Manslaughter involves killing another person in a state of mind that is considered not as severe as murder. This can be a confusing accusation to understand. The main difference between the two is that a murder charge suggests that the crime was intentional and in some instances premeditated. Although both are felony offenses, a murder conviction is a lot more severe.

Manslaughter can be further subcategorized into voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Both are considered felony offenses and come with severe penalties if found guilty. If you are accused of manslaughter you will need an experienced Minneapolis criminal defense attorney fighting in your corner. Do not risk this serious conviction. Get the help you need by contacting us today.

Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter

Essentially, a voluntary manslaughter accusation suggests that you had the intent to kill or cause serious injury but the liability of the defendant is reduced by the circumstance. An example would be a ‘heat of passion’ killing. Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, means there was no intent to kill or cause serious injury, but death results from reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others.

First and Second Degree Manslaughter

Manslaughter can also be classified into first degree manslaughter, second degree manslaughter as well as criminal vehicular homicide:

First Degree Manslaughter – there are a number of homicides that classify as first degree manslaughter.  You could be facing first degree manslaughter conviction if you intentionally cause the death of another person in the heat of passion, commit an assault and cause the death of another when attempting to commit a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offense, proximately causes the death of another, without intent to cause death by, directly or indirectly, unlawfully selling, giving away, bartering, delivering, exchanging, distributing, or administering a controlled substance.

Second Degree Manslaughter – second degree manslaughter charges may be laid if you cause death by negligence whereby the person creates an unreasonable risk, and consciously takes chances of causing death or great bodily harm to another, by shooting another with a firearm or other dangerous weapon (such as a snare)  as a result of negligent hunting or by intentionally permitting any animal, known by the person to have vicious propensities or to have caused great or substantial bodily harm in the past, to run uncontrolled off the owner’s premises, or negligently failing to keep it properly confined.

Criminal Vehicular Homicide – you could be facing vehicular homicide conviction if your negligent driving causes the death of another person, including if you were driving recklessly or in a grossly negligent manner, if you were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (DWI), if you were involved in a hit and run or if you leave the scene of the accident or if you knew that the car you were driving was defectively maintained and drove it anyway

Representation throughout Minnesota

A manslaughter accusation can be a scary thing to face alone.  Protect your rights and your reputation by contacting our experienced Minneapolis attorneys as soon as you are accused of manslaughter. Rivers & Associates, PA are there when you need us most. It is important to act fast when facing an arrest and criminal conviction. Our experienced attorneys can provide you with the aggressive representation and legal assistance you need to ensure the best outcome possible. Contact us today at (612) 339-3939.

Our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.