Long Beach Manslaughter Attorneys

Manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter charges should be taken very seriously, and require the immediate representation of an aggressive violent crime defense attorney. The penalties associated with a manslaughter conviction are very severe and should be handled by a Long Beach defense lawyer at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. With aggressive style and excellent defenses, our criminal defense lawyers have been able to have many of our clients' charges dropped and sentences reduced. Call today to schedule a free initial consultation with Mr. Low regarding your manslaughter or vehicular manslaughter case.

Manslaughter is a crime where one person unlawfully murders another person without malice. There are various types and degrees of manslaughter, each of which are harshly punished within the State of California. Manslaughter may result in a lengthy prison term, as well as a variety of other negative consequences. The following are a few different types of manslaughter:

• Voluntary manslaughter is a murder that is committed with intent, which takes place as the result of an argument or provocation. A conviction of voluntary manslaughter may result in a prison term of up to eleven years.
• Involuntary manslaughter is a murder which occurs due to an individual's criminal negligence or as the result of a crime that is committed. This form of manslaughter is not intentional. If convicted of involuntary manslaughter, the defendant may serve up to four years in prison.
• Vehicular manslaughter (also known as vehicular homicide) is a crime in which one person unintentionally and unlawfully kills another person with a motor vehicle.

If a death is the result of any of the following situations, the driver will most likely be charged with vehicular manslaughter:

• Drunk driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or narcotics
• Reckless driving
• Speeding

Depending upon the particulars of each vehicular manslaughter case, the defendant may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Below are some of the penalties that a person may face if convicted of vehicular homicide:

California Penal Code Section 191.5 (c) states that "Except as provided in subdivision (d), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 4, 6, or 10 years."

Subdivision (d) of California Penal Code Section 191.5 states that "Any person convicted of violating this section who has one or more prior convictions of this section or of paragraph (1) or (3) of subdivision(c)of Section 192, subdivision (a) or (c) of Section 192.5 of this code, or of violating Section 23152 punishable under Sections 23540, 23542, 23546, 23548, 23550, or 23552 of, or convicted of Section 23153 of, the Vehicle Code, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of 15 years to life."

If you are facing any type of manslaughter charge in California, you should seek the representation of an experienced Long Beach manslaughter defense attorney at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV. You are facing very serious legal consequences and should not try to represent yourself. Our lawyers have defended many clients who have been accused of violent crimes, and are prepared to discuss your case with you and let you know if we can help.