Homicide Related Charges in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Homicide related charges are the most serious criminal allegations prosecuted in Delaware County. These cases involve accusations that a person caused the death of another, whether intentionally, recklessly, or through criminal negligence. Pennsylvania law recognizes several distinct homicide offenses, each carrying severe penalties, including lengthy state prison sentences or life imprisonment.
Attorney William Burrows defends individuals facing homicide-related charges throughout Delaware County, representing clients in complex felony proceedings before the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
See all Criminal Charges – Delaware County
Types of Homicide Related Charges in Delaware County
Pennsylvania law categorizes homicide offenses based on intent, conduct, and surrounding circumstances.
Criminal Homicide
Criminal homicide is a general category encompassing all offenses involving the unlawful killing of another person. Specific charges are determined by the degree of intent and circumstances.
Murder
Murder charges may include:
- First-Degree Murder – intentional, premeditated killing
- Second-Degree Murder – homicide committed during the commission of a felony
- Third-Degree Murder – all other forms of murder not fitting first or second degree
Murder charges are felony offenses carrying the most severe penalties under Pennsylvania law.
Voluntary Manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter involves killings alleged to occur:
- In the heat of passion
- Under serious provocation
- With imperfect self-defense claims
These cases still carry substantial prison exposure despite being graded lower than murder.
Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter applies when a death allegedly results from reckless or grossly negligent conduct, rather than intent to kill.
Vehicular Homicide
Vehicular homicide charges arise when a death allegedly results from violations of traffic laws or driving under the influence.
How Homicide Related Charges Are Prosecuted in Delaware County Courts
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Homicide-related cases are handled exclusively in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, which oversees:
- Formal arraignments
- Pretrial litigation and evidentiary hearings
- Jury trials
- Sentencing proceedings
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
These cases require extensive investigation, expert testimony, and constitutional analysis.
Role of Magisterial District Courts
Although homicide cases ultimately proceed to the Court of Common Pleas, initial proceedings, such as preliminary arraignments, may occur before a Magisterial District Judge.
Delaware County Magisterial District Courts
Homicide Related Charges by Location in Delaware County
Homicide allegations are investigated and initially processed based on the municipality where the incident occurred, with early proceedings tied to the appropriate district court jurisdiction.
If a homicide charge arises in any of the following areas, the case will move from the local district court to the Court of Common Pleas:
- Aldan, Folcroft, and Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Aston, Chester, and Upper Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Brookhaven, Parkside, Rose Valley, and Upland Criminal Defense
- Chester City Criminal Defense
- Clifton Heights Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Collingdale, Glenolden, and Norwood Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Colwyn, Darby, and Sharon Hill Borough Criminal Defense
- East Lansdowne Borough and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Haverford and Upper Darby Township Criminal Defense
- Lansdowne and Yeadon Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Marple and Newtown Criminal Defense
- Media and Swarthmore Boroughs Criminal Defense
- Prospect Park, Ridley Park, and Tinicum Township Criminal Defense
- Radnor Township Criminal Defense
- Springfield Township Criminal Defense
- Upper and Lower Chichester Township Criminal Defense
- Upper Providence Township Criminal Defense
Delaware County Criminal Defense by Town
Homicide Related Charges and Violations
Individuals facing homicide charges may also encounter violation proceedings, particularly if they were:
- On probation or parole at the time of arrest
- Subject to court-ordered restrictions or supervision
A homicide arrest may trigger immediate parole or probation detainers.
Violation Types in Delaware County:
- Probation Violations in Delaware County
- Parole Violations in Delaware County
- Technical Violations
- All Violation Types
Violation hearings are typically handled by the Court of Common Pleas, independent of the homicide prosecution.
Potential Penalties for Homicide-Related Convictions
Penalties depend on the specific offense and may include:
- Life imprisonment
- Decades-long state prison sentences
- Mandatory minimum incarceration
- Permanent loss of civil rights
- Substantial fines and court costs
Homicide convictions carry lifelong consequences that extend beyond incarceration.
Defense Approach to Homicide-Related Charges
Homicide cases demand a meticulous, evidence-driven defense strategy. Key areas of focus often include:
- Self-defense or defense of others
- Lack of intent
- Forensic and medical evidence analysis
- Witness credibility
- Constitutional and procedural violations
Attorney William Burrows brings a disciplined and strategic approach to homicide defense, informed by his prosecutorial experience and in-depth knowledge of Delaware County courts and procedures.