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Manslaughter charges occur when someone dies due to the negligence of someone else. If you are charged with manslaughter you are facing severe consequences if you are found guilty. Manslaughter is different from murder because of the state of mind of the defendant at the time of commission of the crime. Murder shows intent, malice, or aforethought or extreme disregard for human life. When a person is killed without specific intent to murder, the likely charge will be manslaughter. Because manslaughter charges are considered serious, you will want to fight the case with help from an experienced criminal defense attorney in North Carolina.
There are three main types of manslaughter including:
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Vehicular manslaughter
All types of manslaughter charges are considered similar and have severe penalties if found guilty. Voluntary manslaughter is similar to murder except that it was not premeditated. Voluntary manslaughter may happen in the heat of passion. Someone dies at the hands of another, however, the person did not intend for someone to die. It is not a planned event. Voluntary manslaughter is a Class D felony with a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, fines, and more.
Involuntary manslaughter is the death of another which may be an accident. It could be the result of a criminal act or negligence that causes someone’s death. It is a slightly less serious offense than voluntary manslaughter. Involuntary manslaughter is a Class F felony with a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, along with other penalties. Vehicular manslaughter charges occur when someone is killed as the result of negligence in a motor vehicle accident.
Defending Manslaughter Charges
The consequences of being found or pleading guilty to manslaughter may include lengthy jail time, fines, restitution, and probation, among others. A guilty verdict may end up with a jail sentence based on the severity of the crime and your own criminal record. Even though you did not intend for someone to die, the death might be attributed to your negligence. Negligence is doing something, or failing to do something, that you knew could be dangerous and might cause death. For example, speeding could be considered a negligent act in a vehicular manslaughter case.
In some cases, a manslaughter charge is accompanied by other charges. Your attorney will gather information in your case to help defend your rights and protect your innocence. If you are arrested for manslaughter, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. It is best to wait until your attorney is present to speak with law enforcement. The facts of each case are different, so your attorney will discuss the matter with you and obtain data and information to help you resolve the matter with a favorable outcome.
Manslaughter charges are certainly serious because they could result in a lengthy prison sentence and criminal record if you are found guilty. Your attorney will work on your behalf to vigorously defend these serious charges. If you were charged with manslaughter, our experienced lawyers can help. Please contact us today to get a phone, video or in-person consultation by calling at (704) 370-2828 to speak with our detail-oriented and well-versed lawyers with offices in Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Monroe, please contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today or find additional resources here.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC make it their mission to zealously defend their clients on a wide range of criminal matters at both the state and federal levels. These matters may include any charge from traffic offenses; DWI/DUI; drug charges (from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute and trafficking); gun permit denials; weapons offenses; and property crimes (larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, white collar offenses); to sexually related offenses (indecent exposure; sexual assault, crimes against nature, removal from sex offender registry); and violent crimes (domestic violence; assault; manslaughter; homicide, murder). Other legal issues that Arnold & Smith, PLLC criminal clients may be facing include restraining orders, restraining order and probation violations, expungements; appeals; and immigration issues related to criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about ensuring that individuals empower themselves by being informed about their constitutional rights, and stand at the ready to fight in the defense of those facing criminal charges.
Source:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/b-w-paris-scene-1452837
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