Criminal Charges: Manslaughter

Unlike murder charges, individuals who are charged with manslaughter didn’t display the intent to kill. For this reason, manslaughter charges are viewed as less serious than murder charges despite their close similarities. Typically, manslaughter is either categorized as voluntary or involuntary.

Voluntary manslaughter occurs when the defendant had the intent to cause serious injury or even death to the victim, however, the specific circumstances surrounding the case decrease the defendant’s liability. Voluntary manslaughter is a violent act that most often occurs when the defendant is provoked and is not a premeditated action.

Involuntary manslaughter is considered an act of recklessness that causes another person’s death. Whether or not the death was an accident, the law deems the reckless behavior that resulted in the accident to be involuntary manslaughter. The criminal charge may be for vehicular manslaughter if a vehicle was involved in the death. Vehicular manslaughter is most commonly the result of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

No matter what classification of manslaughter you have been charged with, you need an attorney with the experience to guide you through the complicated legal system. Hire an attorney who has the knowledge and experience to aggressively defend you in a court of law. The skilled manslaughter defense attorneys at the law office of Daniel Jensen understand the complexities of the legal system and will fight to ensure that you receive the fair trial that you deserve. Contact the San Jose manslaughter defense attorney Daniel Jensen, P.C. at (408) 296-4100 to discuss your legal options.