Manslaughter is the crime of taking another person’s life, either intentionally or unintentionally. Although it is a less serious charge than murder, it still comes with very harsh penalties that can ruin your life. If you are facing manslaughter charges in the state of Minnesota, you need an experienced attorney on your side.
Understanding Manslaughter Charges
In the state of Minnesota, there are two classifications of manslaughter charges you can face: voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter.
Voluntary manslaughter occurs when the defendant intentionally causes the death of another individual, but the circumstances of the events don’t warrant a homicide or murder charge. One of the most common types of voluntary manslaughter happens when the defendant kills someone during an argument, fight, or other moment of passion. In other words, the act of killing is intentional, but the defendant did not plan to take that person’s life.
Involuntary manslaughteris less serious than voluntary manslaughter, but it can still lead to significant prison time and fines. In most cases, involuntary manslaughter occurs when the defendant’s reckless behavior results in the death of another individual. For example, a person can be charged with involuntary manslaughter if he or she drove drunk and caused a fatal traffic accident.
Both voluntary and involuntary manslaughter are treated harshly by the court of law. A felony manslaughter conviction can result in up to 15 years in prison and fines of $30,000. Additionally, a defendant in a manslaughter case can be sued for wrongful death, which can lead to financial ruin. No matter what the circumstances of a manslaughter case are, it is essential to have an attorney on your side.
Manslaughter Defense Lawyer
It’s important to contact a qualified defense lawyer the moment you are aware of manslaughter charges against you. Even if you haven’t been formally charged, you still need a lawyer if you are aware of any circumstances that might lead to manslaughter charges being filed. Your lawyer will immediately start building your case, to help ensure you won’t forced to serve the maximum term of imprisonment. With the right defense, your lawyer may be able to get your charges reduced – or even dropped completely. Without a defense lawyer on your side, you may years in prison.
If you are convicted of manslaughter, your life will never be the same. Even after you have served your prison sentence and paid any fines or restitution, you will still be subject to the harsh judgment of society. You may be unable to find a job, or even vote. Fortunately, your defense lawyer can help you avoid a conviction, or get a lighter sentence.
Always A Free Consultation
If you are charged with manslaughter, you need help from the most experienced and qualified attorneys. At the Brown Law Offices, P.A., we have the experience and knowledge required to get you the best possible outcome. Regardless of your guilt or innocence, we never judge you and always work our hardest to defend you. Don’t let a manslaughter conviction haunt you for the rest of your life. Call us today at 763-323-6555, or complete our online form for a free consultation.