Manslaughter

The Best Manslaughter Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights

Defined as the crime of killing another person without prior planning or premeditation, a manslaughter conviction can result in many years in prison and significant fines. You need an experienced, aggressive, and motivated attorney to vigorously defend you from these charges. You have found that attorney in Simmons Wagner, LLP. Call us now at (949) 439-5857 to request a consultation.

The Three Main Categories of Manslaughter

Manslaughter charges fall into three categories:

1. Voluntary manslaughter: Intentionally killing another person.
2. Involuntary manslaughter: Unintentionally killing another person.
3. Vehicular manslaughter: Driving recklessly without regard for human life and killing someone as a result.

Potential Penalties for Manslaughter Convictions

The specific penalty a person will face will be based on the nature of the crime, extenuating circumstances, and the legal background of the defendant. Generally speaking, voluntary manslaughter conviction can result in:

• 15 years to life in prison
• Fines of as much as $10,000
• The death penalty

A conviction for involuntary manslaughter could result in:

• Two to four years in jail or prison
• Fines of up to $10,000

A conviction for vehicular manslaughter can result in:

• Up to one year in county jail
• Fines of as much as $1,000

Potential Defense Options for Manslaughter Charges

While you can count on the prosecution to present the case as though it is cut and dry, that is rarely the case. It might seem that the evidence against you is solid and impossible to argue with. However, if you have an experienced attorney on your side, we can help build a defense. Some options include:

• You were acting in defense of yourself or of someone else. To prove this defense, you must show that you reasonably believed that you or someone else was in imminent danger, that force was required to prevent that danger, and that you did not use more force than was necessary.
• There is not enough evidence to convict you. If this is the case, we will fight to show the judge that there are insufficient grounds to charge you. This could result in the charges being dropped altogether.
• The death occurred due to an accident – not your criminal activity or negligence.
• The death was not directly caused by your actions.

There Are Options When the Evidence is Strong

Even if the evidence is strong and there is no convincing defense strategy, you are not out of options. Your attorney can work to negotiate a plea deal with the District Attorney. This could involve pleading felony charges down to a misdemeanor, or agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for a lenient sentence.

The only way to know what your best options are is to contact an attorney and get a legal opinion. You are welcome to contact Simmons Wagner, LLP at (949) 439-5857 to request a consultation.