Involuntary Manslaughter
St. Louis Criminal Defense Attorneys – (314) 334-3807
When someone in Missouri is accused of killing someone through recklessness or negligence, not the actual intent to cause harm, it is categorized as the serious violent crime of involuntary manslaughter. In many situations, this crime occurs due to a car accident, so other states sometimes call it “vehicular manslaughter” instead. No matter the exact circumstances, the charges filed against you when accused of involuntary manslaughter will be a felony of some degree.
If you are convicted of involuntary manslaughter, penalties are likely to include:
- At least three years in prison, up to 10 years
- At least $5,000 in fines and fees, up to $10,000
- Multiyear driver’s license suspension if vehicular related
Start thinking about how you can protect your rights, freedom, reputation, and finances right now by getting in contact with The Hammer Law Firm, LLC. Our manslaughter defense attorneys in St. Louis have decades of collective experience managing complicated defense cases. We know the finest details in a defense case like yours can make all the difference I the end, so we meticulously pore through all available evidence, case laws, and so forth when crafting your defense.
Get a free case evaluation with our team by filling out an online contact form now.
Three Distinct Forms of Involuntary Manslaughter
Missouri law breaks involuntary manslaughter cases down into three main categories:
- Driving while impaired: A specific form of manslaughter charges filed against someone who causes the death of another person due to their impaired driving. In addition to manslaughter charge penalties, the defendant can be subjected to DWI charges and the penalties associated with that separate crime.
- Second-degree manslaughter: When the defendant unknowingly acts in a negligent or reckless manner that results in the death of another. For example, someone who has never handled a firearm before accidentally bumps the trigger while inspecting the gun, discharging the weapon, and killing a bystander. The prosecution will have to prove the defendant acted in a way that “grossly” deviated from the actions a “reasonable person” would have taken in the same situation.
- First-degree manslaughter: When the defendant knowingly acts in a negligent or reckless manner that results in the death of another. For example, someone discharges a firearm wildly into the air for entertainment but a bullet strikes someone in the distance and kills them. The defendant obviously should have known the action was dangerous and could have feasibly caused severe injury or death. When speaking of vehicular manslaughter, first-degree manslaughter charges are often brought against someone who was intentionally speeding or weaving through traffic before causing a crash.
For Every Charge, There is a Defense – Find It With Us
You might feel as if the criminal justice system has you in a corner when charged with involuntary manslaughter. Do not give up or give in. Call (314) 334-3807 to explore your defense options with our St. Louis manslaughter defense lawyers. We can use our collective defense experience to work towards the best possible outcome, be it a case dismissal due to a lack of evidence, a not guilty verdict from a jury, or a significant charge and sentencing reduction.
Find out more about manslaughter defenses by contacting us now.
