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Our skills gained as former prosecutors offer you a strong defense strategy

The notable criminal law experience of Shannon & Associates, P.C. from their days as prosecuting attorneys gives them the experience to know what it takes to convict a criminal defendant. Like many other criminal charges, manslaughter charges vary depending on the circumstances of each case. Manslaughter is a serious criminal offense and should be defended as such — and by an aggressive criminal lawyer. At Shannon & Associates, P.C., we focus on building a strong defense for you to lessen the risk of surprises in the courtroom. Our capable legal team is thoroughly knowledgeable about the different types of manslaughter offenses in Virginia.

Call us at (757) 228-5529 or send us a message online, and we will contact you within 24 hours.

Serious manslaughter charges require a serious defense

Unlike most states, in Virginia manslaughter is not defined in a statute — instead it is a common law, requiring an attorney’s skill in analyzing each individual case to effectively fight this charge in court. What constitutes manslaughter is the illegal killing of another person, and Virginia recognizes two different types of manslaughter: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary manslaughter normally occurs when someone kills another person without any previously formed or prior intent to kill but, who after provocation by the victim or rising to an extreme emotional or mental disturbance under the circumstances, ends up killing the victim in the heat of passion. The line between voluntary manslaughter and murder — the heat of passion — is very thin, because the accused in both scenarios intended to, at minimum, cause great bodily harm to the victim.

Involuntary manslaughter, on the other hand, occurs when someone kills another person without criminal intent as a result of criminally negligent or reckless behavior or while committing a misdemeanor. This is the most common type of manslaughter.

Aggressive representation in your manslaughter case

Our criminal defense lawyers work with you to mount a strong defense before presenting your case in court. Most people accused of crimes do not understand how the process works or what is helpful or necessary in waging a vigorous defense against the charges.

Someone who causes another’s death as a result of driving under the influence is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, as is someone who operates a watercraft or motorboat under the influence. If the defendant’s actions recklessly disregarded the lives of others, he or she is guilty of aggravated involuntary manslaughter that requires mandatory imprisonment with a maximum sentence of 20 years.

A pending manslaughter charge puts your freedom on the line, but you still have the right to a defense. Some defenses include:

  • Self-defense
  • Accidental killing
  • Wrongfully accused or arrested
  • Insanity
  • Intoxication (involuntary manslaughter only)

How is manslaughter different from murder?

Both are felonies involving the illegal killing of a human being. The difference between the two is that murder charges the accused with intent to kill the victim through his or her actions all along, whereas manslaughter does not. The punishment for each varies as well:

  • First-degree murder: This Class 2 felony has a maximum punishment of life in prison.
  • Second-degree murder: The maximum punishment is 40 years of imprisonment. This is not a Class 2 felony, but also not a Class 3 felony.
  • Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter: These are punished as a Class 5 felony and carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Don’t delay in choosing our skilled Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyers for your defense

It won’t cost you anything to sit down with our attorneys at Shannon & Associates, P.C. to discuss your case — your initial criminal consultation is free. Our office is conveniently located in Chesapeake, VA and serves the residents of Norfolk, Virginia Beach and other surrounding areas. Call us at (757) 228-5529 or send us a message online, and we will contact you within 24 hours.

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