White Plains Woman Sentenced in Death of Boyfriend

White Plains - Brittany Myers was given a sentence of one to three years in state prison today for killing her boyfriend in Mount Vernon last year. Myers, 19, had pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and fourth-degree weapon possession in the stabbing death of Tiquan Maddox in 2009.

The teen plunged a knife into the chest of Maddox, 23, in the living room of her cousin's house. She was 17 at the time.

When she was arrested, police said, Myers was five months' pregnant with Maddox's child.  A police official described the slaying as "a tragic, tragic example of domestic violence."

Myers was arrested on a charge of first-degree manslaughter but was indicted on a reduced felony count of second-degree manslaughter. If she was convicted at trial, she could have been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

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Criminal charges of murder or manslaughter are potentially the most serious that a defendant may face. In the face of criminal homicide allegations, it is crucial that you exercise your right to legal counsel as soon as possible. Only with proper legal representation by a highly experienced and dedicated attorney do you have the opportunity of avoiding maximum penalties or perhaps a conviction altogether.

Murder and manslaughter are both forms of criminal homicide. Criminal homicide occurs when a person unlawfully takes the life of another person. Criminal homicide may stem from negligence or intentional wrongdoing. For example, a drunk driver who causes an auto accident may be charged with vehicular manslaughter if his or her actions lead to the death of another driver, passenger, or pedestrian. A person who intentionally assaults another with a deadly weapon, with the intention to take their life, will likely face attempted murder charges.

A highly experienced Westchester County criminal lawyer can explore different options in regard to your defense in the face of manslaughter or murder charges. For example, an act committed in self-defense would not be murder. The incident may have been entirely accidental, or you may have been framed or wrongfully accused. A thorough investigation may uncover evidence of wrongful charges in this way.