In California, crimes involving the loss of life carry the weightiest penalties. Crimes like homicide, capital murder, and manslaughter can lead to significant consequences and limitations on your freedom and your future. If you’ve been charged with voluntary manslaughter in Los Angeles County, it’s essential that you understand what this charge means and what to expect in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Contacting a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney is the best way to ensure your rights remain protected at every step of the legal process.
How California Law Defines Voluntary Manslaughter
Under California law, there are three types of manslaughter: Voluntary, involuntary, and vehicular. According to Title 8, Section 122 of the California Penal Code, “Manslaughter is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice.” Voluntary manslaughter occurs “upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion,” meaning that the offense was not a premeditated act. Prosecutors can also charge you with voluntary manslaughter if you honestly believed, although unreasonably, that you acted in self-defense. The prosecution must prove that someone or something provoked you and that as a result of this provocation, your intense emotions obscured your reasoning and judgment. Most voluntary manslaughter charges are considered felony offenses.
Consequences of Voluntary Manslaughter
As a felony offense, a voluntary manslaughter conviction may carry a prison sentence of three, six, or eleven years. You may also face a $10,000 fine, the loss of your firearm rights, mandatory counseling, and a “strike” on your record under California’s “Three Strikes” law. Voluntary manslaughter does not involve malice or premeditation, making the penalties less severe than those for homicide. Defense strategies for voluntary manslaughter charges may include arguing that you acted reasonably out of self-defense or that the entire event was an accident.
Contact a Trusted Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Now
As soon as law enforcement arrests you for voluntary manslaughter, you need to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation. Avoid the temptation to explain yourself to the arresting officers, even if they claim they are there to “hear your side of the story.” Prosecutors may use any statements you make to build their case against you, so exercise your right to remain silent. Once you’ve contacted your lawyer, you can discuss the most strategic course of action aimed at preserving your future and your freedom.
If you have been charged with voluntary manslaughter in Los Angeles County, call Wegman & Levin right away at (818) 980-4000 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted and experienced criminal defense lawyer.
