuntary manslaughter
• Causing or aiding suicide
• Drug delivery resulting in death
• Criminal homicide of law enforcement officers

Murder involves the intentional killing of another and is prosecuted under various felony degrees. Each case carries its own risks and legal nuances, making retaining an experienced homicide attorney in Carbondale crucial for a strong defense. 

Homicide & Manslaughter Laws in Pennsylvania

Voluntary manslaughter occurs when an individual, acting in the heat of passion or under provocation, allegedly causes another person’s death. This serious first-degree felony carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, is typically charged when an individual causes death through reckless or negligent conduct. This can result in either a first-degree misdemeanor or, in more serious circumstances, a felony, each with their own maximum penalties under Pennsylvania law.

Vehicular manslaughter involves causing the death of another due to negligent driving, and is charged as a third-degree felony. The most severe circumstances, such as drug delivery resulting in death, can bring up to 40 years in prison. The killing of a law enforcement officer may result in even greater penalties and is prosecuted aggressively in Lackawanna County by the District Attorney. Understanding these distinctions is vital when developing a defense strategy, and our homicide lawyers in Carbondale and Lackawanna County are prepared to provide that insight. 

Our firm stays current with all state legal updates and local case trends, so we can explain these distinctions and help you understand your options at every step. We bring knowledge of how judges and prosecutors in Carbondale approach sentencing, and tailor every defense to the facts and law applicable to your case.

Drug delivery resulting in death is a complex offense that requires proof the accused delivered or provided a controlled substance resulting in a fatal overdose. This charge carries a significant prison sentence and aggressive prosecution in Lackawanna County. We move quickly in these cases to challenge evidence and advocate for reduced or dismissed charges wherever possible.

How Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law Handles Homicide Defense in Carbondale & Lackawanna County

If you are facing homicide charges in Carbondale, PA, you deserve a defense that leaves no stone unturned. At every stage—reviewing police reports, scrutinizing forensic evidence, and investigating procedural errors by local law enforcement—Attorney Bernie Brown is committed to protecting your interests. As a homicide lawyer in Lackawanna County, he regularly negotiates with prosecutors for charge reductions, works to expose weaknesses in the state's case, and, if necessary, litigates aggressively in court to protect your future. 

You should never face homicide accusations alone. With more than 15 years of defense representation in Lackawanna County and deep roots in Pennsylvania's legal community, Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law stands ready to advise, represent, and support you from arrest through all court proceedings. Trust our team to think proactively and fight for your rights at every opportunity. 

Should your case be prosecuted in Carbondale or Lackawanna County, you will benefit from local insight and knowledge. We understand the unique practices of area judges, the priorities of the District Attorney’s Office, and how the Carbondale Police gather and present evidence. Every client receives a defense plan that is tailored to their circumstances and the reality of local legal procedures, maximizing the chance for the best possible outcome.

Local Resources & Key Steps Following a Homicide Arrest in Carbondale

After an arrest for homicide in Carbondale, PA, your case will likely begin with processing by the Carbondale Police Department and subsequent transfer to the Lackawanna County Prison. An initial hearing will take place at the Carbondale Magisterial District Court for less serious charges or Lackawanna County Courthouse for more severe allegations. This phase involves a bail determination and a review of the charges by the District Judge. Being familiar with these steps is crucial to understanding your legal options and acting promptly.

If you contact us immediately after an arrest, Bernard J. Brown, Attorney at Law can protect your rights at every step. We help arrange bail hearings, advise on early defense strategies, and work with your loved ones to explain the legal process. Using our knowledge of the Carbondale legal community and our hands-on experience with local agencies, we move quickly to identify flaws in the case, challenge improper procedures, and tailor our defense preparation to the unique aspects of homicide prosecution in Carbondale and Lackawanna County. Choosing a homicide attorney in Carbondale with deep local knowledge ensures you receive responsive support when it matters most.

To speak with a knowledgeable homicide attorney in Carbondale or a strategic homicide lawyer in Lackawanna County, call (570) 676-1553 or contact us online today.