Misdemeanor manslaughter, also known as involuntary manslaughter, refers to an unintentional killing that occurs while the person is not committing a felony. Manslaughter is divided into two categories: voluntary and involuntary. The penalties and sentencing for voluntary manslaughter are typically more severe than those for involuntary manslaughter.
In general, misdemeanors are considered less serious crimes than felonies and are punishable by a fine or a jail term of less than one year.
In most states, any killing that occurs during the commission of a misdemeanor can lead to a misdemeanor manslaughter charge. However, some states only allow a manslaughter charge for serious misdemeanors.
It is essential to understand the distinction between a felony and a misdemeanor in your state, as this can significantly impact the penalties and sentencing assigned to a case.
Different degrees of killings exist to distinguish between intentional and unintentional killings, such as those committed by a serial killer versus an absent-minded driver. The purpose of distinguishing between these degrees is to ensure that the punishment fits the crime and to provide justice to both the victim and the offender.
What Are the Defenses and Punishment for Misdemeanor Manslaughter?
Misdemeanor manslaughter punishments and defenses vary depending on the state and jurisdiction. While federal courts impose a sentence of one to six years for involuntary or misdemeanor manslaughter, state courts may have different ranges of sentences depending on the severity of the underlying misdemeanor.
Involuntary manslaughter charges do not require the showing of intent, so a defendant cannot use the defense of not intending to commit the crime. However, a defendant may argue that their actions did not meet the required level of criminal negligence for a more severe sentence or that the incident was an accident resulting from their carelessness.
If a defendant is charged with misdemeanor assault resulting in death, they can argue that the assault was in self-defense, which can also serve as a defense to a misdemeanor manslaughter charge.
Sentencing guidelines for involuntary manslaughter under federal law mandate a 10 to 16-month prison sentence, with an increase if the crime was committed through reckless conduct. In cases of involuntary manslaughter involving a vehicle, the minimum sentence is typically greater, but judges may have discretion in these cases.
States have their own guidelines for sentencing and may allow judges to use their discretion in determining the severity of the sentence or penalty. Judges may consider aggravating factors, such as the defendant’s history of reckless behavior, or mitigating factors, such as the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility or lack of criminal history.
Convictions for involuntary or misdemeanor manslaughter can appear on a person’s criminal record, which can have far-reaching consequences. These consequences may include difficulty finding employment or obtaining professional licenses, as well as landlords having access to the person’s criminal record in some states.
What Are the Different Types of Involuntary Manslaughter?
Involuntary manslaughter can typically be classified into two types: criminal-negligence manslaughter and unlawful-act manslaughter.
Criminal-negligence manslaughter involves death resulting from a high degree of criminal negligence or recklessness. Unlawful-act manslaughter, on the other hand, occurs when death is caused by someone who commits or attempts to commit an unlawful act, usually a misdemeanor.
More recently, modern criminal statutes have created a separate category of manslaughter called vehicular manslaughter. This type of manslaughter applies specifically to deaths that occur as a result of the negligent or unlawful operation of a motor vehicle.
Although states may vary in their laws, deaths resulting from drunk driving are generally prosecuted under the crime of involuntary manslaughter. It is important to research your local criminal statutes in order to fully understand the laws and potential consequences.
Can I File a Wrongful Death Claim if a Loved One Was Killed by Misdemeanor Manslaughter?
Whether or not you can file a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed by misdemeanor manslaughter depends on the laws in your jurisdiction and the specific circumstances surrounding the death.
In general, if the death was caused by the wrongful or negligent actions of another person or entity, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim regardless of whether the death was caused by a misdemeanor or a felony.
However, the laws regarding wrongful death claims can vary depending on the jurisdiction, and there may be specific requirements or limitations for filing such a claim in cases of misdemeanor manslaughter.
In some jurisdictions, the laws may require more proof to establish a wrongful death claim for misdemeanor manslaughter compared to other forms of wrongful death. Additionally, some states may have different statutes of limitations or notice requirements that must be met in order to pursue a wrongful death claim for misdemeanor manslaughter.
Furthermore, the available damages in a wrongful death claim for misdemeanor manslaughter may differ from other forms of wrongful death. For instance, in some jurisdictions, punitive damages may not be available in cases of misdemeanor manslaughter, or there may be caps on the amount of damages that can be recovered.
It is advisable to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney in your jurisdiction to determine whether or not you have a valid claim and to discuss the specific legal options available to you.
What if the Misdemeanor Manslaughter Kills Multiple People?
If a misdemeanor manslaughter charge involves multiple deaths, the penalties and sentencing can be much more severe than if it only involved one death.
In many cases, when a single misdemeanor results in the deaths of multiple people, the charge may be elevated to a felony, which can carry significantly harsher penalties. Additionally, there may be aggravating factors present, such as prior criminal history, which can further increase the severity of the sentence.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Am Charged With Misdemeanor Manslaughter?
Facing a charge of manslaughter, whether voluntary or involuntary, can be a grave matter. As such, it is essential to seek the guidance of a criminal defense lawyer who can help you navigate the charges and assess potential defenses.
LegalMatch is an online legal matching service that can help connect you with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can assist with your misdemeanor manslaughter case.
Here are some ways that LegalMatch can help:
- Finding an Attorney: LegalMatch can help you find a qualified criminal defense attorney in your area who is familiar with misdemeanor manslaughter charges and has experience representing clients in similar cases.
- Free Case Review: LegalMatch offers a free case review service that can help you determine your legal options and potential defenses in your misdemeanor manslaughter case.
- Confidentiality: LegalMatch takes your privacy seriously and maintains strict confidentiality of your information. Your information will only be shared with attorneys who are interested in representing you in your case.
- Client Reviews: LegalMatch provides client reviews and ratings of attorneys who have handled similar cases. This can help you make an informed decision when selecting an attorney to represent you.
Use LegalMatch to seek out a local criminal attorney who is familiar with the criminal procedures and penalties in your state, particularly when dealing with a charge of misdemeanor manslaughter.
The stakes are high, and your future is in jeopardy. Consult with an experienced lawyer in your area to protect yourself today.
