Manslaughter Defense Attorney in Chicago

Fighting for Your Future in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles is one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. With a population of around 4 million and a crime rate that consistently ranks among the nation's highest, Los Angeles is a city where you can easily find yourself in a situation where you are accused of a crime, even if you are innocent. 

If you are charged with a crime in Los Angeles, you need a Chicago manslaughter lawyer on your side right away. A conviction for manslaughter can have devastating consequences for your life, including imprisonment, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. When you face charges of manslaughter, you need a Los Angeles manslaughter attorney who is experienced in defending clients against these types of charges and who is ready to fight for your freedom.

Request your consultation by calling (661) 451-5652today!

What Is Manslaughter in California?

Under California law, manslaughter is a type of criminal homicide that is less than first-degree murder but more than involuntary manslaughter. In order to be convicted of this charge, the prosecution must prove that you acted with malice aforethought, which is the legal term for "intent" or "willful intent."

There are two types of manslaughter charges under California law: voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. The difference between these two types of charges is that voluntary manslaughter involves a killing that is either intentional or that occurs during the commission of a crime, while involuntary manslaughter involves a killing that is accidental. In either case, the penalties for a manslaughter conviction can be severe.

Under California law, voluntary manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, but either in the heat of passion or upon a reasonable provocation. A heat-of-passion killing occurs when a person kills in the moment when they are overcome by a sudden and intense passion resulting from seriously insulting or offending the killer, and the killer would have been unlikely to have killed in that moment had they been in a cooler state of mind. Reasonable provocation, on the other hand, is defined as conduct sufficient to provoke a person of ordinary sensibilities to anger, rage, or resentment and which causes the person to lose control of themselves. 

Voluntary manslaughter is a wobbler in California, meaning that it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant's criminal history. If you are convicted of voluntary manslaughter, you face a potential sentence of three years in prison, probation, and fines.

Contact our Chicago manslaughter attorney today to discuss your case and get started on your defense!

What Is Involuntary Manslaughter in California?

Involuntary manslaughter is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, but without any intent to cause death or great bodily injury. This type of manslaughter occurs when a person causes the death of another person accidentally, recklessly, or with criminal negligence. Involuntary manslaughter is a wobbler in California, meaning that it can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant's criminal history. If you are convicted of involuntary manslaughter, you face a potential sentence of two years in prison, probation, and fines.