Charged with manslaughter? Visit this page to learn about the manslaughter laws in California and order a FREE copy of our Ventura homicide lawyer’s book.

Learn About CA’s Manslaughter Laws from a Ventura Homicide Attorney

There are several different types of homicide offenses in California, including first and second-degree murder. These crimes carry lengthy prison sentences such as life in prison. However, if a murder was committed without evidence of malice aforethought, the individual charged with murder may be facing manslaughter charges.

Malice aforethought simply means that the individual who committed the murder had intent to kill or a disregard for human life. Malice, or lack thereof, is important to prove when an individual is charged with murder, as crimes involving malice generally carry harsher sentences.

Even though the punishment involved with manslaughter is less than that connected with first or second-degree murder, manslaughter is still a very serious criminal charge. You should call a Ventura homicide lawyer immediately if you have been charged with a California homicide.

Experienced homicide lawyer in Ventura County explains three different types of California manslaughter cases:

  1. Voluntary Manslaughter: Voluntary killing of another without malice and upon a sudden quarrel or heat of passion. Punishment includes three, six or eleven years in prison.
  2. Involuntary Manslaughter: Unlawful killing of another without malice and during the commission of a misdemeanor or other unlawful act. Punishment includes two, three or four years in prison.
  3. Vehicular Manslaughter: Unlawful killing of another without malice and while driving a motor vehicle and committing a misdemeanor or a felony. The punishment for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter is up to one year in county jail and the punishment for felony vehicular manslaughter is two to ten years in prison.

Each type of manslaughter charge includes imprisonment, along with other penalties such as fines, community service and counseling.

Contact a California homicide lawyer if you or a loved one has been charged with manslaughter, as an experienced attorney will discuss your case and possible legal defenses, such as:

  • Self-defense and defense of others
  • Imperfect self-defense
  • Insanity
  • Accident

If you have been charged with homicide in the counties of Ventura and Santa Barbara, call the Law Offices of Bamieh & Erickson, PLC, at (805) 643-5555. You may also complete the contact form on this page for a free consultation.

And don’t forget to pre-order our free book available on our website What You Should and Should Not Do if Being Charged or Investigated for a Crime. Your future depends on having excellent and experienced representation, and we are here for you.

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