Murder Vs Manslaughter Vs Homicide
When you are accused of causing someone else's death in California, you could be charged with a form of homicide. Not all homicide charges are alike, though, and the details behind your charge are crucial for understanding how to defend yourself from it.
What's the difference between manslaughter and Murder?
For the most part, people who cause the death of another are charged with manslaughter or murder. But what is the difference between the two?
The main difference between manslaughter and murder in California is:
- Manslaughter charges are reserved for those who kill another without any intent to cause their death. If you cause a fatal accident by drunk driving, for example, you may not have set out with the intention of ending another life, but you may still face vehicular manslaughter charges.
- Murder, on the other hand, requires malicious intent to end a life. Some degrees of murder also include premeditation or planning to end a life. Due to its definition, murder convictions are almost always more heavily penalized than a manslaughter conviction.
The main similarity between murder and manslaughter is that each charge can bring heavy criminal consequences upon conviction. You can end up behind bars for years and pay thousands of dollars in fines and restitution whether you are convicted of manslaughter or murder. With this said, it is clearly important to work with an experienced and attention defense lawyer like Attorney Jacqueline Goodman, who represents clients throughout Fullerton and Orange County, CA.
Call (714) 266-3945 to schedule a free initial consultation. Flexible payment options are available.
Criminal cases are often complicated. There are two sides to every story, and it is important that the court sees the situation clearly. We can help defend you in your criminal case and make sure your perspective is heard.
VOLUNTARY VS. INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER
Manslaughter, while lacking malicious intent, can still be voluntary. Voluntary manslaughter occurs when someone is strongly provoked in an instance where any other reasonable person may be provoked and kills another "in the heat of the moment.” For example, a man comes home to find his wife cheating on him and he kills her lover while incited and before he can be calmed down. It could be possible to convince the district attorney to file a manslaughter charge instead of murder since the husband had no time to premeditate his actions.
When the death is caused by gross negligence or recklessness, it is considered involuntary manslaughter. As discussed before, fatal drunk driving accidents are often used as examples for involuntary manslaughter in California. The drunk driver acted grossly negligent in deciding to drive while intoxicated, and that action ended another person’s life, so the charge is validated
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WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH, TRUST ATTORNEY JACQUELINE GOODMAN
No matter if you are facing manslaughter or murder charges, the stakes could not be any higher. Your rights, your freedom, and your future are all in jeopardy. One wrong move and you could be incarcerated for years and lose your reputation and livelihood. You can't just trust any lawyer to fight by your side.
Choose Orange County manslaughter and murder defense Attorney Jacqueline Goodman. With her decades of experience and Board Certification in Criminal Law, she can approach your case from unique angles that other lawyers might have never seen. She fights to keep the presumption of guilt alive in the country—you are innocent until proven guilty!
Accused of murder? Schedule your free consultation today!
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSEDCHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD MOLESTATION
Child molestation: Felony.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
PROBATION VIOLATION
PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER
Contempt of court order by a gang member.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.
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