Manslaughter involves a person killing another human being without premeditation, malice, or planning. Although technically considered a less serious criminal offense than murder, in which a suspect is accused of "malice aforethought," manslaughter—whether involuntary, voluntary, or vehicular—is still a very serious crime that can lead to years behind bars in a California state prison. Your best defense against any criminal charge is to talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer about your case.
If you have been arrested or charged with manslaughter in San Diego, Carlsbad, or another city in San Diego County, contact the Law Offices of David M. Boertje today. San Diego Manslaughter Attorney Boertje can protect your legal rights and provide you with the defense that you need to secure the best outcome possible for your criminal case.
Manslaughter Offenses in CaliforniaVoluntary Manslaughter: This offense is considered a felony offense in California and involves the intentional killing of another human being that occurs without premeditation, planning, or malice. Voluntary manslaughter can occur during the "heat of passion," a moment of temporary insanity or reasonable provocation (when circumstances could cause any normal person to lose control or act without thinking), or while another felony crime, such as rape or robbery, is being committed.
Involuntary Manslaughter: This offense involves the involuntary and unintentional killing of another person while the accused was allegedly engaged in an illegal act (a misdemeanor or low-level felony) or in reckless or grossly negligent behavior.
Vehicular Manslaughter: Involves the involuntary manslaughter of another person while the accused was driving and allegedly engaged in illegal behavior or a reckless act that is known to cause bodily harm or death.
Gross Vehicular Manslaughter: The accused allegedly engaged in a grossly negligent act while operating a vehicle, and these actions may have caused the victim's death. This is a felony crime.
Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, Without Gross Negligence: The suspect is accused of driving with a BAC that exceeds the legal limit (.04% or greater for commercial motorists and .08% or more for regular drivers) while committing a traffic violation, and both actions are the alleged causes of the victim's death.
Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated: The suspect is accused of causing the victim's death because he or she allegedly engaged in a grossly negligent act while driving intoxicated with a BAC exceeding the legal limit for driving.
As your criminal defense lawyer, San Diego Manslaughter Attorney Boertje will pursue the best avenues of defense for you. There may be evidence that could prevent prosecutors from charging you with a greater offense, such as first- or second- degree murder. There also may be grounds for why the charges against you should be dropped or reduced. For example, you may be a victim of domestic violence who acted in self-defense or, even if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle, it was the victim's actions that caused his or her death.
Mr. Boertje is an experienced criminal trial lawyer who will fight to acquit you before a California jury. He can also negotiate your plea agreement if that is the best outcome possible for your manslaughter case.
Contact the Law Offices of David M. Boertje for a Free Case EvaluationTo schedule your free consultation with San Diego Manslaughter Attorney David M. Boertje, fill out our Contact Us page, write us an e-mail, or call us today. The outcome of your manslaughter case and your future could depend on it.