When someone takes a life and the act is considered criminal in nature, one of the lesser charges that a person could face is manslaughter. Does this mean that it is a minor charge? Of course not – it can still come with significant penalties. Read on to learn about potential penalties and defense options for this charge. If you are facing this or another homicide charge, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.
Manslaughter is Actually an Umbrella Term
There is not actually a crime called manslaughter. It is the term that is used to cover any unlawful killing of another person without premeditation. For this reason, part of proving the case, and often part of the defense, is proving the defendant’s state of mind when the killing occurred. Read below to find out the various types of charges a person can face if they are charged with taking someone’s life without premeditation.
The Facts about Involuntary Manslaughter
If you killed someone unintentionally while committing a different crime, or a lawful act in an unlawful way, and the courts agree that you were acting with criminal negligence, then you could be charged with involuntary manslaughter. Remember that “criminal negligence” is not just being careless – it refers to knowingly acting in a reckless way that you know creates a high risk for someone else.
The Facts about Voluntary Manslaughter
This is the term used for killings that are intentional but not premeditated. Many people refer to this as “the heat of the moment.” Note that you do not have necessarily had to intend to kill a person. This charge can be applied in situations in which you acted in the heat of the moment in a way that the courts consider to have disregarded human life.
The Facts about Vehicular Manslaughter
If you committed a misdemeanor while you were driving and caused an accident in which someone died, then you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter. This is a wobbler offense, which means the prosecutor can decide to charge it as a felony or misdemeanor.
Potential Defense Options for Manslaughter Charges
The best way to find out what we think the best option for your case would be is to contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation. Some potential defense options include showing that you acted in self-defense, that the death was accidental, that you did not cause the death, or that there is not enough evidence to convict you of the crime you are charged with.
In the event that there is enough evidence and you do not have a strong defense, we can still help negotiate the best possible plea deal for you. Call us now and let us get started.
