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Can Violent Crimes Be Committed Unintentionally?

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Nov 22, 2023 | 0 Comments

A Pennsylvania nurse, Heather Pressdee, has been charged with criminal charges for allegedly poisoning patients in the healthcare facilities where she was employed. Pressdee worked at a few facilities across the state. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General claims that Pressdee intentionally gave higher than medically advisable doses of insulin to 22 patients, as few as 17 of whom died as a result of the poisoning. Her charges include murder and attempted murder.

The investigation against Pressdee revealed that only some patients were receiving insulin, albeit at a much lower dose, while other patients had no medical conditions for which insulin was prescribed. The Office of the Attorney General found this fact to be a red flag and, in support of their case, that the series of poisonings were intentional. According to officials, Pressdee had been poisoning the patients in her care from sometime in 2020 to May 2023. If you're facing criminal charges, call the LLF Law Firm at 888.535.3686 or contact us online today.

What Charges Can I Face When Being Accused of Committing a Violent Crime?

Whether Pressdee's actions were intentional or a series of devastating mistakes will matter greatly in her defense. Unfortunately, you can still face allegations or be charged with a violent crime even if you didn't commit the crime intentionally. There are a variety of charges you may find yourself with for accidentally committing a violent crime in Pennsylvania; these charges include:

  • Simple assault
  • Aggravated assault
  • Involuntary manslaughter
  • Murder of the Third Degree
  • Murder of the Second Degree
  • Murder of the First Degree

Common Defense for Violent Crimes

Fortunately, if you have been charged with these violent crimes, there are strategies the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can use to defend you. LLF Law Firm has represented numerous Pennsylvanians in violent crime cases where the crime was committed unintentionally.

The fact that you have not committed the crime intentionally is significant to your defense. For the crime of first-degree murder, intent to kill is required. For the prosecution to succeed in many of these charges, it must prove that you negligently, recklessly, or knowingly caused the injury, bodily harm, or death of another. The Criminal Defense Team will work tirelessly to argue that your actions did not meet the requirements for negligently, recklessly, or knowingly.

A few defenses for unintentionally committing a violent crime can include that you lack the mental capacity to appreciate the criminality of your conduct. Another defense is that you made an innocent mistake. The LLF Criminal Defense Team will learn your case in and out and walk through all the possible defenses that may apply to your case.

How LLF Law Firm Can Help You

When facing violent crime allegations, retaining an attorney as soon as possible is crucial to your defense. LLF Law Firm will ensure that your rights are preserved throughout every step of the criminal proceedings against you. To have a consultation or retain LLF Law Firm, call 888.535.3686 or contact us online today.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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