Involuntary Manslaughter
to top
If you carelessly play with a loaded handgun and the gun goes off and kills your friend, you can be charged with involuntary manslaughter. Along with dealing with the sadness and guilt, you may have to face years in prison.
You will need to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately who will stand by you in this stressful time and provide a strong defense.
What You Need To Know About Involuntary Manslaughter
Involuntary manslaughter is killing another person as a direct result of your own reckless or grossly negligent actions, either lawful or unlawful.
Involuntary manslaughter is a misdemeanor of the first degree. However if the victim was under 12 and in the care, custody or control of the person who caused their death, it is a felony of the second degree.
What To Do If You Are Charged
If you are charged, do not anger the arresting officer unnecessarily.
You will probably be held in jail overnight. At this stage, do not discuss what happened with the police or claim your innocence.
- As with most criminal charges, you should not talk to the police or prosecutors without your attorney by your side. What you say can be taken out of context and used against you.
If the police question you, tell them you want a lawyer and politely refuse to answer their questions.
What Your Lawyer Can Do
Your attorney will carefully review every aspect of your case to determine if there is evidence for all you have been accused of.
- Your lawyer will make every effort to discredit any evidence not in your favor.
- Much of what your lawyer can do to help you will depend on the exact circumstances of your case.
Your lawyer will be looking at every avenue that can help you, so it’s important that you give them all of the information that can support your case.
How A Lawyer Will Help
When you are up against an involuntary manslaughter charge, even before your first hearing you will be facing a determined prosecutor. You need an attorney who will stand by you every step of the way, work hard to discredit any evidence – and work with you to determine your best course of action.
Pennsylvania Involuntary Manslaughter Law
Involuntary manslaughter is described and defined under The Pennsylvania Criminal Code under Title 18, Chapter 25. Read the code here.
Questions? Contact us today.
Based on the evidence, Fienman Defense will try to show that the charges should be dismissed. If it’s in your best interest, we will work to negotiate a lesser sentence. Should the case go to trial, we will fight to present the strongest defense possible for your situation.