Minneapolis & St. Paul Manslaughter Lawyer
Manslaughter is the act of killing another person, but the state of mind of the accused was in a place that separates the charge from a murder charge. In other words, it is not considered as serious as murder.
An accusation of manslaughter can be difficult to understand. This is because the main difference between murder and manslaughter is that murder is typically the charge when the factors in the case suggest that the killing was premeditated and/or intentional.
If you have been accused of manslaughter, having an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer by your side will help you receive the best possible outcome in your case. Even when there is merit to the charge, it is possible to not have to pay the maximum penalty, especially when your manslaughter defense attorney is able to show why.
Fighting Manslaughter Accusations
There are two types of manslaughter accusations: involuntary manslaughter and voluntary manslaughter. An accusation of voluntary manslaughter suggests that there was intention behind the murder, but the circumstances in the case reduces the defendant’s liability. For example, a killing in the “heat of passion” will constitute involuntary manslaughter because there was no intent to kill. The death resulted from reckless disregard for the safety and the rights of others.
The voluntary manslaughter case can be more complicated in that the act was intentional, but the defendant’s frame of mind or another factor may be present that doesn’t constitute a murder charge. Because the charge is not murder, a conviction of manslaughter will not have a prison sentence as serious.
Experience Challenging All Degrees Of Manslaughter
There are two degrees of manslaughter in Minnesota, first degree manslaughter and second degree manslaughter.
First degree manslaughter covers different types of homicide, such as intentionally causing the death of another person in the heat of passion, causing the death of another because of assault, or causing the death of someone when committing a gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor. You can also be charged with first degree manslaughter if the selling or distribution of a controlled substance results in a person’s death.
Second degree manslaughter is when death occurs due to negligence, such as shooting another person with a firearm as the result of negligence. If you have a dangerous animal that is allowed to run freely and that animal causes the death of another person, you could be charged with second degree manslaughter.
There is a third type of manslaughter and that is criminal vehicular homicide, which is typically not intentional, as it involves the act of driving recklessly. If you have been charged with this or any other form of manslaughter, your Minnesota criminal defense lawyer can help you combat the charges.
Contact A Minneapolis Criminal Defense Attorney
Manslaughter is a very serious crime to be accused of and one that can change your life. That is why you need to have the best possible manslaughter defense by your side every step of the way. Having comprehensive representation by your side can be the difference between paying the maximum consequences and getting on with your life sooner than you would otherwise. To learn more about how the Anderson Law firm, PLLC can help you, call 952-582-2904 to schedule a free consultation.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Please contact attorney Kirk Anderson for an initial consultation.