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Acquittal Impeachment Trial
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Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Theft
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Not Guilty College student rape case
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Not Guilty DUI
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Not Guilty Murder Case
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Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
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Pardon Granted Governor’s Pardon for Assault
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Charges Dropped Embezzlement
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Not Guilty Rape case
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Charges Dropped Embezzlement
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Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
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Not Guilty Aggravated Assault
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Not Guilty Double Homicide
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Not Guilty Drug Trafficking
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Not Guilty Child Pornography
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Charges Dropped Arson
Philadelphia Murder Charge Lawyer
Murder Defense Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Building Robust Strategies in Capital Cases Throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania
Being considered a suspect in a murder investigation is nothing to take lightly. A police officer with a hunch about your guilt can cost you your life, regardless of how innocent you are. You need to be proactive in your defense when facing a murder charge. Any poor choice of words or mistake in recounting a story could become the key piece of evidence used against you at trial. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin, our Philadelphia murder attorneys protect your interests from the start of any investigation. The police can and will use anything they can against you—we do not give them anything that can be misconstrued against you.
Find Out What Your Case is Worth
We invite you to reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. Call (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to learn more.
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“Wonderful customer service. The team at van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin is the real deal. I would definitely recommend them.”- Former Client
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“Thank you for always picking up the phone. I could not have a better firm representing myself, family and my friends. If you want an attorney that gets the job done, Look no more!!! Contact Attorney van der Veen.”- Leslie L.
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“Very satisfied with the way they handled my case, answer all my question, provided me with needed information.”- Frank A.
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“This firm is the absolute best! Very knowledgeable, pleasant, and amazing!! I recommend this Law firm to anyone with an issue. can't speak highly enough for this firm and it's attorneys! It was truly a wonderful experience.”- Bennie H.
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“This law firm has been nothing but the best for my company! Mr. van der Veen has always worked very hard and communicated well with each situation that he has represented me in. I would highly recommend this firm!”- Sewall M. Jr.
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“Outcome was better than expected. Forever thankful to Mike’s reliable firm. If you want great results they are your guys. Strongly recommend.”- Ninel B.
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“I have been a client of this firm for many years now, and all that I can say is these are the Top Lawyers in the City! My experience over the years have been excellent! Thank you van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin. Job very well done.”- Quiana
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“I first want to thank this dream team they definitely was a pleasure to work with and I am glad I chose Van der Veen law firm to get the jobs”- RB
Understanding Your Rights From the Outset of a Murder Investigation
There are two main reasons why innocent people are convicted of murder. The police often become more concerned with closing the case than finding the right person, and prosecutors are more concerned with winning a murder trial than they are with making sure that justice is served. These two factors lead to too many people going to prison for a murder they did not commit.
Police are not your friends when it comes to a murder investigation. They do not care about you—they care about closing cases. They are trained to trick you and manipulate you psychologically. You have the right to have an attorney by your side anytime you speak with the police. Having an attorney by your side cannot be used against you as a sign of guilt. You need an experienced Philadelphia murder defense attorney by your side to ensure that you do not do or say anything to put your life and liberty in jeopardy. We anticipate questions that aim to trip you up, and work to keep you from getting charged with a crime.
Murder Classifications
The evidence that detectives collect in a murder investigation determines the level of charge that may be brought against you. The severity between potential charges escalates quickly. By retaining our tenacious Philadelphia murder defense attorneys at the outset of an issue, you are in the best position possible to minimize the potential maximum penalties. The different types of murder charges in Pennsylvania include:
- First-degree murder
- Second-degree murder
- Felony murder (when a murder occurs during the commission of a felony)
- Third-degree murder
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Drug delivery resulting in death
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With our Hard-Hitting Philadelphia Murder Defense Attorneys Today
The last thing you want to do is say something that wrongly puts you in prison for a murder. Make sure you have an attorney by your side to protect you from the possibility of a wrongful conviction. At van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin in Philadelphia, our Philadelphia murder defense attorneys aggressively protect your liberties. We have a notable reputation as being Philadelphia’s toughest criminal defense attorneys, so call us today at (215) 610-3440 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.
- Aggravated Assault
- Arson
- Assault
- Bail Hearings
- Child Pornography
- Drug Crimes
- Drug Possession
- DUI
- Expungements
- Federal Crimes
- Federal Crimes
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Institutional Sexual Assault
- Internet Crimes
- Marijuana Possession
- Multiple DUI
- Murder
- Preliminary Hearings
- Probation Detainers
- Probation Violations
- Public Intoxication
- Reckless Endangerment
- Red Flag Law
- Revenge Porn
- Sex Crimes
- Shoplifting
- Theft Crimes
- Underage DUI
- Vandalism
- Victimless Sex Offenses
- Weapons Offenses
- White Collar Crimes
Frequently Asked Questions About Murder Defense in Philadelphia, PA
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 215-610-3440 today!
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You should immediately invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Police questioning in murder investigations is designed to elicit statements that can be used against you, even if you are innocent. Having an attorney present is not an admission of guilt; it is a critical safeguard to prevent misstatements, misinterpretations, or pressured comments from becoming damaging evidence.
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Pennsylvania recognizes several homicide-related offenses, each carrying vastly different penalties. These include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, felony murder, third-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and drug delivery resulting in death. The specific charge depends on factors such as intent, circumstances of the death, and whether another felony was being committed at the time.
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Yes. Under Pennsylvania’s felony murder rule, you can be charged with second-degree murder if a death occurs during the commission of certain felonies, even if you did not directly cause the death. Similarly, accomplice liability can apply if prosecutors believe you aided or encouraged someone else who committed the homicide.
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A skilled defense attorney examines every aspect of the investigation, including police conduct, forensic evidence, witness statements, and constitutional violations. Defense strategies may involve challenging unreliable forensic techniques, exposing coercive interrogation tactics, presenting alternative theories of the crime, or demonstrating insufficient evidence for the charged degree of murder. Early legal intervention is crucial to protecting your rights and preventing missteps that could jeopardize your defense.
in their own words
Clients share their experiences and results firsthand
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"this law firm has afforded low income people of Philadelphia a relationship with an attorney that they can come and meet. To have a the intuition to give a damn about the little people, and then give them that same kind of respect and consideration is unmatched." -Melvin
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"I love that I have Mike on my side, whenever I question what am I supposed to do? I used to call my dad and after my dad passed, even for things that aren’t always law related, I know I could still call Mike, and I love that about him. He’s just amazing, and I know that if I send somebody here that they’re going to be represented a hundred percent." -Jamie
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"He represented me in multiple criminal cases, and I had a lengthy criminal record. He never judged me, and treated me like anybody else, he never looked at me different. He's a real good guy, professional, very honest. When I say I never went to another attorney...he's the best." -Tiffany
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"He gives you the impression there’s a person you can count on, a person that you can rely on in terms of having some representation. He kept me informed, he kept me up to date with everything that was going on throughout the process. What doctor, what appointments, who I have to see…I was always very well informed." -Sam
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