Over 65 Years Of Combined Trial Experience

Shedding some light on a voluntary manslaughter charge

On Behalf of | May 27, 2016 | Firm News, Murder & Other Homicide Crimes |

While the attention may be disarming, the silence and the feeling that you are forgotten may be the most frightening. This is when it helps to know as much as possible about what you are charged with and also understand a few defenses that may be applicable in your case.

Voluntary manslaughter is a classification of charge intended for someone who does not necessarily have the mind of a killer, but was caught up in a moment of such emotional intensity that the person was driven to commit such an act that took someone’s life. A prosecutor will need to show provocation, the immediate intent to kill and also that what you then did resulted in the death of the victim.

There are defenses for voluntary manslaughter. For instance, if the death resulted from an accident and was not intended, if proven as a valid possibility, it could refute the charge. Also, if the victim was acting in a way that was threatening and menacing and was committing a felony against you or your property, then the use of deadly force could be seen as necessary and justifiable.

If you are facing homicide charges, it pays to know everything about the charge and how it is defended against in the state of Louisiana. A criminal defense attorney will review the charges brought against you and should be able to discuss possible defenses or ways to reduce the charges.

Archives