Los Angeles Manslaughter Attorney

Manslaughter is the unwarranted, intentional killing of another human being, but manslaughter happens without premeditation, malice aforethought, or deliberation. While manslaughter is not murder, it is a gravely serious criminal offense arising from the unnatural death of an individual. That’s why speaking with a manslaughter defense attorney in Los Angeles is so important.

Attorney Douglas Miranda routinely defends clients facing the most serious criminal charges, including manslaughter. His reputation and record speak volumes about his skills as a top criminal defense lawyer. If you’re charged with manslaughter in Southern California, you need high-quality legal representation to avoid a conviction on this serious charge.

Call our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to book a free consultation today. 

UNDERSTANDING MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES IN CALIFORNIA

Manslaughter is a serious violent crime involving an unlawful killing without malice aforethought. This is a very serious crime that warrants strict homicide investigations. Under the California Penal Code, manslaughter can carry severe penalties, even when charges are reduced from murder. If you face a manslaughter charge in Los Angeles County, seek legal representation as soon as possible to protect your rights and understand your options.

Some people are under the impression that manslaughter charges are not serious. This may be because lawyers with clients who are facing murder charges often argue to have the charges reduced to manslaughter so the client does not face life in prison or the death penalty. This does not mean that manslaughter charges should be taken lightly. In fact, the penalties for manslaughter are severe, so you will need the help of an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.

TYPES OF MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES IN CA

In California, there are three different kinds of manslaughter charges, including voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, and vehicular manslaughter.

VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

To prove a voluntary manslaughter charge it must be proven by the prosecutor that the defendant had the intent to inflict severe bodily injury or death on the victim. The lack of malice aforethought is what differentiates this from a 1st or second-degree murder charge. This type of manslaughter is usually a crime of passion.

Voluntary manslaughter penalties in California can include fines, probation, community service, and a prison term of three to eleven years. Involuntary manslaughter can be the result of criminal negligence. For example, a negligent driver who causes a fatal car crash could be charged with involuntary manslaughter; so could a construction foreman who cheats on mandatory safety measures if someone dies as a result.

If provocation plays a role in the death, such as mutual combat or adultery, the courts will then consider how much time passed between the act of provocation and the homicide. If there was a sufficient cooling-off period and the defendant went back and later committed the killing, or if it was premeditated, it then becomes a murder charge.

INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER

Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, is an unintentional homicide from criminally negligent or reckless conduct or an unintentional killing through the commission of a crime other than a felony. In order for the crime to be involuntary manslaughter, the victim’s death must be unintended.

Involuntary manslaughter must fulfill three elements: someone was killed by an act of the defendant, the act was done with reckless disregard for human life, and the defendant knew or should have known that their conduct was a threat. A good example is someone driving while drunk. While they never intended to kill someone, their negligence caused a death.

If you are charged with involuntary manslaughter, you need to call a Los Angeles involuntary manslaughter lawyer right away. Involuntary manslaughter punishments vary among the state judicial systems, but it is treated as a felony at both the federal and state levels. This usually carries a jail or prison sentence of at least 12 months, plus fines and probation.

VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER

Vehicular manslaughter is when someone recklessly causes the death of another person through the use of any type of motor vehicle. This is often from a drunk driving accident, but more recently, courts are seeing this regarding texting while driving. Regardless of the type of manslaughter charge, you need an aggressive attorney who understands California laws.

States will generally give a range of possible sentences and look at the various aggravating and mitigating factors to decide what type of sentence to hand down. Aggravating factors would include the defendant’s history of reckless behavior, while mitigating factors would include the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility for the crime and lack of criminal history.

A Los Angeles Manslaughter lawyer can do wonders when it comes to casting doubt on the elements of the crime. That gray area could keep you out of jail. The burden of proof falls on the prosecution to prove that the defendant somehow caused another person’s death, and a good lawyer can make that very difficult to do. Lawyers can use some very good defenses for their clients, such as self-defense, it was an accident, the prosecution has insufficient evidence, or the defendant was wrongfully accused.

Involuntary, voluntary, and vehicular manslaughter are all very serious offenses and this is the time to call Miranda Rights Law Firm. Speak to Los Angeles manslaughter defense attorney Douglas Miranda to discuss your case in a free case evaluation session.

Call (213) 293-1207 today.

DON’T FACE HOMICIDE CHARGES ALONE

When you face a murder or manslaughter charge, you cannot afford anything less than skilled, knowledgeable, experienced defense representation. Los Angeles manslaughter attorney Douglas Miranda understands the fears and anxieties you’re experiencing. He’s handled these kinds of cases for more than a decade.

The Miranda Rights Law Firm is committed to defending every client with the highest level of professionalism and attention to detail. Douglas Miranda will investigate manslaughter charges, compile evidence, and examine witnesses on your behalf, and bring your case to the best possible conclusion. If there’s a weakness in the state’s case against you, Douglas Miranda will find that flaw and exploit it on your behalf. He will safeguard your rights and advocate aggressively for justice.

CALL TODAY TO PUT US TO WORK FOR YOU

If you are charged with manslaughter, an attorney can examine your homicide case, investigate how the crime occurred, and challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Douglas Miranda will explain your legal options and build an aggressive defense tailored to your circumstances.

Schedule your free consultation by calling (213) 293-1207. Se habla español.