Hinesville Manslaughter Attorneys

Our Skilled Attorneys Can Help Defend Your Rights

The state of Georgia looks at each homicide case on an individual basis because no two crimes are precisely alike. While one person might murder another after weeks of careful planning, another person might accidentally kill an individual during a robbery if the defendant's gun malfunctions. One involves a level of premeditation, while the other involves poor decisions and bad luck. Therefore, the state considers some homicides to be manslaughter and punishes the crime much less severely than murder.

If you've been charged with manslaughter, talk to one of our skilled Hinesville homicide attorneys as soon as possible. The faster we learn of your situation, the more time we have to look over the details of the case and start building a strong defense on your behalf.

Get your case started by calling us at (866) 580-3089 or filling out our online form today!

Types of Manslaughter

Depending on the specifics of the case, you could be charged with voluntary manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter. Voluntary manslaughter happens when a person intentionally kills another while under the influence of a sudden, violent passion. The passion must be caused by a serious provocation that would create similar passion in a reasonable person. For example, a person might be charged with voluntary manslaughter if he or she catches his or her spouse in the act of adultery—having an obvious motive for his actions. Voluntary manslaughter is a felony offense. If you are convicted, you could face 1 to 20 years in prison.

Involuntary manslaughter happens when someone kills another person by accident. The killing must result from illegal or reckless conduct by the defendant. For example, if a person is driving while drunk and strikes and kills a pedestrian by accident, the driver might be charged with involuntary manslaughter. Depending on the circumstances, involuntary manslaughter can also be a Class C or Class D felony or a misdemeanor. Penalties can include moderate to high fines, prison sentences from 5 to 10 years, required counseling, loss of the right to own a firearm, and duty to report the felony to future employees if requested.