Manslaughter is viewed by law to be a less serious offense than murder. Unlike murder charges, those charged with manslaughter did not show signs that they had the intent to kill. Typically, manslaughter is either categorized as voluntary or involuntary.

Voluntary Manslaughter

Those facing charges for voluntary manslaughter may have had the intent to cause serious injury or even death; however, the circumstances surrounding the case diminish the person's liability. Voluntary manslaughter is often a violent action that was provoked by someone else's actions and was not premeditated.

There are several defense strategies that can be used for charges of voluntary manslaughter, including:

Imperfect self-defense: This defense strategy suggests that the person charged with manslaughter acted in violence as a result of honestly, yet unreasonably, believing that their life was in danger.

Heat of Passion: If the actions of someone else cause the defendant to act violently in the instant reaction of the event and without any reflection, the defense strategy of being caught in the "heat of passion" can be utilized.

Diminished Responsibility: Diminished mental health is also a defense strategy if the defendant acted violently due to unstable mental health problems. This defense will not be valid in some states; however, in other states it may help to lessen criminal charges.

Provocation: If the defendant was put into a situation that caused them to lose self-control and act violently as a result of the traumatic event, the defense that the defendant's actions were provoked may be used to lessen criminal charges.

Involuntary Manslaughter

Involuntary Manslaughter includes acts of recklessness that result in another person's death. Although the death may have been an accident, the law views the reckless behavior that caused the accident to be involuntary manslaughter. If a motor vehicle was involved in the death of another person, it is considered vehicular manslaughter. More often than not, vehicular manslaughter is a direct result of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A Lawyer Can Help

If you have been charged with either type of manslaughter, you need an attorney who has the knowledge and experience to aggressively defend you. Skilled attorneys understand the complexities of the legal system and will fight to ensure that you receive the fair trial that you deserve.