When you are facing homicide charges in Reading or anywhere in Berks County, your entire future hangs in the balance. These cases are among the most serious in Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system and can result in life-altering consequences, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty in some cases. If you or a loved one has been accused, investigated, or arrested for homicide, securing experienced legal counsel immediately is critical.
At Nevins & McAllister, we have built our reputation on defending clients in the most serious criminal cases. Our team brings decades of criminal trial experience to the table, and we approach each case with precision, strategic thinking, and relentless advocacy. When your freedom and your life are on the line, trust our firm to be your strongest line of defense.
Understanding Homicide Charges in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the term “homicide” refers to any unlawful killing of another person. It is not a single charge, but rather a category that includes multiple levels of criminal offenses. Each carries its own penalties and legal standards.
The most common types of homicide charges include:
- First-degree murder: Intentional and premeditated killing, punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.
- Second-degree murder: Also known as felony murder, this occurs during the commission of a felony like robbery or arson.
- Third-degree murder: All other types of murder that are not premeditated but still involve malice.
- Voluntary manslaughter: Killing that happens in the heat of passion or as a result of serious provocation.
- Involuntary manslaughter: Unintentional killing resulting from reckless or negligent behavior.
- Vehicular homicide: Causing a death while violating traffic laws or driving recklessly.
Each case requires a distinct legal strategy. At Nevins & McAllister, we analyze every detail to determine the best defense for your specific charges.
What to Do If You Are Accused of Homicide
A homicide accusation can come in many forms. You may be arrested outright, or you might discover that you are under investigation through a subpoena, a knock at your door, or a call from law enforcement. Regardless of how the case begins, your first move should always be to remain silent and contact a lawyer.
Do not answer police questions without your attorney present. Investigators are trained to elicit information that may be used against you later. At Nevins & McAllister, we intervene immediately to protect your rights and begin building a defense before charges are even filed.
Strategic Defense for Homicide Charges
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to a homicide defense. Every case involves unique circumstances, evidence, and legal issues. Some of the defense strategies we may explore include:
- Self-defense or defense of others
- Lack of intent or premeditation
- Alibi or mistaken identity
- Insufficient evidence
- Police misconduct or constitutional violations
- Mental illness or diminished capacity
In some situations, the goal may be to reduce a murder charge to a lesser form of homicide, such as manslaughter. In others, we may push for a full acquittal based on evidence errors or procedural flaws. No matter the circumstances, we will fight for the most favorable outcome possible.
Homicide Investigations: What to Expect
If you are under investigation for homicide in Berks County, you may be subject to:
- Search warrants of your home, vehicle, or electronic devices
- Forensic testing, including DNA and fingerprints
- Subpoenas for phone records, bank statements, or surveillance footage
- Witness interviews and police interrogations
Our role is to act swiftly in these early stages. We protect your constitutional rights, challenge the admissibility of evidence, and ensure that law enforcement stays within legal boundaries.
Trial Experience That Matters
Homicide cases often go to trial, and when they do, you need a defense attorney with courtroom experience. At Nevins & McAllister, we have tried numerous high-stakes felony cases in Berks County and throughout Pennsylvania. We know how to handle expert witnesses, forensic testimony, and emotionally charged arguments from the prosecution.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, even if we ultimately resolve it through dismissal or a plea. This trial-ready approach gives you the best chance at a favorable resolution.
Collateral Consequences of a Homicide Conviction
In addition to prison time, a homicide conviction can affect your life in many other ways:
- Loss of employment or career opportunities
- Damage to your personal relationships and reputation
- Ineligibility for certain professional licenses
- Loss of firearm rights
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
These consequences are long-lasting and can follow you even after serving your sentence. The best way to avoid them is to fight aggressively from the beginning.
Why Clients Trust Nevins & McAllister
We understand that choosing a defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here’s why clients throughout Reading and Berks County choose us:
- Focused criminal defense practice: We don’t dabble in criminal law — we dedicate our practice to it.
- Local knowledge: We know the Reading courts, prosecutors, and procedures inside and out.
- Personalized representation: We take the time to understand your side of the story and tailor our strategy accordingly.
- Responsive communication: We keep you informed at every step and make sure your questions are answered.
You don’t have to face these charges alone. Let our team stand between you and the full force of the criminal justice system.
Serving Reading and the Surrounding Communities
Nevins & McAllister proudly serves clients in:
- Reading
- Wyomissing
- Muhlenberg
- Exeter Township
- Sinking Spring
- Shillington
- Birdsboro
- Other Berks County communities
Whether your case is being heard at the Berks County Courthouse or in a nearby magisterial district court, we can step in quickly and start protecting your rights.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today
If you or a loved one is facing homicide charges in Reading, now is the time to act. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the better your chances of success. At Nevins & McAllister, we offer compassionate, aggressive, and strategic representation to help you face even the most serious charges.
Call us at 610-372-5128 to schedule your consultation and begin your defense.