Manslaughter Attorney in Harrisburg

Confident Legal Defense When Facing Manslaughter Charges

When lives change suddenly and a manslaughter charge appears, you need more than surface-level guidance. At The Dorward Law Firm, we help people across Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania understand their options and prepare a solid defense. 

Our team treats your situation with the urgency and respect it deserves, focusing on your rights and future from the very first conversation. We bring over a decade of criminal defense experience to every case, addressing complex charges with proven strategies shaped by real-world results.

Facing a manslaughter allegation often brings fear and uncertainty—not just for you, but also for your loved ones. We know every case carries unique facts, timelines, and pressures. With our manslaughter criminal attorneys, you receive personalized attention and a clear voice to help guide each decision.

Your life is on the line. Get immediate, aggressive defense by contacting a dedicated Harrisburg manslaughter lawyer at (717) 429-0411 or schedule your confidential consultation online. We offer free consultations and 24/7 availability.

Understanding Manslaughter Laws in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, manslaughter is defined under the Criminal Homicide statutes (18 Pa. C.S. § 2501 et seq.) and is divided into two distinct categories based on the defendant's mental state at the time of the killing: voluntary and involuntary. The differences between the two are crucial, as they dictate the felony grading and the potential sentence.

Voluntary Manslaughter (18 Pa. C.S. § 2503)

This charge is reserved for intentional killings that lack the malice required for murder because they occur under specific mitigating circumstances. A person commits voluntary manslaughter if they kill another person without lawful justification under one of two scenarios:

• Heat of Passion: The killing occurs while the defendant is acting under a sudden and intense passion resulting from serious provocation by the victim or by another person they intended to kill. 
• Imperfect Self-Defense: The killing is done under the unreasonable belief that the circumstances justified the killing (i.e., the belief that self-defense was necessary).

Voluntary manslaughter is a Felony of the First Degree (F1), a very serious charge.

Involuntary Manslaughter (18 Pa. C.S. § 2504)

This charge applies when a death results directly from an unlawful act performed in a reckless or grossly negligent manner, or a lawful act performed in a reckless or grossly negligent manner. Critically, involuntary manslaughter is an unintentional killing; the defendant had no intent to cause death or serious bodily injury.

• This often arises in situations involving vehicular homicide, where reckless or grossly negligent driving (but not necessarily DUI-related) causes a fatality.
• It is typically graded as a Misdemeanor of the First Degree (M1).
• However, if the victim is under 12 years of age and was in the care, custody, or control of the person who caused the death, the offense is elevated to a Felony of the Second Degree (F2).

Any manslaughter attorney in Harrisburg must be prepared to argue the specific mental state (mens rea) of the accused to ensure the lowest possible charge is pursued.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Manslaughter Convictions in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, a manslaughter conviction carries life-changing consequences. Even the least severe charge results in a permanent criminal record, significant fines, and potential incarceration. State law distinguishes between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter, with penalties depending on the circumstances of the case and whether a child victim was involved.

• Voluntary Manslaughter – Felony of the First Degree (F1), up to 20 years in prison, fines up to $25,000.
• Involuntary Manslaughter (Child Victim Under 12) – Felony of the Second Degree (F2), up to 10 years in prison, fines up to $25,000.
• Involuntary Manslaughter (All Other Cases) – Misdemeanor of the First Degree (M1), up to 5 years in prison, fines up to $10,000.

Severe Collateral Consequences

Beyond incarceration and fines, a manslaughter conviction has profound long-term consequences:

• Permanent Felony Record: A felony conviction for voluntary manslaughter or an F2 involuntary manslaughter conviction drastically limits employment options, especially in licensed fields (healthcare, finance, education).
• Reputational Damage: The social stigma associated with homicide, regardless of the degree, is immense and can irreparably damage personal and community relationships.
• Loss of Rights: A felony conviction results in the loss of the right to own or possess firearms under federal and state law.
• Civil Liability: A criminal conviction can be used against you in a subsequent wrongful death lawsuit filed by the victim’s family, leading to substantial financial judgments.

Our firm is committed to fighting for a charge reduction or dismissal to protect our clients from these life-altering consequences.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Manslaughter Defense

The Dorward Law Firm provides a strategic, dedicated defense tailored to the highly specific circumstances of each manslaughter case.

• Attacking Recklessness: For involuntary manslaughter charges, we challenge the degree of negligence, arguing that while an accident occurred, the conduct does not meet the legal threshold for criminal negligence or gross recklessness. We demonstrate that the death was a tragic outcome, not a crime.
• Proving Imperfect or Justifiable Self-Defense: For voluntary manslaughter, we gather evidence—witness accounts, electronic communications, prior history—to substantiate the claim that the client was acting under an unreasonable but genuine fear of deadly force, or in a justified fit of intense passion provoked by the victim.
• Suppression of Evidence: We analyze every action taken by police, from the initial stop to the seizure of property, to identify constitutional violations. Evidence obtained through illegal searches or coerced statements can be suppressed through motions, often crippling the state's ability to prove the manslaughter charge.
• Local Court Insight: Our firm's strong roots in Harrisburg mean we are familiar with the local court personnel and their preferred procedures, which provides a key advantage in negotiation and courtroom litigation.

Why Work With Our Manslaughter Criminal Defense Attorneys in Harrisburg

Every client we work with deserves personal attention. We listen carefully, communicate clearly, and build a plan that fits your specific circumstances. You benefit from our commitment to:

• Decades-Deep Experience: We know local courts, judges, and procedures, helping us navigate each step efficiently.
• Recognized Legal Skill: Led by Shawn Dorward, recipient of the Regents Choice Award and certified by the American Chemical Society in DUI defense, we maintain high standards and stay current with Pennsylvania law.
• Tailored Defense Strategies: Each case receives a disciplined review and a plan designed for your life, not just the charge.
• Open & Supportive Communication: We answer your questions, help you understand your rights, and keep you informed throughout the process.
• Strong Ties in Central Pennsylvania: Our relationships with expert witnesses and local legal professionals support your defense both inside and outside the courtroom.

Many clients feel overwhelmed after being charged with a crime. We offer reassurance and clarity, so you understand the process ahead. Focusing solely on criminal defense allows us to keep up with changes in laws and court procedures throughout Dauphin County and neighboring areas.

The Process for Manslaughter Cases in Harrisburg

Every manslaughter case follows the core steps of Pennsylvania’s criminal justice process, shaped by local court rules and procedures. Most cases include:

• Initial charges and arraignment in Dauphin County courts
• Review of all available evidence and documentation
• Opportunities for plea discussions or preparing for trial
• Hearings, pre-trial motions, and potential expert testimony
• Case resolution by plea, dismissal, or trial verdict

How Local Factors Affect Your Case

Regional practices, including the way Harrisburg’s courts view violent crimes, shape outcomes and timelines. Collaborating with a manslaughter lawyer in Harrisburg ensures each step receives attention from someone who knows the people and procedures involved. Local prosecutors and judges expect detailed preparation. 

If you contact a manslaughter defense attorney early, you give yourself more time to weigh options and pursue the best possible result under the law. Our knowledge of courthouse schedules, local practices, and case filing procedures helps you stay prepared and reduces the stress of missed deadlines or miscommunication.

Contact Our Harrisburg Manslaughter Defense Team

We help you understand your situation and provide practical next steps—always with empathy, respect, and honest answers. Our focus stays on protecting your rights, maintaining clear communication, and building a disciplined defense strategy.

If you or a loved one faces a manslaughter charge in Harrisburg or Central Pennsylvania, call (717) 429-0411 or reach out online for a free consultation.