Although manslaughter is not as serious a crime as homicide, it is nevertheless a significant crime. It is described as a person’s accidental death. Voluntary, involuntary, and vehicular manslaughter are the three forms of manslaughter for which a person can be found guilty. We can assist you with any charges connected to manslaughter at Chambers Law Firm, and we are ready to do so right now. Continue reading to discover more about the three forms of manslaughter, and then call us for a free legal consultation at 714-760-4088.
Voluntary manslaughter
Voluntary manslaughter is defined as an intentional killing that is not motivated by malice. This implies that someone who kills someone in the middle of a fight or in the heat of the moment may be prosecuted with voluntary manslaughter rather than murder since they did not intend to commit the crime.
A person discovering their spouse cheating on them is a typical case of voluntary manslaughter. If the individual murdered their spouse or the other party as soon as they found out, it may be considered voluntary manslaughter. It is likely that they will be charged with murder if they consider killing the other person and scheme to do so, then carry out their intentions weeks later.
A voluntary manslaughter conviction in California carries a penalty of 3, 6, or 11 years in jail. Under California’s Three Strikes Rule, it can also result in a strike.
Involuntary manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter can be charged if a person acts recklessly or carelessly and a person dies as a result. For example, involuntary manslaughter may occur if a person discharged a handgun but did not aim it at anybody or plan to injure anyone, but the bullet ricocheted and killed someone. A conviction for this offense carries a sentence of two, three, or four years in prison, plus any sentencing enhancements.
Vehicular manslaughter
In California, vehicular manslaughter is defined as performing a non-felony offense that results in a fatal automobile accident or a lawful conduct that results in the death of another person. Excessive speeding, texting while driving, or racing, for example, might all result in a vehicular manslaughter prosecution in California. A judge can impose a range of penalties for manslaughter, just as he or she might for other forms of manslaughter. Vehicular manslaughter, on the other hand, is a bit different.
While the other offenses are usually felonies, vehicular manslaughter is a wobbler, meaning it can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony. It all depends on whether the defendant is charged with severe carelessness or basic negligence. Simple negligence has a potential sentence of one year in county jail, but gross carelessness carries a maximum sentence of six years in state prison if prosecuted as a felony and one year in county jail if charged as a misdemeanor.
If you or a loved one have been charged with manslaughter, contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to request a free legal consultation.
