Being involved in the killing of another human is always a massive deal, emotionally, socially and, of course, legally.
The potential legal ramifications are massive, with sentences of up to life imprisonment. If you believe you may be charged with manslaughter, it’s imperative that you seek legal assistance as soon as you can.
What is manslaughter?
Manslaughter is one of two different offences relating to the illegal killing of another person, the other being murder. While murder is the more serious of the two, and must include premeditation and intent to kill or seriously harm someone, manslaughter can still be incredibly serious. Manslaughter itself can be broken down further into two different charges:
- Involuntary manslaughter: involuntary manslaughter applies in the case where someone is killed unlawfully, without intention to kill or cause grievous bodily harm. Involuntary manslaughter can be further categorised, primarily into unlawful act manslaughter, dangerous act manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter.
- Voluntary manslaughter: voluntary manslaughter is used in rare circumstances as a special defence against murder, where many of the conditions for murder are present but it can be argued that they had diminished responsibility, a loss of control, or insinuated a suicide pact.
Sentencing for manslaughter
Sentencing for manslaughter is complex and often contentious, especially given the amount of public interest in such crimes.
Which sentence you receive for a manslaughter charge depends on a number of factors, with a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A life sentence will be discretionary, and also quite rare for manslaughter cases – life sentences are generally reserved for murder. A life sentence is possible, however, especially in the case of voluntary manslaughter.
Generally, sentences will be given between 2 and 10 years’ custody. Community service may also be given, potentially in addition to a suspended sentence. If given a suspended sentence, the court can also give up to 12 requirements that the offender must comply with.
What we can do to help
If you have been involved, in any way, in the killing of another person, you will almost certainly need significant legal assistance, immediately. While it’s possible that the death was purely accidental, and not the result of either negligence or criminal intent, the facts will need to be argued as they happened in a court of law to ensure that you receive a just trial. We can help you by:
- Taking you through any interviews under caution, advising both before and during
- Managing the bail process, ensuring that optimal conditions are achieved
- Ensuring a fair trial and investigation, making sure that the law is applied justly
- Preparing your defence with you for your trial, if it goes that far, and then representing you in court
- Taking you through any appeals processes if necessary
Manslaughter charges, and other potential charges you may receive in that area, can have a devastating impact on your life. Ensuring that you receive a just trial and investigation is imperative, and that is often only possible if you also receive the best legal assistance available.
Contact our defence team as soon as possible on 0161 234 0020 (Manchester) /0203 053 8625 (London) / 07956 555979 (24 hour), or you can also contact us via our contact form.
