While many may view all forms of homicide on the same moral level, this is not true on a legal level. As such, it’s imperative to understand the different forms of homicide that someone could be charged with, including manslaughter. The following blog explores what you should know about how manslaughter and murder offenses differ, as well as the penalties you can face if convicted. In addition, you’ll learn why working with a Cobb County violent crimes lawyer is in your best interest if you are facing a manslaughter charge.
What Warrants a Manslaughter Charge?
First and foremost, Georgia, like all states, recognizes homicide as an encompassing term to describe any time in which someone takes the life of another person. As such, you may find that there are different types of homicide you can be charged with, like murder or manslaughter.
Essentially, the difference between murder and manslaughter is malice aforethought, or premeditation. To be charged with murder, it must be shown that you had planned or thought about the act prior to the commission of the offense, and you intended to kill at the time of the crime. Manslaughter, on the other hand, has no premeditative aspect.
Manslaughter can be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter often occurs in the heat of the passion, such as holding a strongly held but unwarranted belief that your life was in danger or seeing your spouse in bed with another person without thinking before committing the crime. Involuntary manslaughter is often the result of other criminal negligence that results in the death of another person. For example, if you steal someone’s bike and, during the commission of the theft, hit a pedestrian who succumbs to their injuries, this would constitute involuntary manslaughter.
What Are the Potential Penalties I Could Face?
While not as severe as a murder offense, manslaughter carries hefty penalties. If convicted of involuntary manslaughter that involved the commission of a felony offense, you will face a felony charge. The sentences range between one and ten years in prison. If you were committing a misdemeanor and that ultimately caused the death of another person, you would be charged with misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter, carrying no more than one year in prison.
Voluntary manslaughter, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the crime, is charged as a felony offense. This carries between one and twenty years in state prison.
As you can see, a manslaughter conviction is not something that should be taken lightly, as the penalties you can face are severe. If you have been charged with this offense, it is imperative to connect with an experienced attorney with the Miller Law Practice, LLC. We understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you through these complicated times. Connect with us today to learn more.