Manslaughter Attorney Los Angeles

Manslaughter is considered homicide, but due to certain circumstances and the lack of malicious intent to kill, instead of being charged with murder, a person is instead charged with a less culpable crime – manslaughter. In Los Angeles, taking a life of another person is considered a serious crime. However, there are many reasons and circumstances that can lead a person to killing someone. So, if you are someone accused of killing a person, it is important that you find yourself a Los Angeles manslaughter criminal attorney first before talking to the cops to prevent a murder charge.

California Penal Code 192 defines manslaughter as the killing of a person unlawfully without “malice aforethought.” Malice aforethought can be expressed or implied by having these four elements:

1. The act of killing the person was premeditated.
2. The person’s life was put in danger as the consequence of the action.
3. The person was aware that the action can endanger the life of another.
4. The person’s action disrespects the value of human life.

The absence of these four elements can lessen a homicide charge from murder to manslaughter.

Three Types of Manslaughter

Under California Penal Code, manslaughter is categorized under 3 types as follows:

• Voluntary Manslaughter – This type of manslaughter is applicable when the death of a person was due to an unexpected fight or passionate banter that turned deadly.
• Involuntary Manslaughter – This when you have unintentionally killed a person in a way that is not considered cold blooded or does not show a complete disrespect for life.
• Vehicular Manslaughter – This is an appropriate charge when a death of a person (other than the driver of the vehicle) is due to an illegally operated vehicle. Vehicular manslaughter is categorized further into three categories namely – Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and gross vehicular manslaughter.

There are many possible defenses to a manslaughter charge depending on the circumstances of your case. That is why it is very important to immediately contact a legal representative that can help you with your case before you say anything to the cops. The cops’ job is to find aggravating factors in your case, while a competent and knowledgeable lawyer will find the mitigating factors to lessen your charge. The Law Offices of Randy Collins are one of the best and experienced criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles. If you are looking for a Los Angeles manslaughter attorneys, contact their office and get a consultation for your case.